9.c) Transition Area Development PlanCritical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
21150 Ozark Avenue North, PO Box 184, Scandia, Minnesota 55073
Natural
Resource
August 5th, 2014
Consulting
Landscape
Ms. Sherri Buss
Ecology
City Planner, City of Scandia
1500 Piper Jaffray Plaza
Botanical
444 Cedar Street
Inventories
St. Paul, MN 55101-2140
Threatened & RE: Zavoral Reclamation Plan: Proposed Transition Area Development
Endangered
Species Surveys Dear Ms. Buss:
Greenway & As discussed at our meeting held on May 19, 2014 we are providing you with our proposed plan for
Open Space developing the transition area within the Phase 1 Reclamation area at the Zavoral Site (Site) in
Planning Scandia. This plan has been developed based on input provided by the City and other reviewing
Natural agencies after an on-site review of the proposed transition area as well as discussions regarding an
Community appropriate approach to creating a transition area using the adaptive management strategy outlined
Restoration in the approved Reclamation Plan (April 2013). Our proposed approach is described in detail below.
Wetland
Delineation & 1.0 Background and Intent of Reclamation Plan for the Transition Area
Permitting
The intent of developing a transition area at the Zavoral Site, as indicated in the approved
Wetland Reclamation Plan, is to provide a transition area using existing, on-site trees along the established
Banking & woodland/forested edges and the newly planted prairie areas. The original method selected for
Monitoring development of this transition area relied primarily on the transplantation of suitable on-site trees
to areas along the existing forested edge within Phase 1 Reclamation. The transplantation was to
Minnesota occur after complete removal of vegetation, including existing trees, followed by final grading with
Land Cover
Classification engineered topsoil in an effort to minimize the spread and proliferation of invasive plant species
within transplanted transition areas.
Geographic
Information The Zavoral Tree Transplanting Results and the Annual Reclamation Report 2013, documents the
Systems extensive efforts undertaken to establish transition areas through transplantation. The report
demonstrates the method selected for the development of the transition areas between the existing
Global forest and the planted prairie areas is not an effective means to accomplish the intent of the
Positioning
Systems Reclamation Plan. The method described in the Reclamation Plan indicates a tree spade between 65
inches to 90 inches will be used to transplant a minimum of 100 on-site white pine trees into the
Database proposed transition area within Phase 1 Reclamation. Due to the rocky/stony on-site soils, including
Management & boulders and coarse material encountered throughout Phase 1 Reclamation, transplanting the
Development specified number of trees proved to be unachievable. The majority of the suitable trees identified
Environmental
Education
Phone: 651.433.4410 Email: info@ccesinc.com Web: www.ccesinc.com
Tiller Corporation — Zavoral Property
Proposed Transtion Area Development
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
August 5th, 2014
as transplant candidates could not be successfully dug from the rocky and impenetrable parent soil.
Furthermore, since the primary problem with transplantation was that due to rocky conditions, suitable
receiving holes for potential transplant trees could not be dug. A tremendous effort was made in an
attempt to develop the transition area using the implementation method selected in the Reclamation Plan.
These efforts were unsuccessful. After several dozen chosen transplant trees were damaged beyond use as
a result of unsuccessful transplant attempts, the transplanting was terminated in late October 2013.
1.1 Proposed Transition Area Development and Reclamation Plan Cost Comparison
The proposed transition area development using an alternative approach will not result in a cost savings for
Tiller Corporation (Tiller). Based on the Cost Estimate for Reclamation-Zavoral submitted to the City in
November 2012, the projected cost to reclaim the transition area (approximated at 1.4 acres) is estimated
to be approximately $9,700.00. As part of the submitted cost estimate, the transplantation of a minimum of
100 trees was estimated to cost approximately $5,250.00. Extensive efforts were made to transplant the
trees during the 2013 operating season, which is reflected in the nearly $7,000.00 that was actually invested
into efforts that resulted in the transplantation of 25 white pine trees. With the project over budget and the
transplantation of on-site white pine trees proving to be nearly impossible, it was apparent that adaptive
management techniques would need to be applied to accomplish the development of a transition area in
Phase 1 Reclamation. After considering the costs outlined in Section 3 of this letter and adjusting the original
Cost Estimate for Reclamation-Zavoral, it is projected that the proposed alternative detailed in this plan
results in a total estimated cost of approximately $9,120.00. Adding this to the nearly $7,000.00 spent last
year will bring the total estimated cost for the transition area to approximately $16,000.00 which far
exceeds the original $9,700.00 cost estimate.
