Biomass removal on oak savanna 2012

              Rev. 9/08
KOESTER DRY HILL OAK SAVANNA
WOODY BIOMASS PROJECT
HARVEST IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
January 13, 2012
T111N, R19W (Northfield Township), Section 25 and 26
Located 1 mile west and 1 mile south of Dennison, Rice County, Minnesota
Total Parcel Acres: 720
Total Project Restoration Acres: 40
Total Project Biomass Removal Acres: 24
Number of Biomass Project Sites: 5
Number of Acres by Target Plant Community:
20 acres of dry hill oak savanna; 4 acres of dry hill prairie
Prepared by:
Craig Koester
1490 Chatsworth Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55117
651-641-3265 (o)
651-489-9124 (h)
And
Emily Hutchins, Private Lands Specialist
MN DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife
8485 Rose St.
Owatonna, MN 55060
507-455-5841
Management Plan Dated October 20, 2011
Prepared by:
Craig Koester
1490 Chatsworth Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55117
651-641-3265 (o)
651-489-9124 (h)
On behalf of the landowner:
Koester Farm Partnership
9716 Palmer Circle
Minneapolis, MN 55437 Rev. 9/08
LANDOWNER MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary management goal of this project is to restore the site to its native vegetation community, which is Southern Dry Hill Oak Savanna (UPs14c) and Southern Dry Hill Prairie (Ups13d), by removal of invasive woody vegetation and reintroduction of prescribed fire. A related goal is to protect the adjacent 130 acres of Native Prairie and 120 acres of additional grassland from continued threats from invasive species that are now common in the savanna.
Long term goals are that savanna and adjacent areas are preserved and restored as native plant communities and areas of benefit for wildlife.
NOTE: A comprehensive management plan for the property is being developed though the DNR. Paul Bockenstedt, a private contractor for Stantec (Bonestroo) is the person who is preparing it. It is called Northfield 25-1 Prairie Stewardship Plan. It will include recommendations for the whole area owned by the Koester Farm Partnership. A draft will be available in April of 2012 and the plan will be finalized by June 30, 2012.
GENERAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
The property includes a total of about 720 acres in Rice County, Northfield Township, sections 25, 26, and 36. About 415 acres are cropland. Most of this land is flat or gently rolling and is usually planted with corn and soybeans. The property also has about 15 acres of woodland, which include a mixture of hardwoods such as maple, oak, walnut, basswood, and box elder. These wooded acres are the eastern edge of about a square mile of woodland that is adjacent to the property. The woodland on adjacent properties extends about a half mile to the west and a mile to the southwest of the savanna that is the focus of this plan. It creates an extensive woodland habitat that eventually joins Big Woods State Park several miles to the southwest. The eastern part of the property consists of 250 acres of grassland. Of this parcel, 134 acres have been placed in the Native Prairie Bank through an easement with the DNR. The remaining 116 acres is grassland that is dominated by timothy and brome.
The main focus for the biomass harvest will be about 24 acres of Dry Hill Oak Savanna and Dry Hill Prairie. Reasons for the identification of the Dry Hill Oak Savanna include the presence of the bur oaks, pin oaks, hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), and horse gentian (Triosteum perfoliatum). Prickly ash and snowberry are common, especially in wooded groves. The savanna is ranked D in quality. Plants that characterize the Dry Hill Prairie include heart-leaved alexanders, alumroot, and silverleaf scurfpea. This prairie is ranked C to CD in quality.
Among the other notable native plant species on the site are big bluestem, little bluestem, side-oats grama, western ragweed, clasping dogbane, wormwood, prairie sage, common milkweed, whorled milkweed, heath aster, flowering spurge, stiff sunflower, false boneset, wild bergamot, silverleaf scurfpea, Virginia ground cherry, and wild coffee.
The trees that have invaded the site in the absence of fire include green ash, elm species, hackberry, and European buckthorn.
Rev. 9/08
The property as a whole provides critical habitat for grassland birds and is known as one of the best places in Rice County to view these birds, including species of greatest conservation need (SGCN; see below).
IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND/OR SPECIAL CONCERN SPECIES AND SENSITIVE ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The property itself contains two rare plant communities—Southern Dry Hill Oak Savanna (Ups14c) and Southern Dry Hill Prairie (UPs13d), as identified by DNR Plant Ecologist, Hannah Texler. Southern Dry Hill Oak Savanna is extremely rare, with only 13 occurrences documented in the Natural Heritage Information System in the state. The native prairie community on the site is Southern Dry Hill Prairie, which is extremely uncommon in southeastern and east-central Minnesota. Most known occurrences are in the western part of the state. The rarity of this prairie type and the size of this occurrence make it highly significant. It was missed by the Minnesota County Biological Survey because it was actively grazed at the time of the survey.
Numerous bird and butterfly species have been identified in the area, in part because of the large area of Native Prairie and open grassland adjacent to the Oak Savanna. Of particular interest is the Regal Fritillary, which is a rare species of butterfly that is included among the state special concern species. The Regal Fritillary has been identified but not officially documented in this vicinity.
