General Maintenance Plan for Riparian Restoration Projects

Maintenance is critical for the first few years (3-5) to ensure the survival of the plantings and needs to be included in project planning. Annual maintenance should include weed control and irrigation at a minimum until plants are established enough to outcompete the invasives, 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 example agreement/template from the City of Annapolis Maryland is attached. Site visits should occur regularly (twice a year is recommended) to monitor irrigation needs, erosion, weed growth, damage to plants (animals, people, insects, disease), shading needs, site damage (e.g., flooding), and other problems. A general recommended schedule for maintenance and monitoring for riparian projects in Attachment A and presented below: Activity Weed control/species release and general maintenance Timing (Season or Months) March-June, late fall if herbicide application is planned. Mulching can be done any time. February-March, AugustOctober June-October Notes Weeds tend to grow rapidly with the onset of wet weather. As a result, site visits should occur early to assess needs. Recommend following label instructions and using a licensed applicator. Sites should be watered if possible. An onsite irrigations system is ideal. Other options include manual watering, watering trucks, pumping from local water sources.

Herbicide Application (if needed) Watering

Shade Protection Animal Damage Protection

Monitoring 1.0 Weed Control

As needed. Evaluate in May/June. As needed. Assessed during visual inspections/site visits. Fall and Spring

During riparian corridor establishment, competition for light and nutrients from weeds can cause mortality and substantially reduce seedling growth. Typically, in sandy soils competition 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 Rogue Valley Council of Governments March 2013 Revised DRAFT Page 1

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herbaceous areas create prime habitat for rodent species that may damage seedlings. Recommended weed control focuses on specific weed identification, eradication of the species from the planting area using recommended methods based on the specific weed, site conditions, ability to use herbicides, size of the area to be treated, work crews/labor, and tools and equipment available. In addition, follow-up (repeated) treatments, replanting of natives lost, and education are recommended. Common invasive weeds found in the area include: Armenian (Himalayan) Blackberry, Poison Hemlock, English Ivy, Purple Loosestrife, Yellow Starthistle, Common Teasel, Scotch Broom, Garlic Mustard, Medusahead Rye, Reed Canary Grass, and spotted knapweed. Weed control methods include cutting, mowing, hand pulling, biological, burning, domestic animals, cultivation, re-seeding, and herbicides. For the purposes of restoration projects, this document will focus primarily on manual, mechanical, and chemical controls. 1.1 Manual Control Hand Tools Hand tools have been shown to be effective in smaller areas that can be maintained bimonthly during the growth period (typically April through September) and followed with repeated treatments for several years. If a complete removal of invasives is not possible, a ring 3 or more feet in diameter should be cleared around where natives are going to be planted or were planted. There are a number of local groups that specialize in manual control including the Job Council, the County Community Justice Crews, Lomakatsi, and private contractors. In addition, treatment using hand tools can be combined with education on volunteer work days.

Crews using hand tools to cut back invading blackberry vines.

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Matting and Mulching Matting of different materials (vispor, straw, news papers) and mulching can be used for weed suppression. When matting is used, a 3 to 4 foot square is placed around the plant and staked down (e.g., landscaping staples) or otherwise weighed down (rocks) to keep the 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 was applied 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 system resulted in a highly successful planting project.

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

1.2 Mechanical Control/Equipment Use Mechanical control using equipment is recommended in conjunction with chemical control for larger sites overrun by invasives, where the site conditions allow, and projects have an adequate budget and work crews. Flail mowers, brush hogs, modified buckets, and large mowers can be used to control invasives. Larger equipment requires specialized training and if the expertise/experience is not available on staff, there are several restoration contractors, equipment rental outfits, and landscapers that can be contracted 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, typically have 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 Rogue Valley Council of Governments March 2013 Revised DRAFT Page 3

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ordinances, regulations, and landowner preference need to be evaluated before applying any herbicides. In addition, all herbicides should be applied by licensed professionals. Application methods may include spot-treatments, cut-stump, or broader application with herbicides 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 following methods 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 stem in late summer or early fall.

2.0 Animal Damage Control Animal damage to seedlings varies depending on the location. If animal damage is noted during the biannual site visits, appropriate methods will be evaluated based on type of damage 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 is apparent tree tubes may be used. If animal damage is thought to be likely, it is recommended to use the tubing or screens when the plants are first planted.

Vexar Tubing. Animal Species

Deer Small rodent Beaver

Control Method
Vexar tubing, screen protectors Vexar tubing, screen protectors Tree tubes

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3.0 Irrigation Southern Oregon native species are adapted to the long, dry summers and should not require long-term irrigation to survive once they are established. However, irrigation is recommended 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 and target specific plants by localized placement of water, thereby reducing weed growth (estimations of water needs for individual species based on the California's Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS III) system). Drip systems may be connected to a local water supply or a small pump. Other areas, where irrigation systems are not be feasible, installation of tree gators, a watering truck, or a water holding tank in combination with a small pump need to be used to water the plants. The irrigation methods or system used and subsequent maintenance of needs to be a component of the site 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 local water masters should be able to identify what is needed in terms of water rights for restoration.