2.0 Proposed Transition Area Development for Phase 1
The Reclamation Plan recognizes the possibility that Site conditions experienced in the field may require
modifications to the Reclamation Plan. These modifications were termed "adaptive management"
techniques. Among other things, adaptive management techniques allow for changing the selected
implementation methods in order to accomplish the goals and intent of the Reclamation Plan. On May 19,
2014, Tiller and the project ecologists from Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc. (CCES) met with
representatives from the City of Scandia, the National Park Service and the Washington Conservation
District to discuss acceptable options for alternative methods and actions which could be completed in an
effort to develop a suitable transition area. At the May 19th meeting, which included a field review of the
area in question, staff from the representative agencies agreed that Tiller's proposal to avoid clearing
existing trees and thereby developing a transition area through tree preservation and adaptive management
activities would be a preferred alternative since transplanting could not be accomplished. The NPS agreed
that preservation would be a preferred alternative for the transition area within the Federal Scenic
Easement. An alternative approach detailed in this document, allows for up to 590, 2" to 14" diameter trees
to remain in place while developing a soft and ecologically diverse transition area between the existing
Page 2 of 10
Tiller Corporation — ZavoraI Property
Proposed Transtion Area Development
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
August 5th, 2014
forested areas and the reclaimed grassland areas (see Figure 1). The alternative approach to developing the
transition area is outlined below.
2.1 Ecological Benefit of Proposed Transition Area Development
By definition, a transition zone (also known as an "ecotone") is a transitional area of vegetation between
two different plant communities, such as the area between a forest and grassland. It is an area where
vegetation from one plant community type blends with vegetation from an adjacent plant community type.
Sometimes this change in vegetation is abrupt with a sharp visual contrast, at other times it is more gradual
and less visually distinct. Transition areas contain plant and animal species specifically adapted to the
physical conditions imposed by a transition zone. A transition zone may exist along a broad belt or in a small
pocket, such as a forest clearing, where two local communities blend together (Smith and Smith, 2012). It
should be noted that a transition area is not simply a visual change or a gradation in plant height classes
from one plant community to the next. Rather, transition areas serve an important ecological function and
support edge adapted species that are dependent on the physical conditions that occur only in transitional
areas. Our understanding of the ecology behind transition zones was used as the foundation for designing
the alternative approach to develop the transition area.
The Reclamation Plan called for the complete clearing and grading of the transition area followed by
reclamation activities including tree transplantation and native plantings to create a softened transition area
between the existing forested area to the east and the reclaimed grassland to the west. The proposed
alternative approach to developing the transition area involves both tree preservation and adaptive
management activities since transplantation of trees could not be accomplished.
The proposed alternative approach to developing the transition area allows for the preservation of up to
590 trees between 2" in diameter and 14" in diameter and the creation of a transition area using existing
material and vegetation native to the Site. To help shape the transition area, the next step would be to
selectively thin the preserved trees focusing on removing the over abundant species or unhealthy trees
while creating openings and pockets. By selectively thinning the existing trees, sub -canopy and shrub layer a
multi -aged stand which grades into an area dominated by native shrubs and eventually into the reclaimed
prairie grassland will be achieved. The openings and pockets provide an opportunity to integrate more
shrub and herbaceous prairie species resulting in a more gradual transition that will be substantially more
diverse and natural in appearance as compared to complete clear cutting and replanting.