While no threatened or endangered birds have been found on the property, several SGCN have been documented by DNR staff during the breeding season, including Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Dickcissel, and Bobolink.
Significant communities within one mile of the property include Southern Dry Barrens Oak Savanna (UPs14a2) to the southwest and Maple-Basswood Forest (Big Woods, MHs39c) to the west. The Maple-Basswood forest contains American Ginseng, a plant species of special concern. Rare species and communities just over a mile (1.25 mi) from the Koester Prairie include Southern Dry Bedrock Bluff Prairie (Ups13c) to the northeast, containing Plains Wild Indigo (special concern), Prairie Bush Clover (threatened), and prairie vole (special concern). A loggerhead shrike (threatened) also was documented just over a mile to the north of the property.
IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF CULTURAL, HISTORICAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES
Thomas Cinadr, Minnesota Historical Society, was consulted about significant features in and around the management area. After a search of the Minnesota Archaeological Inventory and Historic Structures Inventory he reported that no archaeological sites or historic structures were identified for this area. Excavation is not part of this project, so digging into the ground is not anticipated. Restoring the site involves surface treatments only.
Rev. 9/08
INTERACTION WITH ADJACENT AND NEARBY PROPERTIES
Adjacent Land Uses and Conditions:
The property to the north of sites A, B, and C is owned by Michael and Bonnie Minor (13376 Lamb Ave, Dennison, MN 55018). The farmhouse and outbuildings are located about 150 yards north of the boundary. The Minors board horses and lease the Savanna each summer so that a number of horses can graze and exercise there. This project involves access from their property as discussed below.
The property west of sites A, B, and C is owned by Ronald and Diane McDonald (13680 Kvanbeck Trail, Nerstrand, MN 55053). They will be notified before the harvest begins. The main impact on their property will be the sound of the cutting and transporting of the material.
The property south of sites A, B, and C is owned by the Koester Farm Partnership and is leased as cropland to David and Kevin Estrem. They will be notified before the harvest begins. Care should be taken that debris from the harvest is not put onto the field. If there is any debris or disturbance of the field, the field should be restored to its prior condition prior to any cultivation in the spring.
Along the east side of the Savanna that includes sites A, B, and C runs a township road, Lamb Avenue. The property east of the road is the prairie and grassland owned by Koester Farm Partnership.
Site D is a hill that is part of the Native Prairie Bank. It is surrounded by fields that are owned by the Koester Farm Partnership and leased to David and Kevin Estrem as cropland. The site is about a third of a mile from Lamb Avenue. A dirt road that runs east to west through the field provides access to the site. The dirt road was part of the agreement made with the DNR to ensure that there would be access to the hill for conservation work connected with the Native Prairie Bank.
Site E is a knoll that is surrounded on three sides by fields. The fields are owned by the Koester Farm Partnership and leased to Larry Flom as cropland. Lamb Avenue runs along the west side of the knoll.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Care must be taken to keep the neighbors who live closest to the site informed about the project. The closest coordination needs to be done with Mike and Bonnie Minor, who live just north of the site, and who board horses. In order to use their south driveway for access, we will need to obtain written permission. They will also be informed as to when the harvest and removal phases of the project will begin. The McDonalds, who live west of the site, will also be informed about the project and when it will begin. The Estrems and Larry Flom, who rent cropland, will be informed about the project and any possible impact on the fields they plan on planting in the spring.
Since large equipment will be used to remove the biomass, the Township board will be informed, since Lamb Avenue is a township road. Rev. 9/08
SITE LEVEL (AREA TO BE HARVESTED) INFORMATION
The 24 acres included in the harvest project include five designated sites as described below and indicated on the attached map. The target native plant community for the area involved in the biomass removal project is Dry Hill Oak Savanna (Sites A, B, C) and Dry Hill Prairie (sites D and E). While no rare plants or animals are documented on the project sites, the sites themselves are rare plant communities. However, they are degraded to CD or D level, and management activities are aimed to improve the quality of these native plant communities.
Property boundaries are clearly indicated. Sites A, B, and C are in an area enclosed by a barbed wire fence. Sites D and E are grassy knolls that are surrounded by open crop land. Sites A and E also are bounded by a township road (Lamb Ave.) along one side.
Invasive Species Prevention:
Follow and implement all appropriate standard best management procedures as outlined in the “Invasive Species Prevention Measures for Woody Biomass Projects” attached and incorporated into this document as Exhibit A.
Sites A, B, and C – Degraded Dry Hill Oak Savanna: These sites are collectively about 19 wooded acres. The eastern and northern portions of Site A are along rather steep hillsides. The southern and western portions of Site A include some slopes along with gentler more open areas. Site B is on an east-facing slope, and Site C lies on north- and west-facing slopes. Mostly bur and some red oak is present on these sites. Invasive species present in this area include European buckthorn and smooth brome. In the absence of fire, the savanna has been invaded by woody species including Boxelder, Black Cherry, Elm sp., Ash sp., Prickly Ash, and European Buckthorn. Site A (13.7 ac) contains 10.44 cd/ac of woody material to be removed. Sites B (2.3 ac) and C (3.0) each contain 19.0 cd/ac of woody material to be removed.
