General Maintenance Plan March 2013

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General Maintenance Plan for Riparian Restoration Projects

Rogue Valley Council of Governments March 2013 Revised DRAFT Page 1

Maintenance is critical for the first few years (3-5) to ensure the survival of the plantingsand needs to be included in project planning. Annual maintenance should include weedcontrol and irrigation at a minimum until plants are established enough to outcompete theinvasives, particularly where smaller seedling plant materials (plugs and cuttings) have

been used, or in areas where invasion by exotic species and competition by herbaceous

forbs and grasses are a problem. Long term maintenance agreements should be in place if possible to ensure the long term success of planting projects. An exampleagreement/template from the City of Annapolis Maryland is attached.

Site visits should occur regularly (twice a year is recommended) to monitor irrigationneeds, erosion, weed growth, damage to plants (animals, people, insects, disease),shading needs, site damage (e.g., flooding), and other problems. A general recommendedschedule for maintenance and monitoring for riparian projects in Attachment A and

presented below:

Activity Timin g (Season or

Months)

Notes

Weed control/speciesrelease and generalmaintenance

March-June, late fall ifherbicide application is

planned. Mulching can bedone any time.

Weeds tend to grow rapidlywith the onset of wetweather. As a result, sitevisits should occur early toassess needs.

Herbicide Application (ifneeded)

February-March, August-October

Recommend following labelinstructions and using alicensed applicator.

Watering June-October Sites should be watered if possible. An onsite

irrigations system is ideal.Other options includemanual watering, wateringtrucks, pumping from localwater sources.

Shade Protection As needed. Evaluate inMay/June.

Animal Damage Protection As needed. Assessedduring visualinspections/site visits.

Monitoring Fall and Spring

1.0 Weed Control

During riparian corridor establishment, competition for light and nutrients from weedscan cause mortality and substantially reduce seedling growth. Typically, in sandy soilscompetition for water with grasses and herbs is primary, while competition for light is

primary in clay or loamy soils (Massingill 2003). Additionally, dense grass and


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Matting and MulchingMatting of different materials (vispor, straw, news papers) and mulching can be used forweed suppression. When matting is used, a 3 to 4 foot square is placed around the plantand staked down (e.g., landscaping staples) or otherwise weighed down (rocks) to keepthe mats in place. Recommended minimum mulching is a 3' diameter around the tree that

is 2-6" deep. Mulch can also be used at a much larger scale. For example, mulch wasapplied to an entire planting area (0.25 acres) to a depth of approximately 4 inches.Applying the mulch combined with manual control of weeds and a drip irrigation systemresulted in a highly successful planting project.

1.2 Mechanical Control/Equipment Use

Mechanical control using equipment is recommended in conjunction with chemicalcontrol for larger sites overrun by invasives, where the site conditions allow, and projectshave an adequate budget and work crews. Flail mowers, brush hogs, modified buckets,and large mowers can be used to control invasives. Larger equipment requiresspecialized training and if the expertise/experience is not available on staff, there areseveral restoration contractors, equipment rental outfits, and landscapers that can becontracted to maintain sites. Care should be taken when using equipment to minimize

damage to existing native species on site and to avoid damage to irrigation systems.Smaller crews, e.g., the Job Council Crews or the Community Justice Crews, typicallyhave access to weed whackers or small mowers that can be used to clear sites.

1.3 Chemical Control

Where manual control is not sufficient, chemical treatment should be used. Local

Suppression of weeds with application of mulch around a ponderosa pine.


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ordinances, regulations, and landowner preference need to be evaluated before applyingany herbicides. In addition, all herbicides should be applied by licensed professionals.Application methods may include spot-treatments, cut-stump, or broader application withherbicides labeled for aquatic use (see Appendix V for herbicide labels). In most cases,treatment covering an area approximately 30" in diameter around the plant and occurring

2 to 3 times will provide enough weed control to get the plant through the establishment period. Weed control prior to planting is used where feasible to avoid any damage to the plants by herbicide drift. If chemical control is necessary after planting the followingmethods will reduce damage to the seedlings:

Spot treatment using a backpack sprayer- increase sprayer's drip size and provide protection around trees such as tree tubes.

Cut stump application applying herbicide directly to the freshly cut stemin late summer or early fall.

2.0 Animal Damage Control

Animal damage to seedlings varies depending on the location. If animal damage is notedduring the biannual site visits, appropriate methods will be evaluated based on type ofdamage and animal species. For deer and small rodent damage vexar tubing or screen

protectors will be placed around the base of tree and shrub species. If beaver damage isapparent tree tubes may be used. If animal damage is thought to be likely, it isrecommended to use the tubing or screens when the plants are first planted.

AnimalSpecies Control MethodDeer Vexar tubing, screen

protectorsSmall rodent Vexar tubing, screen

protectorsBeaver Tree tubes

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3.0 Irrigation

Southern Oregon native species are adapted to the long, dry summers and should notrequire long-term irrigation to survive once they are established. However, irrigation isrecommended for the first 3-5 years. A temporary drip system is recommended if

possible. Drip systems are the most efficient systems from a water use standpoint andtarget specific plants by localized placement of water, thereby reducing weed growth(estimations of water needs for individual species based on the California's Water UseClassification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS III) system). Drip systems may beconnected to a local water supply or a small pump. Other areas, where irrigation systemsare not be feasible, installation of tree gators, a watering truck, or a water holding tank incombination with a small pump need to be used to water the plants. The irrigationmethods or system used and subsequent maintenance of needs to be a component of thesite maintenance plan. Where pumping water from a local stream is necessary,

permission to irrigate or a limited water use license needs to be obtained. The localwater masters should be able to identify what is needed in terms of water rights for

restoration.

