4.9. SR 01-03-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Wildlife Friendly Erosion Control Wildlife entanglement in, and death from, plastic netting and other man-made plastic materials has been documented in birds (Johnson, 1990; Fuller-Perrine and Tobin, 1993), fish (Johnson, 1990), mammals (Derraik, 2002), and reptiles (Barton and Kinkead, 2005; Kapfer and Paloski, 2011). Yet the use of these materials continues in many cases, without consideration for wildlife impacts. Plastic netting is frequently used for erosion control during construction and landscape projects and can negatively impact terrestrial and aquatic wildlife populations as well as snag in maintenance machinery resulting in costly repairs and delays. However, wildlife friendly erosion control materials do exist, and are sold by several large erosion control material companies. Below are a few key considerations before starting a project. Know Your Options • Remember to consult with local natural resource authorities (DNR, USFWS, etc.) before starting a project. They can help you identify sensitive areas and rare species. • When erosion control is necessary, select products with biodegradable netting (natural fiber, biodegradable polyesters, etc.). • DO NOT use products that require UV -light to biodegrade (also called, "photodegradable"). These do not biodegrade properly when shaded by vegetation. • Use netting with rectangular shaped mesh (not square mesh). • Use netting with flexible (non -welded) mesh. Know the Landscape • It is especially important to use wildlife friendly erosion control around: o Areas with threatened or endangered species. o Wetlands, rivers, lakes, and other watercourses. o Habitat transition zones (prairie — woodland edges, rocky outcrop — woodland edges, steep rocky slopes, etc.). o Areas with threatened or endangered species. • Use erosion mesh wisely, not all areas with disturbed ground necessitate its use. Do not use plastic mesh unless it is specifically required. Other erosion control options exist (open weave textile (OWT), rolled erosion control products (RECPs) with woven natural fiber netting). WFEC Fact -sheet — MN DNR 2013 (acc.)