Goal: Restore/improve the quality of Southern Dry Hill Oak Savanna.
Objectives:
1. Remove woody biomass (Site A 10.44 cd/ac; Site B/C 19.0 cds/ac).
a. Remove all woody species except oak, hawthorn, and aspen. Aspen should not be cut or damaged in any way (cutting/damaging will encourage root suckering and spread).
b. Utilize dead and down woody debris that is salvageable for biomass.
c. Snags: Save 3-5 snags per acre for wildlife that are 10+ inches dbh and snags of any size that have cavities.
i. Exceptions:
1. Remove all snags near property boundaries and fencelines.
2. Remove all snags on the slope above the road not associated with oak stands for safety and aesthetic purposes.
Harvest Design and Implementation Details:
Boundaries and Marking Procedures:
Project sites and proposed staging area(s) are delineated on the attached map and will be marked onsite by the project manager and/or reviewed with the contractor prior to the start of the harvest project. Leave trees and snags will be marked with paint at eye level prior to the start of the harvest project. The project area is completely enclosed by fencing. Rev. 9/08
Access and Staging Area:
The driveway at the south edge of the Minor property, which leads to a gate along the north fence line of the Savanna, provides access to the project sites. Access to this driveway is from Lamb Avenue. Written permission must be obtained from Mike and Bonnie Minor for use of the driveway and gate before any work may begin. The written permission should indicate that there will be two phases in the project: 1) harvest operations and 2) biomass removal operations. Care must be taken that equipment does not damage the driveway or adjacent lawn and will be ensured through contract language with all contractors who are responsible for repair of any damage that might occur. The Minors will be notified as to the specific timing of the biomass removal so that they can ensure that the horses are not in the area while any work is being done.
The main staging area for the entire project is the open Savanna area between these sites. All material from the project, including Sites D and E will be moved to this staging area. On-site access roads and this staging area are delineated on the attached map.
a. Harvest: Work crews and vehicles used for cutting the biomass will need to use the driveway and gate for access. The work will be done when the ground is frozen.
b. Removal: After the cutting has been done, larger trucks and equipment will need access to the site in order to remove the harvested material. To minimize the impact to the driveway and the grassland, the removal must be done either when the ground is firmly frozen or later in the year when the ground is dry and firm. Grinding of the material will take place on the site. Care should be taken that grinding equipment is kept at some distance from the horses and that debris does not spread onto the Minors’ property.
The Minors must be notified at least 2-3 days before each phase of the project begins. They should also be notified when each phase has ended. The Minors will need to prevent their horses from entering the Savanna area during both the harvest and removal phases of the project.
For both phases, care must be taken not to damage the driveway, gate, or adjacent lawn. If damage occurs, the contractor will be responsible for restoring the damaged property to its prior condition.
Timing of Harvest and Site Conditions:
Anticipated harvest dates are between January and March 2012. Equipment will be allowed on site and the harvest will take place only when the ground is frozen. The project manager may halt daily harvest operations if a thaw occurs and soil requirements are not met. Hand cutting must occur on steep slopes if the project manager determines rutting is occurring with heavy equipment. Deep and drifting snow may hinder the project if trees cannot be cut to specifications for stump height (see below).
The contractor must notify the project manager at least 3 days prior to starting operations. During operations, the contractor will inform the project manager of changes in site conditions or unplanned events.
Cutting and Forwarding Requirements:
All stumps must be cut to within 5 inches of ground level. Equipment must be capable of meeting this cutting requirement. The contractor will treat stumps ≥0.5 inches with a Garlon 4 mixture to limit stump sprouting. Stump treatments will occur in previously harvested areas and Rev. 9/08
areas where forwarding is not occurring to minimize safety concerns due to mechanical harvest and hand treatment occurring in the same areas.
All biomass must be forwarded to the designated staging area(s) where another contractor will be conducting the removal operations that likely will involve grinding. Skidding and/or hauling biomass to the staging areas will be allowed under frozen ground conditions only. Equipment and skidded material must maintain a safe distance from residual trees and snags so that no damage is done during cutting and forwarding operations. Harvesting of biomass must be completed near the staging areas first to allow more storage capacity for stockpiling biomass.
Cut biomass should be piled in the staging area and sorted into separated piles of shrubs and trees. The trees must be piled with the butt ends oriented in the same direction.
Safety:
Vehicle (especially hauling vehicles) access onto Lamb Avenue offers good visibility from the north but sight distance to the south is limited by a curve in the road. Caution should be taken to yield to faster moving vehicles. Electrical lines are located in the ROW along Lamb Avenue. The entire savanna is encompassed by a barbed wire fence. Work on steep slopes must be done with care, especially under slippery condition. Contractors are expected to know and follow all industry standards for safety in their operations.
All applicable BMP’s will be implemented. There are no known insect or disease issues.
Sites D and E – Partially Restored Dry Hill Prairie:
Site D consists of a fair quality remnant native prairie on a hill surrounded by cropland. The hill is about 6 acres in size, and the area to be cleared is about 3.6 acres.