Drip Irrigation System along Lazy Creek.

4.0 Shading Requirements During the plant establishment period, some species may require afternoon shade, which will help plant moisture retention. Where possible, plants should be placed in naturally shaded areas, such as near existing down logs. Shade screens may also be utilized to reduce temperatures and loss from the base of the plant. Shade screens can also be used in areas where exposure to solar radiation damages the seedling.

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Shade screen

Shade screen protecting the base of a seedling.

5.0 Release of Plants/ Reinforcement Planting In some areas, once removal of weed species or a disturbance such as fire occurs natural revegetation will follow. Pruning existing plants leaving a primary and secondary leader will enhance natural revegetation.

Cottonwood with lower limbs pruned.

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 Rogue Valley Council of Governments March 2013 Revised DRAFT Page 6

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seedling mortality is expected; however, if stand density falls below 150 trees per acre (typical density for a natural riparian corridor), additional plantings will be needed.

Additional Information/Attachments: Attachment A: Riparian Maintenance and Monitoring Schedule Attachment B: Invasive Species List and Control Methods Attachment C: Invasive Species Control Methods and Information (BLM) Attachment D: Maintenance Agreement Example (Annapolis, Maryland) Attachment E: Cut-Stump Herbicide Applicator Attachment F: Herbicide Information (from the manufacturer)

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Attachment A: Riparian Maintenance and Monitoring Schedule

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Attachment B: Invasive Species List and Control Methods

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Attachment C: Invasive Species Control Methods and Information (BLM)

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Attachment D: Maintenance Agreement Example (Annapolis, Maryland)

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Attachment E: Cut-Stump Herbicide Applicator

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CUT-STUMP HERBICIDE APPLICATOR Designed by Jack McGowan-Stinski, The Nature Conservancy Michigan Chapter PARTS 1 1 inch diameter PVC threaded male cap 1 1 inch diameter PVC threaded female cap 1 inch diameter PVC cap, unthreaded 1 1 inch diameter PVC threaded female coupling 3 1 inch diameter PVC threaded male coupling 1 1 inch diameter PVC 45 elbow coupling, unthreaded 1 1 inch diameter PVC threaded ball valve 1 1 inch diameter PVC pipe (12 to 15 inches) 2 1 inch diameter PVC pipe pieces, approximately 1 inch long 4 1 inch diameter rubber lavatory gaskets heavy duty sponge (2 x 4 x 1 inches) PVC cement PVC pipe cutters or hacksaw Drill, 1/16 inch bit, inch bit Ruler Scissors ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS Cement threaded male coupling onto one end of a length of PVC pipe (12 to 15 inch length 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 or reservoir when needed. Slip one rubber gasket over a threaded male cap and attach it to the 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 the sections of applicator to be tightened together snugly so that no herbicide will leak out around coarse PVC threads. To make the drip holes for herbicide, cut off the bottom of the inch diameter PVC cap so that a flat disk remains. File disk until it fits snugly into the unthreaded 1 inch diameter 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 disk inside 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 over each threaded male coupling. The end of the completed elbow without the drip holes disk 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. The sponge tip twists into this inch hole, and this cap is then threaded onto the end of the elbow with the drip holes disk. Rogue Valley Council of Governments March 2013 Revised DRAFT Page 16

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The sponge tip, which is roughly 1 inch diameter by 1 inch length, can be cut with scissors, or a 1 inch diameter metal pipe section that is sharpened on one end can be used to rapidly cut out numerous sponge tips. Wet the sponge tip before twisting it into threaded female cap with the inch hole. Allow to inch of sponge to extend out of tube to treat stump tops. TO USE With ball valve in the OFF or CLOSED position, pour the herbicide mix into the reservoir and close it with the threaded male cap (the top of applicator). Open the ball valve then slightly open the threaded male cap to allow air into the reservoir. Once the sponge 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 ball valve when more herbicide is needed in the sponge tip. HELPFUL HINTS During 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 is desired. 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 clip works well for cleaning out residues. When the sponge becomes worn, replace it (recommended after every work day at a minimum). When using the applicator during freezing conditions, duct tape a disposable chemical hand warmer around the section with the drip hole disk to reduce the chance of drip holes freezing shut. Use an herbicide dye to check for leaks, monitor applications, and identify any exposure to the person using the applicator.

Date Authored: April 2001

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Attachment F: Herbicide Information (from

the manufacturer)

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