5.10. SR 12-20-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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and herbicide treatments Use herbicides that are licensed for use in wetland areas. . Establish a vegetative buffer around wetland areas, to filter runoff, slow stormwater flows, and provide essential upland habitat needed by many species that use both wetlands and uplands as habitat during their lifecycles. Prohibit cutting, dumping or other alteration of buffers. . Plant native wetland and upland plants in constructed wetlands and buffers. Plantings should use locally native species, and may include aquatic plants, grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees to provide structural diversity and improve habitat. . Maintain dead and fallen trees or add nesting structures if desired to improve wildlife habitat. . Monitor management efforts and revise strategies as needed to meet goals. Forest Management Most of the forest areas in the area have been grazed at varying levels, and in some cases were logged. Forest communities are often associated with ravines and steep slopes and are therefore sensitive to the impacts of erosion and sedimentation. In addition, roads and trails frequently fragment forest communities. All of these activities encourage invasion by aggressive exotic species-particularly buckthorn and Tartarian honeysuckle. Fragmentation also reduces the value of the forest community for wildlife species such as migratory songbirds that require "interior" forest areas that are well buffered from human disturbances. Following are management strategies for maintaining and restoring the diversity and health of forest communities: . Avoid cutting trees in areas containing exotic shrub species. Where cutting trees is necessary, cut exotic shrubs and treat with a basal application of an appropriate herbicide. Where developments are proposed within or adjacent to forest areas, removal and treatment of exotic shrubs could be incorporated into the overall site preparation process. . Slow growing and mast-bearing trees such as oak and hickory should be given particular protection due to their value to wildlife. Other trees through their seeds or buds also serve as important food sources for wildlife: these include maples, elms, aspens, basswood and birch. . Large trees, particularly those containing cavities, should not be removed unless absolutely necessary. Dead standing and down trees should likewise not be City of Elk River, MN - Natural Resouce Inventory Bonestroo Natural Resources, September 2004 60