Site E is a small knoll with about 0.5 acre of low quality prairie and grassland. The site is easily accessible from Lamb Avenue, which runs along the western boundary of the knoll. Volume of woody material to be removed from Site E was not measured and is less than Site D.
In the absence of fire, these sites became encroached with trees and brush, both native and exotic. The trees were girdled in June 2010 and nearly all of them are dead. The brush is being managed with mowing and spot herbicide applications for buckthorn. A few trees are still partly alive and must be treated with herbicide when cut. The trees need to be cut close to the ground so that the site can be mowed in the spring and summer to control buckthorn, native shrubs like dogwood, sumac, and plum, and weeds.
Goal: Restore/improve the quality of Southern Dry Hill Prairie.
Objectives:
1. Remove woody biomass.
a. Remove all standing and down woody debris except hawthorn.
Harvest Design and Implementation Details:
Access and Staging Areas:
Access to Site D is along a field road that runs directly east from Lamb Avenue. The entrance to the road is on the north side of the windmill and grain bin Site E is directly adjacent to Lamb Ave. On-site access roads are delineated on the attached map. Material is to be hauled to the same staging area that is used for Sites A, B, and C. Rev. 9/08
Note: All other project requirements for Sites D and E are the same as for A, B, and C, except that only trees still partly alive need herbicide treatment after cutting.
All applicable BMP’s will be implemented. There are no known insect or disease issues
IMMEDIATE POST-HARVEST RESTORATION IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
All stumps ≥0.5 inches in diameter on sites A, B, and C must be treated immediately after cutting with chemicals such as Garlon 3A or Garlon 4 Ultra. Most of the trees on sites D and E are already dead; however a few are still partly alive and those stumps will need to be treated.
All untreated stems will re-sprout. Apply Garlon 3A to re-sprouted foliage during late summer 2012. Use care in areas where non-target broadleaf herbaceous and woody plants exist. Heavily shaded slopes, such as the east-facing slope on Site A, may need supplemental seeding of native grasses and forbs collected from the property. This may occur as early as fall 2012 if seed is available. If necessary, site stabilization techniques may be implemented, such as applying a straw mulch blanket or planting a cover crop of oats. Follow-up herbicide spot treatments must be implemented for several years for buckthorn control.
Site A may be supplementally planted with bur and red oak in a ratio of 3:1. Planting should occur on the level area in the center of the site. Plant 2-3 patches of about 25 trees each. Trees will need to be protected from competition via weed barrier matting, herbicide treatment, or mowing for at least 3 years. They may also need protection from small mammals and deer, such as tree tubes or fencing. Develop and maintain firebreaks around the groupings. Once the trees are 8-10 years old, they should be able to withstand fire and the firebreaks can be abandoned.
The savanna should be burned every 2-3 years in late spring to exhaust the invasive smooth brome that dominates the site. If native grasses and forbs do not return to the site after several burns, herbicide treatments and supplemental seeding will be needed to convert the site to native species, if desired.
The Oak Savanna sites A, B, and C should be allowed to grow in 2012 and then given a prescribed burn in the spring of 2013. The burn should be coordinated with prescribed burning in the adjacent Native Prairie area to ensure maximum improvement of plant communities and habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The Native Prairie site D and Grassland sites E should be mowed at least once in 2012 to diminish the growth of buckthorn and weeds. These areas should be burned on a 3-5 year rotation.
Below are requirements and recommendations for the DNR-approved immediate post-harvest restoration activities of chemical treatment (chemical treatment of stumps) as applicable to the project:
Rev. 9/08
Pesticide Use:
 Pesticides must be registered for the specified use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
 All applications of pesticide must be made in compliance with registered uses, the product label and labeling, and applicable federal and state regulations.
 Contractors should be used whenever practical and appropriate for pesticide applications. Contractors must have a current Minnesota Commercial Applicators License issued by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
 As required by Minnesota Statute 18B.07, Subd. 1. Pesticides must be applied in accordance with the product label or labeling and in a manner that will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment within limits prescribed by this chapter and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (ref. www.epa.gov/oecaerth/civil/fifra/index.html).
 As required by Minnesota Statute 18B.07, Subd. 2a: A person may not use, store, handle, distribute, or dispose of a pesticide, rinsate, pesticide container, or pesticide application equipment in a manner:
o that is inconsistent with a label or labeling as defined by FIFRA;
o that endangers humans, damages agricultural products, food, livestock, fish, or wildlife; or
o that will cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment.
 As required by Minnesota Statute 18B.07, Subd. 2b: A person may not direct a pesticide onto property beyond the boundaries of the target site. A person may not apply pesticide resulting in damage to adjacent property.
 As required by Minnesota Statute 18B.07, Subd. 4. A person may not allow a pesticide, rinsate, or unrinsed pesticide container to be stored, kept, or to remain in or on any site without safeguards adequate to prevent an incident.
 As required by Minnesota Statute 18B.07, Subd. 5. A person may not fill pesticide application equipment directly from a public water supply, as defined in section 144.382, unless the outlet from the public water supply is equipped with a backflow prevention device that complies with the Minnesota Plumbing Code under Minnesota Rules, parts 4715.2000 to 4715.2280.
