8.0 PRSR 03-09-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Hunting There is no hunting allowed at Bailey Point. However,since the neighboring WHHCA will be open to hunting,there will be several measures that need to be taken in order to ensure that the property is not affected. First,much of the restoration will occur after the property has been opened to hunting. Restoration crews will need to be alerted to the fact that hunting is permitted on the neighboring property,and should wear brightly colored clothing to denote their presence.While this is standard for most contractors,care should be taken to remind them of this during the RFP and site visit process.Temporary signage should also be erected at the parking are to alert visitors that restoration is occurring on the property.While the presence of crews will likely be obvious to visitors,signs will serve as a reminder that crews may be on the property. Aside from the restoration process,the property must be monitored to ensure that no hunting is occurring.When hunting the neighboring property,the temptation to take birds and other animals on Bailey Point will be present given its proximity and visibility.While enforcement of these regulations should not be tasked to FMR, routine ecological monitoring should include checking for tree stands and other structures erected on the property.Semi-permanent structures should be reported and removed,as they can influence the use of the property by wildlife.Any other activities should be reported to the city and other necessary authorities. Tree Disease (Oak Wilt, BOB, DED, EAB, etc.) Dutch Elm Disease and Emerald Ash Borer There are many elms and large green ash trees growing within the floodplain forests along the Elk and Mississippi Rivers at the site.These trees are not only ecologically valuable but are also at high risk to attack from non-native tree pests.Elms are susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease and Ash are susceptible to Emerald Ash Borer. These tree pests have caused widespread mortality of elms and ash throughout the eastern United States and in Minnesota. Dutch Elm disease is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Ceratocystis ulmi,which is native to Asia,and is spread by both native and non-native bark beetles (family: Curculionidae). Once the fungus is introduced onto a tree,the tree reacts by sealing its own xylem tissues (conduits of water and nutrients) to prevent further spread. This effectively prevents water and nutrients from reaching the upper branches, causing gradual die-off as more and more of the xylem is sealed.Symptoms include a yellowing and browning of leaves that spreads from the outer crown toward the Friends of the Mississippi River Bailey Point Nature Preserve NRMP 65