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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 Page 4 of 10 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 Page 7 of 10 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. Page 10 of 10 lu -n- A ae A