 As required by Minnesota Statute 18B.07, Subd. 6. (a) A person may not fill pesticide application equipment directly from public or other waters of the state, as defined in section 103G.005, subdivision 15, unless the equipment contains proper and functioning anti-backsiphoning mechanisms. The person may not introduce pesticides into the application equipment until after filling the equipment from the public waters. (b) This subdivision does not apply to permitted applications of aquatic pesticides to public waters.
 As required by Minnesota Statute 18B.07, Subd. 7.
o a) A person may not:
 (1) clean pesticide application equipment in surface waters of the state; or
 (2) fill or clean pesticide application equipment adjacent to surface waters, ditches, or wells where, because of the slope or other conditions, pesticides or materials contaminated with pesticides could enter or contaminate the surface waters, ground water, or wells, as a result of overflow, leakage, or other causes.
o (b) This subdivision does not apply to permitted application of aquatic pesticides to public waters. Rev. 9/08
 As required by Minnesota Statute 18B.07, Subd. 8. A person may only dispose of pesticide, rinsate, and pesticide containers in accordance with this chapter and FIFRA. The manner of disposal must not cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment.
 Pest control need will be based on safety, statutes, rules and regulations, ecological impact, economics, and natural resource management goals. All alternatives should be considered, including biological, cultural, and mechanical/physical, as well as pesticides and application methodologies.
 The least persistent effective pesticides available will be used.
 The safety of all project personnel, the public, non-target organisms, and the environment will be given full consideration in the selection and use of any pesticide.
 All treatment sites will be posted as specified by the pesticide label. Rev. 9/08
EXHIBIT A
Invasive Species Prevention Measures
for Woody Biomass Projects
MN DNR Division of Ecological and Water Resources
OVERVIEW
Minnesota DNR Operational Order 113 sets forth policy and procedures to prevent or limit the introduction, establishment and spread of invasive species and implement site-level management to limit the spread and impact of invasive species. This operational order applies to all DNR resource management activities by employees and non-DNR individuals or organizations on DNR-administered lands and public waters; AND activities the DNR regulates, permits, or funds (grants).
This document describes standard best management practices for all activities that involve intentional movement of vehicles, equipment, gear and/or other project-related materials onto or off of woody biomass project site(s). These practices must be considered during project planning and incorporated into the Harvest Implementation Plan and subsequent Service Contract(s) and implemented, as appropriate, before, during, and after actual project work.
Timing of the actual harvest of the woody biomass material (i.e. during frozen ground conditions and with adequate snow cover) may reduce the measures needed to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Appendix A is the list of invasive aquatic and terrestrial species from Operational Order 113 that are prohibited, regulated, restricted, considered a threat or are of concern to native plant communities in Minnesota.
STANDARD BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Intentional movement of woody biomass material:
1. Per MN Statutes Chapter 18, Sections 18.75 to 18.91, obtain a written permit to transport propagating parts of restricted noxious weed (see list below) in infested material or equipment by contacting the local weed inspector or county agricultural inspector for all counties affected. NOTE: For projects receiving woody biomass program grants, this will be done by the MN DNR Woody Biomass Project Coordinator.
2. Ensure all materials removed from the project site are secured before transport (e.g. truck is covered or invasive materials are wrapped). NOTE: This will be coordinated by the MN DNR Woody Biomass Project Coordinator and/or project manager in cooperation with the woody biomass transport operator(s).
Rev. 9/08
Intentional movement of vehicles, light and heavy equipment (chainsaws, brush saw, trucks, tractors, ATV’s, trailers, etc.) and gear (boots, clothing, personal protective equipment (PPE), Velcro straps, Kevlar chaps, backpacks/sprayers, utility bags, etc.) to/from project site(s):
1. Survey site(s) before harvest/management treatment, note/record locations of existing patches of terrestrial invasive species (see Appendix A) or insect or disease infestations, and either avoid moving through these patches, or treat them prior to moving through them.
2. Identify the cleaning site to be used to clean all vehicles, equipment and gear. Alert all parties involved in project activities.
3. Inspect all vehicles, equipment and gear and remove vegetation, soil, and organisms prior to entering and leaving site(s). Ensure items are free of visible plants/plant parts, seeds, mud, soil and animals, etc. Use a stiff bristled brush, shovel, boot brush, power washer or air compressor, or other appropriate tool. For chainsaws, remove chain to clean out clutch and clean out saw carrier.
4. When possible, designate specific vehicles, equipment and gear for use on uninfested vs. infested sites.
5. Do not work under wet conditions to minimize rutting and other soil disturbances.
6. Minimize number of access points to site(s).
7. Minimize area of vegetation and soil disturbance by access roads and skid trails.
8. Avoid working, parking, or storage in patches of invasive species. When unavoidable, treat area before using and clean vehicles, equipment and gear after work is complete.
9. Power spray vehicles and equipment after returning from site. Dry before use if from worm-infested sites.
Intentional movement of materials (soil, rock, gravel, straw, mulch, seed, plants, etc.) in the process of constructing or improving access roads or skid trails:
1. Inspect outside of transport equipment, storage containers and materials for visible presence of invasive species.
2. If possible, use seeding material, plants, fill, straw, gravel, and mulch that is certified as uninfested.
3. Monitor areas of soil disturbance and where materials listed in point 2 are added for evidence of invasive species germination or resprouting and treat if found.