2.2 Re -Assessment of Proposed Transition Area
During the peak of the growing season, late June 2014, CCES ecologists completed a follow-up visit to the
proposed transition area to gather additional data regarding the condition and dominant cover of the
existing forest/prairie transition area. A re -assessment of the Site revealed that the canopy area was
dominated by white pine (Pinus strobus) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), with small inclusions of
white oak (Quercus alba), red oak (Quercus rubus), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), and cottonwood
Page 3 of 10
Tiller Corporation — ZavoraI Property
Proposed Transtion Area Development
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
August 5th, 2014
(Populus deltoides). The sub -canopy included significantly sized trees of the species white pine (Pinus
strobus), paper birch (Betula papyrifera), red oak (Quercus rubus) and black cherry (Prunus serotina). The
shrub layer was thickly dominated by immature white pine (Pinus strobus), prickly ash (Zanthoxylum
americanum), box elder (Acer negundo), red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) and red
cedar (Juniperus virginiana). The herbaceous understory is dominated by Equisetum sp., seedlings of white
pine (Pinus strobus), virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), wild grape (Vitis riparia), Pennsylvania
sedge (Carex pensylvanica), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), hog peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata),
Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis), pointed tick trefoil (Desmodium canescens), pussytoes (Antennaria
neglecta) as well as others. Several pockets within the forested area are completing lacking in herbaceous
cover. Non-native invasive species present within the existing transition area include common buckthorn,
leafy spurge, hoary alyssum, spotted knapweed, and Tartarian honeysuckle.
3.0 Proposed Transition Area Development for Phase 1— Description of Tasks
The goal of the Reclamation Plan for the transition area is to create a gradual ecological transition zone of
change between the existing forested areas and the reclaimed grassland areas. Based on input from City
staff and reviewing agencies, we are proposing to create this gradual and softened transition zone with an
adaptive management approach and using the following steps:
Task 1: Selective Removal of Sub -Canopy and Shrub Species
Project ecologists will evaluate the forested area and tag select shrub and sub -canopy species for removal.
Ecologists will first mark all invasive and/or weedy shrubs such as common buckthorn, Tartarian
honeysuckle, and prickly ash for removal. Project ecologists will then evaluate areas where the shrub layer
has become very dense and overgrown and select a portion of native shrubs for removal. Species that will
be targeted for removal will be those which are over abundant in the transition zone and smothering
herbaceous vegetation, most notably immature individuals of white pine (Pinus strobus) and quaking aspen
(Populus tremuloides), which are dominate in the shrub layer.
Estimated Cost of Task 1:
Task or Material
Units
Number of Units
Cost per Unit
Total
Selective Shrub Removal
(cut, stack, remove)
Acres
0.25
$2,000.00
$500.00
TOTAL
$500.00
Task 2: Selective Removal of Herbaceous Species
Following selective removal of shrubs, the project ecologists will begin efforts to restore the ground layer.
Undesirable or non-native and invasive species will be targeted for removal. Targeted species will include
sweet clover, hoary alyssum, leafy spurge, smooth brome and poison ivy all of which have been documented
within the existing transition area. In September and October 2014, when plants are actively growing and
prior to winter dormancy, a targeted herbicide application will be completed by a licensed, commercial
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Tiller Corporation — ZavoraI Property
Proposed Transtion Area Development
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
August 5th, 2014
applicator. A follow-up application will be completed later in the growing season of 2015 to ensure
undesirable species are controlled.
