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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 2,2015 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> strangle trees, reduces light available for tree growth, and the added vine weight can break tree branches. <br /> Oriental bittersweet likes to grow near prickly ash, plum, and dogwood trees. <br /> Isackson noted there is an American bittersweet plant that is very important for wildlife but looks very <br /> similar to the Oriental bittersweet. The female Oriental bittersweet plant will have fruit with yellow <br /> capsules found at the leaf axils and the American bittersweet has fruit with orange capsules at the terminal <br /> ends of branches. Isackson noted buckthorn seeds are viable for five years and the fruit of the Oriental <br /> bittersweet typically will live only two to three years. <br /> Isackson displayed maps of the infestation areas for the different invasive species. Isackson noted the <br /> EDD Maps is an early detection and distribution mapping system and is available to the public. <br /> Meyers asked if the City has any information on how to identify the plants. <br /> Edwards stated the Public Works employees know what some of the various invasive species look like, <br /> and if they have a question,they send the weed inspector out. <br /> Pesek asked what Three Rivers does to help control the spread. <br /> Isackson stated if it is a large infestation,they will spray the overall area; and with a smaller infestation, <br /> they will perform spot spraying. Isackson stated they have tried different chemicals but that typically <br /> 2-4-D is the most effective for removing the invasive species. <br /> Isackson stated people are becoming more aware of invasive species and that Three Rivers does put signs <br /> out to warn the public if there is an infestation. In order to help combat the problem, Three Rivers has <br /> started to map and rate the various areas the different invasive species has been identified. Once an <br /> invasive species has been identified,volunteers will remove as much of it as possible. <br /> Three Rivers has also created an Adopt-a-Woodlot program and the WorkCleanGo program. The <br /> WorkCleanGo program helps to educate public works departments on the importance of avoiding areas <br /> with invasive plants that have gone to seed and cleaning off their equipment before moving to the next <br /> site. The PlayCleanGo program helps to inform the recreationalists of the various invasive species and <br /> what to watch out for in an effort to stop its spread. <br /> Isackson displayed a picture of a sign that they use to help inform people of an infestation of wild parsnip. <br /> Isackson indicated the signs are approximately$20 apiece, which does not include the cost of installation. <br /> The Three Rivers Park system has over 20 parks at the present time. Isackson stated they have been <br /> prioritizing the parks based on the level of invasive species that have been found and a removal priority <br /> list has been created for 2016. Isackson stated they also apply for state and federal grants to help offset <br /> the costs associated with the replanting. <br /> The invasive species watch list includes: yellow star thistle,Grecian foxglove, oriental bittersweet, <br /> Japanese hops, Dalmation toadflax,and common teasel,Japanese barberry,burning bush, amur maple, <br /> and spotted nap weed. Isackson stated early detection is the key to controlling the spread of these plants <br /> and that Three Rivers Parks has active detection networks,which is a great way to share data with the <br /> public and other government agencies. Isackson stated once a report comes in on an invasive species, <br /> Page 2 of 9 <br />