4. Minimize the use of outside/offsite materials.
Procedures to minimize the risk of increasing the dominance of invasive species. In addition to those already listed above:
1. If working on multiple sites over a period of days, work in uninfested sites first and end in infested sites.
2. Treat invasive species stumps to avoid stump sprouting.
3. If possible work, on frozen ground and with adequate snow cover.
4. Minimize access roads, skid trails and staging areas.
5. Monitor access roads, skid trails, and staging areas for evidence of invasive species germination or resprouting and treat if found.
6. Use appropriate herbicide, applicator, spray head and technique for targeted invasive species.
7. When practicable, stage woody biomass material on already disturbed site(s).
8. Reduce ground disturbance as much as possible during staging of woody biomass materials.
9. Re-seed with cover crop or treat areas that have exposed and disturbed soil immediately following harvest/removal. Rev. 9/08
10. Consider timing of project-related activities so that invasive species are not bearing seed/fruit. Rev. 9/08
APPENDIX A
Minnesota and Federal Prohibited and Noxious Plants
by Scientific Name
(compiled by the Minnesota DNR’s Invasive Species Program 6-22-2011)
Key: FN – Federal noxious weed (USDA–Animal Plant Health Inspection Service)
SN – State noxious weed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
RN – Restricted noxious weed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
PI – Prohibited invasive species (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
PS – State prohibited weed seed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
RS – State restricted weed seed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
(See explanations of these classifications below the lists of species)
Common Name
Scientific Names
Classification
Parasitic weeds:
None
Aeginetia spp.
FN
None
Alectra spp.
FN
None
Cuscuta spp. (dodders), other than following species:
FN
Cuscuta americana Linneaus
Cuscuta applanata Engelmann
Cuscuta approximata Babington
Cuscuta attenuata Waterfall
Cuscuta boldinghii Urban
Cuscuta brachycalyx (Yuncker) Yuncker
Cuscuta californica Hooker & Arnott
Cuscuta campestris Yuncker
Cuscuta cassytoides Nees ex Engelmann
Cuscuta ceanothii Behr
Cuscuta cephalanthii Engelmann
Cuscuta compacta Jussieu
Cuscuta corylii Engelmann
Cuscuta cuspidata Engelmann
Cuscuta decipiens Yuncker
Cuscuta dentatasquamata Yuncker
Cuscuta denticulata Engelmann
Cuscuta epilinum Weihe
Cuscuta epithymum (Linneaus) Linnaeus
Cuscuta erosa Yuncker
Cuscuta europaea Linnaeus
Cuscuta exaltata Engelmann
Cuscuta fasciculata Yuncker
Cuscuta glabrior (Engelmann) Yuncker
Cuscuta globulosa Bentham
Cuscuta glomerata Choisy
Cuscuta gronovil Willdenow
Cuscuta harperi Small
Cuscuta howelliana Rubtzoff
Cuscuta indecora Choisy
Cuscuta leptantha Engelmann
Cuscuta mitriiformis Engelmann
Cuscuta obtusiflora Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth
Rev. 9/08
Cuscuta odontolepis Engelmann
Cuscuta pentagona Engelmann
Cuscuta planiflora Tenore
Cuscuta plattensis A. Nelson
Cuscuta polygonorum Engelmann
Cuscuta rostrata Shuttleworth ex Engelmann
Cuscuta runyonii Yuncker
Cuscuta salina Engelmann
Cuscuta sandwichiana Choisy
Cuscuta squamata Engelmann
Cuscuta suaveolens Seringe
Cuscuta suksdorfii Yuncker
Cuscuta tuberculata Brandegee
Cuscuta umbellata Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth
Cuscuta umbrosa Beyrich ex Hooker
Cuscuta veatchii Brandegee
Cuscuta warneri Yuncker
Broomrapes
Orobanche spp. other than the following species:
FN
Orobanche bulbosa (Gray) G. Beck
Orobanche californica Schechtendal & Chamisso
Orobanche cooperi (Gray) Heller
Orobanche corymbosa (Rydberg) Ferris
Orobanche dugesii (S. Watson) Munz
Orobanche fasciculata Nuttall
Orobanche ludoviciana Nuttall
Orobanche multicaulis Brandegee
Orobanche parishii (Jepson) Heckard
Orobanche pinorum Geyer ex Heckard
Orobanche uniflora Linneaus
Orobanche valida Jepson
Orobanche vallicola (Jepson) Heckard
Witchweeds
Striga spp.