Estimated Cost of Task 2:
Task or Material
Units
Number of Units
Cost per Unit
Total
Herbaceous Herbicide
Treatment
Acres
1.4
$300.00
$420.00
TOTAL
$420.00
Task 3: Reintroduction of Native Shrubs
After over -abundant shrub species are thinned and initial herbicide treatments in the transition area are
complete, the project ecologists will begin reintroduction of the appropriate native shrub species in an
effort to create a softened and more gradual transition zone between the existing forested area and the
reclaimed grassland/prairie area on the Site. Project ecologists will install at least 75 and up to 100 shrub
and sub -canopy tree species that are appropriate for the Site and would be found naturally in a transition
zone between a native prairie and forest. Plantings will be focused in pockets currently lacking trees and
shrubs. Species will be selected from the list below but will be dependent on availability at the time of
planting. Newly installed woody material will be watered as needed during the first growing season to
ensure a high level of survivability.
Selected Shrub Species for Reintroduction (dependent on availability of stock)
Common Name
Low Serviceberry
Lead Plant
New Jersey Tea
Dogwood
American Hazelnut
Ninebark
American Wild Plum
Chokecherry
Prairie Rose
Smooth Wild Rose
Nannyberry
Botanical Name
Amelanchier humilis
Amorpha canescens
Ceanothus americanus
Cornus alternifolia, Cornus racemosa, Cornus sericea
Corylus americana
Physocarpus opulifolius
Prunus americana
Prunus virginiana
Rosa arkansana
Rosa blanda
Viburnum lentago
Quantity, #2 Pots
5
15
5
15
5
5
10
5
5
5
5
Selected Sub-Canopy/Canopy Species for Reintroduction (dependent on availability of stock)
Common Name
Ironwood
Pin Cherry
Botanical Name
Ostrya virginiana
Prunus pensylvanica
Page 5 of 10
Quantity, #2 Pots
7
5
Tiller Corporation — ZavoraI Property
Proposed Transtion Area Development
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
August 5th, 2014
White Oak Quercus alba 8 I
Estimated Cost of Task 3:
Task or Material
Units
Number of Units
Cost per Unit
Total
Installation
Each
100
10.00
$ 1,000.00
Native Material (#2 pots)
Each
100
30.00
$ 3,000.00
Mulch
Each
100
2.50
$ 250.00
Establishment watering
LS
10
25.00
$ 250.00
7600
32
Schizachyrium scoparium
TOTAL
$4,500.00
Task 4: Reintroduction of Native Herbaceous Species
Following effective treatment of undesirable or non-native and invasive herbaceous species, native
herbaceous species will be seeded into the transition zone area. A custom designed native seed mix will be
developed which will be tailored specifically for the site's location, aspect, light availability, soil conditions,
and other biotic and abiotic factors. The seed mix will be installed using a broadcast method and will likely
be completed in the late Fall 2015 or in Spring 2016. Seeding rate will be 10-15 PLS pounds per acre of
native seed. A proposed seed mix is provided below.
Grasses, Sedges & Rushes
Common Name
Big bluestem
Sideoats grama
Plains oval sedge
Graceful sedge
Straight -styled wood sedge
Long -beaked sedge
Canada wildrye
Bottle -brush grass
Little bluestem
Indian grass
Porcupine grass
Forbs (Wildflowers)
Common Name
Butterfly milkweed
Smooth leaved aster
Coreopsis
Purple prairie clover
Showy Tick Trefoil
Narrow leaved coneflower
Early sunflower
Botanical Name
Seeds oz.
Amount/Acre (oz)
Andropogon gerardii
10000
24
Bouteloua curtipendula
6000
32
Carex brevior
29000
1
Carex gracillima
102000
1
Carex radiata
41000
1
Carex sprengelii
10000
1
Elymus canadensis
5200
32
Elymus hystrix
7600
32
Schizachyrium scoparium
15000
24
Sorghastrum nutans
12000
24
Stipa spartea
680
12
Subtotal 184
Botanical Name
Seeds oz.