4.0 Shading Requirements

During the plant establishment period, some species may require afternoon shade, whichwill help plant moisture retention. Where possible, plants should be placed in naturallyshaded areas, such as near existing down logs. Shade screens may also be utilized toreduce temperatures and loss from the base of the plant. Shade screens can also be usedin areas where exposure to solar radiation damages the seedling.

Drip Irrigation System along Lazy Creek.


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5.0 Release of Plants/ Reinforcement Planting

In some areas, once removal of weed species or a disturbance such as fire occurs naturalrevegetation will follow. Pruning existing plants leaving a primary and secondary leaderwill enhance natural revegetation.

In addition, after planted seedlings are established, it is recommended that the trees are periodically thinned to maintain vigorous growth and maximize nutrient uptake. Some

Shade screen

Shade screen protecting the base of a seedling.

Cottonwood with lower limbs pruned.


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Attachment A: Riparian M aintenance and M onitoring Schedule


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Attachment D: M aintenance AgreementExample (Annapolis, M aryland)


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Attachment E: Cut-Stump H erbicideApplicator


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CUT-STUMP HERBICIDE APPLICATORDesigned by Jack McGowan-Stinski, The Nature Conservancy Michigan Chapter

PARTS1 1 inch diameter PVC threaded male cap

1 1 inch diameter PVC threaded female cap1 inch diameter PVC cap, unthreaded1 1 inch diameter PVC threaded female coupling3 1 inch diameter PVC threaded male coupling1 1 inch diameter PVC 45 elbow coupling, unthreaded1 1 inch diameter PVC threaded ball valve1 1 inch diameter PVC pipe (12 to 15 inches)2 1 inch diameter PVC pipe pieces, approximately 1 inch long4 1 inch diameter rubber lavatory gasketsheavy duty sponge (2 x 4 x 1 inches)PVC cement

PVC pipe cutters or hacksawDrill, 1/16 inch bit, inch bitRulerScissors

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONSCement threaded male coupling onto one end of a length of PVC pipe (12 to 15 inchlength suggested). Cement the threaded female coupling onto the other end of the pipe(reservoir). Additional PVC sections can be thread together to make a longer handle orreservoir when needed. Slip one rubber gasket over a threaded male cap and attach it tothe threaded female end of reservoir. Slip one rubber gasket over threaded male end of

reservoir, and attach one end of a threaded ball valve. The rubber gaskets will allow thesections of applicator to be tightened together snugly so that no herbicide will leak outaround coarse PVC threads.

To make the drip holes for herbicide, cut off the bottom of the inch diameter PVCcap so that a flat disk remains. File disk until it fits snugly into the unthreaded 1 inchdiameter PVC 45 elbow coupling. A ridge inside the elbow will keep the disk centered.Use a 1/16 inch drill bit to make two holes near the center of the disk. Cement the diskinside one end of the elbow coupling.

Using the 1 inch diameter PVC pipe pieces (1 inch length or less), cement 1 inch

diameter threaded male couplings onto each end of the elbow. Slip rubber gaskets overeach threaded male coupling. The end of the completed elbow without the drip holesdisk attaches to the other end of the ball valve.

Drill a inch hole into the end of the 1 inch diameter PVC threaded female cap. Thesponge tip twists into this inch hole, and this cap is then threaded onto the end of theelbow with the drip holes disk.


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The sponge tip, which is roughly 1 inch diameter by 1 inch length, can be cut withscissors, or a 1 inch diameter metal pipe section that is sharpened on one end can be usedto rapidly cut out numerous sponge tips. Wet the sponge tip before twisting it intothreaded female cap with the inch hole. Allow to inch of sponge to extend out oftube to treat stump tops.

TO USEWith ball valve in the OFF or CLOSED position, pour the herbicide mix into thereservoir and close it with the threaded male cap (the top of applicator). Open the ballvalve then slightly open the threaded male cap to allow air into the reservoir. Once thesponge tip begins to saturate, tighten the threaded male cap and close the ball valve.When the sponge is saturated, only a light touch to a cut-stump is needed. Open the ballvalve when more herbicide is needed in the sponge tip.

HELPFUL HINTSDuring colder weather the ball valve may have to be left open to allow enough herbicide

to saturate the sponge. Drip holes also can be made larger if faster herbicide flow isdesired.

Do not allow left-over herbicide mix to remain in the reservoir in extreme temperatures.

Always clear drip holes of any residue before using the applicator again. A paper clipworks well for cleaning out residues.

When the sponge becomes worn, replace it (recommended after every work day at aminimum).

When using the applicator during freezing conditions, duct tape a disposable chemicalhand warmer around the section with the drip hole disk to reduce the chance of drip holesfreezing shut.

Use an herbicide dye to check for leaks, monitor applications, and identify any exposureto the person using the applicator.

Date Authored: April 2001


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Attachment F : Herbicide Information (fromthe manufacturer)

Documents

General Maintenance Plan March 2013