FN
Terrestrial weeds:
Prosopis alpataco R. A. Phillippi
FN
Prosopis articulata S. Watson
FN
Prosopis burkartii Munoz
FN
Prosopis caldenia Burkart
FN
Prosopis calingastana Burkart
FN
Prosopis campestris Griseback
FN
Prosopis castellanosii Burkart
FN
Prosopis denudans Bentham
FN
Prosopis elata (Burkart) Burkart
FN
Prosopis ferox Grisebach
FN
Prosopis fiebrigii Harms
FN
Prosopis hassleri Harms
FN
Prosopis humillis Gillies ex Hooker & Arnott
FN
Prosopis kuntzei Harms
FN
Prosopis pallida (Humboldt & Bonpland ex
Willdenow) Humboldt, Bonpland & Kunth
FN
Prosopis palmeri S. Watson
FN
Prosopis reptans Bentham var. reptans
FN
Prosopis rojasiana Burkart
FN
Prosopis ruizlealii Burkart
FN
Prosopis ruscifolia Grisebach
FN
Prosopis sericantha Gillies ex Hooker & Arnott
FN
Prosopis strombulifera (Lamarck) Bentham
FN Rev. 9/08
Prosopis torquata
(Cavanilles ex Lagasca y Segura) de Candolle
FN
African feathergrass
Pennisetum macrourum Trinius
FN
African boxthorn
Lycium ferocissimum Miers
FN
animated oat, wild oat
Avena sterilis Linnaeus
(including Avena ludoviciana Durieu)
FN
Asian sprangletop
Leptochloa chinensis (Linnaeus) Nees
FN
Benghal dayflower
Commelina benghalensis Linnaeus
FN
bittervine
Mikania micrantha Humboldt, Bonpland, &
Kunth
FN
Brazilian satintail
Imperata brasiliensis Trinius
FN
British elecampane, British yellowhead
Inula britannica L.
FN
buckhorn plantain
Plantago lanceolata L.
RS
bull thistle
Cirsium vulgare L.
PS
Canada thistle
Cirsium arvense Scop.
SN, PS
Cape-tulip, apricot
Moraea collina Thunberg
FN
Cape-tulip, one-leaf
Moraea faccida (Sweet) Steudel
FN
Cape-tulip red
Moraea ochroleuca (Salisbury) Drapiez
FN
Cape-tulip, two-leaf
Moraea miniata Andrews
FN
Cape-tulip, yellow
Moraea pallida (Baker) Goldblatt
FN
Cape weed
Arctotheca calendula (L.) Levyns
FN
catclaw mimosa
Mimosa pigra Linneaus var. pigra
FN
cattail grass
Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult. subsp.
pallidefusca (Schumach.) B.K. Simon
FN
coat buttons
Tridax procumbens Linnaeus
FN
cogongrass
Imperata cylindrica (Linneaus) Raeuschel
FN
common crupina
Crupina vulgarisi Cassini
FN
common or European buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica
RN
creeping crofton weed
Ageratina riparia (Regel) R.M. King and H. Robinson
FN
crofton weed
Ageratina adenophroa (Sprengel) King & Robinson
FN
devil’s thorn
Emex spinosa (Linneaus) Campdera
FN
dodder
Cuscuta spp.
RS
Eastern black nightshade
Solanum plycanthum Dun
RS
false caper
Euphorbia terracina L.
FN
field bindweed
Convolvulus arvensis L.
PS
Frenchweed
Thlaspi arvense L.
RS
garlic mustard
Alliaria petiolata (Formerly Alliaria officinalis)
SN
giant foxtail
Setaria faberii
RS
giant sensitive plant
Mimosa diplotricha C. Wright
FN
giant hogweed
Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier
FN
glossy buckthorn, including all cultivars
Rhamnus frangula columnaris, tallcole, asplenifolia
and all cultivars
RN
goatsrue
Galega officinialis Linneaus
FN
Grecian foxglove
Digitalis lanata Ehrh.
SP
gum Arabic tree, thorny acacia
Acacia nilotica (L.) Wildenow ex Delile
FN
hemp
Cannabis sativa L.
PS
hoary alyssum
Berteroa incana D.C.
RS
horse nettle
Solanum carolinense L.
RS
Illyrian thistle
Onopordum illyricum L.
FN Rev. 9/08
itchgrass
Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. Clayton
FN
jointed prickly pear
Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley
FN
kikuyugrass
Pennisetum clandestinum Hochsletter ex Chiovenda
FN
kodo-millet
Paspalum scrobiculatum Linneaus
FN
kyasumagrass
Pennisetum pedicellatum Trinius
FN
leafy spurge
Euphorbia esula L.
SN, PS
lightning weed
Drymaria arenariodes Humboldt & Bonpland
Ex Roerner & Schultes
FN
liverseed grass
Urochloa panicoides Linnaeus
FN
Madagascar ragwort
Senecio madagascariensis Poir
FN
Malabar melostome
Melastoma malabathricum Linnaeaus
FN
maidenhair creeper
Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw.
FN
mile-a-minute
Mikania cordata (Burman f.) B. L. Robinson
FN
missiongrass, thin napiergrass
Pennisetum polystachion (Linnaeus) Schultes
FN
murainograss
Ischaemum rugosum Salisbury
FN
musk thistle
Carduus nutans L.
SN, PS
old world climbing fern
Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br.
FN
onionweed
Asphodelus fistulosus Linnaeus
FN
Oriental bittersweet
Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.
SN
perennial sowthistle
Sonchus arvensis L.
PS
perennial peppergrass
Lepidium draba L.
