01-04-2016 Park Commission Packet

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