Amount/Acre (oz)
Asclepias tuberosa
4300
1.5
Aster laevis
55000
2
Coreopsis palmata
10000
1.5
Dalea purpurea
15000
1.5
Desmodium canadense
5500
1
Echinacea angustifolia
7000
2
Heliopsis helianthoides
6300
2
Page 6 of 10
Tiller Corporation — ZavoraI Property
Units
Number of Units
Proposed Transtion Area Development
Total
Install Native Seed Mixes,
Includes Seed and Labor
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
1.0
$2,200.00
August 5th, 2014
Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa
70000
1.5
Foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis
130000
1
Mountain mint Pycnanthemum virginianum
220000
0.25
Black eyed susan Rudbeckia hirta
92000
2
Golden alexanders Zizia aurea
11000
1
Subtotal
17.25
Mix Totals 201.25
Pounds Per Acre 12.58
Estimated Cost of Task 4:
Task or Material
Units
Number of Units
Cost per Unit
Total
Install Native Seed Mixes,
Includes Seed and Labor
Acres
1.0
$2,200.00
$2,200.00
TOTAL
$2,200.00
Task 5: Maintenance and Management
When tasks 1-4 are complete, Tiller will continue to manage and maintain the area as a reclaimed transition
area along with management and maintenance activities associated with the remainder of the Site as
described in the Reclamation Plan. Newly planted trees and shrubs will be watered and mulched as needed
to ensure high levels of survivability. Brush mowing and targeted herbicide application will be used to
control weed species during the establishment phase. It should be noted that prescribed fire will not be
used to manage the transition area as fire will set back or potentially kill newly planted shrubs and trees.
Figure 2 depicts the location of the proposed fire break.
4.0 Performance Measures
The preserved and reclaimed transition area as described above will be managed and monitored annually
for five years following initiation of reclamation activities in accordance with the Reclamation Plan.
Management and maintenance activities will be adjusted to ensure the following performance goals are met
for the Site as per the CUP, Conditions #63 & #65:
• 90% areal coverage of vegetation for each reclaimed area, within 3 years post seed installation.
• Non-native and invasive plant species (as defined and listed by the MNDNR) and potentially -
aggressive native plant species (Rhus spp. And Juniperus virginiana) shall account for no more than
20% cover of the reclaimed areas at the end of the 5th growing season, post seed installation.
• The reclaimed areas shall contain at least 50% of the species for both grasses and forbs contained in
the specified seed mixes at the end of the 5th growing season, post seed installation.
• The City shall monitor the transplantation of trees (and shrubs) to ensure a survival rate of at least
80% for all transplanted trees (and shrubs). The Applicant shall provide the City with the quantity,
location, species and proposed maintenance plan for all trees (and shrubs) transplanted as part of
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Tiller Corporation — ZavoraI Property
Proposed Transtion Area Development
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
August 5th, 2014
the reclamation. Survival rates of less than 80% will require replacement of the dead trees (and
shrubs) by the applicant. Replacement tree (and shrub) species will be selected in consultation with
the City and its consultant and approved by the City.
Thank you for your consideration of this proposed transition area development plan. Should you have
questions or need additional information, please contact us at 651-433-4410.
Respectfully Submitted,
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
Ja n Husveth
President, Principal Ecologist
Page 8 of 10
Tiller Corporation — ZavoraI Property
Proposed Transtion Area Development
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
August 5th, 2014
Photo 1: Current condition of future transition area — shrub and sub -canopy dominated by quaking aspen (Populus
tremuloides) and other species which will be thinned to create a more diverse transition area between the forested
area and reclaimed prairie area.
Photo 2: View of existing transition area just inside of the wood line. White Pine (Pinus strobus) saplings will be
thinned to create a more diverse transition area and allow for the establishment of an herbaceous & shrub layer.
Page 9 of 10
Tiller Corporation — ZavoraI Property
Proposed Transtion Area Development
Critical Connections Ecological Services, Inc.
August 5th, 2014
LITERATURE CITED
Smith T and Smith R, 2012. Elements of Ecology (8th Edition). Benjamin Cummings Publishing Company, San
Francisco, California, United States.
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