PS
pilipiliula
Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retzius) Trinius
FN
plumeless thistle
Carduus acanthoides L.
SN, PS
poison ivy*
Toxicodendron radicans* (formerly Rhus radicans)
SN – specially regulated
purple loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria, virgatum, or any combination
SN
quackgrass
Agropyron repens L.
RS
red rice
Oryza punctata Kotschy ex Steudel
FN
red rice
Oryza longistaminata A. Chevalier & Roehrich
FN
red rice
Oryza rufipogon Griffith
FN
Russian knapweed
Centaurea repens L.
PS
serrated tussock
Nassella trichotoma (Nees) Hackel ex Arechavaleta
FN
sessile joyweed
Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Brown ex de Candolle
FN
South African ragwort
Senecio inaequidens DC
FN
spotted knapweed
Centaurea stoebe L. ssp. micranthos (Gugler) Hayek
SN
stemless thistle
Onopordum acaulon L.
FN
Syrian mesquite
Prosopis farcta (Solander ex Russell) Macbride
FN
tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
SN
three-cornered jack
Emex australis Steinhell
FN
tropical soda apple
Solarum viarum Dunal
FN
turkeyberry
Solanum torvum Swartz
FN
velvet fingergrass, annual conchgrass
Digitaria velutina (Forsskal) Palisot de Beauvois
FN
wild blackberry
Rubus fruticosus Linnaeus (complex)
FN
wild mustard
Brassica kaber L.
RS
wild parsnip
Pastinaca sativa L.
SN
wild radish
Raphanus raphanistrum
RS
wild raspberry
Rubus moluccanus Linnaeaus
FN Rev. 9/08
wild safflower
Carthamus oxyacantha M. Bieberstein
FN
wild sugarcane
Saccharum spontaneum Linnaeus
FN
winged false buttonweed
Spermacoce alata Aublet
FN
wormleaf salsola
Salsola vermiculata Linnaeus
FN
yellow starthistle
Centaurea solstitialis L.
SN
*Native species to Minnesota
FEDERAL NOXIOUS WEED LIST (FN)
Federal noxious weeds are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 360.200. According to the Federal Noxious Weed Act, Title 7, Chapter 61, section 2803, federal noxious weeds may not be imported into or through the United States, unless in accordance with conditions allowed by the USDA-APHIS. The sale, purchase, exchange, or receipt of federal noxious weeds is illegal. For more information contact: Kevin Conners, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), at 612-725-1722 or kevin.j.connors@usda.gov.
STATE PROHIBITED NOXIOUS WEEDS (SN)
These species are designated in M.R. 1505.0730 by the Commissioner of Agriculture. The terrestrial and parasitic weeds listed in Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 360.200 are also prohibited noxious weeds. The prohibited noxious weeds are designated because they are injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, and other property. Prohibited noxious weeds must be controlled or eradicated as required in Minnesota Statutes, section 18.78. See website for description of categories including prohibited noxious weed: eradicate list, prohibited noxious weed: control list, and specially regulated plant: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/badplants/noxiouslist.aspx. For more information contact: Anthony Cortilet, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6538 or Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us,
**Note that Minnesota counties may also list species as noxious weeds within their county. See MDA noxious weed website for most current lists http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/badplants/noxiouslist.aspx.
RESTRICTED NOXIOUS WEEDS (RN)
Species are designated restricted noxious weeds to prevent their spread by prohibiting the importation, sale, and transportation of their propagating parts in the state except as allowed by Minnesota Statutes, Section 18.82. For more information contact: Anthony Cortilet, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6538 or Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us, http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/badplants/noxiouslist.aspx.
PROHIBITED INVASIVE SPECIES (PI)
These species and any hybrids, cultivars, or varieties of the species are designated by the Department of Natural Resources in M.R. 6126.0250 as prohibited exotic species. It is illegal to possess, import, purchase, sell, propagate, transport, or introduce prohibited exotic species, except as allowed by statute. The statutes and rules that apply to these species are M.R. 84D05, 84D.08, 84D.10, 84D.11, 84D.13, M.R. 6216.0265, and M.R. 6216.0280. For more information contact: Jay Rendall, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at 651-297-1464 or Jay.Rendall@state.mn.us, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/laws.html.
PROHIBITED WEED SEEDS (PS)
Prohibited weed seeds are prohibited from being present in agricultural, vegetable, flower, tree, and shrub seeds sold in Minnesota in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 21.86, subdivision 1, paragraph (d). The plants listed in M.R. 1510.0271 are prohibited weed seeds. For more information contact: Steve Malone, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6531or Stephen.Malone@state.mn.us.
RESTRICTED WEED SEEDS (RS) Rev. 9/08
Minnesota’s restricted weed seeds are those weed seeds which, if present in agricultural, vegetable, flower, tree, and shrub seed, must be named on the label together with the number per ounce or pound of seed specified and which may not exceed the legal limit. They are seeds of weeds which are objectionable in fields, lawns, and gardens of this state and which can be controlled by good cultural practice and use of herbicides. Restricted weed seeds are listed in M.R. 1510,0320. For more information contact: Steve Malone, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6531 or Stephen.Malone@state.mn.us.