8.0 PRSR 03-09-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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be an appropriate addition. Like the oaks,these species should be planted in low densities in copse or clump orientations. Erosion control Currently,the non-native grasses stretch to the edge of the Elk river on the west side of the property.This area has no overstory vegetation,and the lack of root structure has caused erosion along the bank.While this is partly a natural process, establishing native vegetation along the bank will help stymie this process. Native prairie and savanna plants have much deeper and more complex root systems than the non-native vegetation currently present. During the restoration process, installation of a silt fence along this stretch of the river would prevent further erosion caused by the removing non-natives and restoring native plants to the area. PRIORITY 3: Supplement pollinator and wildlife habitat This priority will be accomplished through increasing diversity in the prairie, grassland and floodplain units.On the prairie unit,this will be accomplished through focused addition of pockets of herbaceous species as the restoration establishes.A goal of the restoration is to have at least 25 pollinator plants (including common and whorled milkweed) in the prairie and savanna restoration areas.These plants will provide important habitat and resources for pollinator populations in decline across the state and country. Milkweed plants in particular are important habitat and food sources for monarch butterflies,as well as a host of other insect species. Contractors will spot treat or spot burn small plots within the prairie unit,then broadcast seed particular native species into these areas,creating diverse pockets within the broader grassland matrix.Supplemental plantings of plugs can also increase the diversity and coverage of pollinator species,and provide a good opportunity to involve volunteers at the site.Watering events may be necessary depending on seasonal moisture conditions. In the grassland areas,copses of trees (bur oaks) and shrubs can also be planted to add structural diversity to the unit.These species will also provide habitat for myriad insects,birds and other species. Both native herbaceous seed and bare root shrubs and trees will be added to the floodplain unit to increase pollinator and wildlife habitat.This will help fill the open niche created when buckthorn is removed from the unit. Prescribed Burns—More Information Once prairie and savanna are re-established on the property, it is recommended to split the entire site up into burn units,for ease of operation and for ecological Friends of the Mississippi River Bailey Point Nature Preserve NRMP 58