5.10. SR 12-20-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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removed unless they present a safety hazard. While humans perceive a forest with dead trees as messy, dead trees are important because they harbor a high diversity of plants and animals throughout their decomposition cycle. (Note that sanitation cuts may be necessary where oak wilt or Dutch elm disease is present) . Encourage removal of weedy and/or exotic tree species such a<; Siberian elm, boxelder, Russian olive, black locust and eastern red cedar. Plant higher value native trees and shrubs back into forests following removal. . Oak forest communities are adapted to fires and can often be improved through prescribed burns. Prescribed burns will generally increase diversity of grasses and forbs, encourage oak seedling germination and kill back exotic or invasive shrub species. Where oak forest communities occur adjacent to prairie and savanna communities, fires from prescribed burns should be allowed to burn into the oak forest. Burn more frequently in early years and less frequently as exotic species are controlled. Include both spring and fall burns in the management regime. . Maple-basswood and lowland hardwood forest communities are generally not adapted to fires and should not be burned, or burned very infrequently (every 20+ years). Oak wilt is of particular concern in Elk River. It is spread by construction activity or other root/top damage during the growing season. Canopy openings created by oak wilt can augment invasion by exotic species if not replanted or managed to restore oak woodlands. Oak trees should not be cut, pruned or injured between April 15 and July 1 of each year. Exposed roots injured by construction activities facilitates the spread oak wilt infection. A vibratory plow can be used to sever roots along the edge of any construction area prior to beginning work. This can prevent the transfer of oak wilt fungus between individuals through grafted roots and allow for regeneration at the point of cutting. If vibratory plowing is used, the disturbed ground should be restored to pre-plow contours and planted with an appropriate native seed mix to prevent invasion by nonnative shrubs and weeds. Tree protection zones should be fenced to prevent entry or compaction by construction equipment. Soil and construction materials should not be stored within the tree protection zone, as this can result in contamination of the tree protection zone and/or other construction sites. Also, oak wilt may actually be viewed as beneficial in areas that are being restored to savanna and prairie. as it makes more light available for prairie and savanna plants. City af Elk River, MN - Natural Resauce Inventory Bonestroo Natural Resources, September 2004 61