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Big Island Nature Park Management Plan November 2011 <br />____________________________________________________________________________ <br />14 <br /> <br />Invasive species <br />Invasive species were noted during the May 2010 inventory. Common buckthorn was present <br />in the forest as mature shrubs and seedlings. Leafy spurge was co-dominant with smooth <br />brome (Bromus inermis) in the recreation areas. Other invasive species were present in smaller <br />amounts. Some reed canary grass was growing around the wetlands. A few non-native <br />honeysuckles (Lonicera x bella, other Lonicera spp.) were noted in the forest. Cheatgrass <br />(Bromus tectorum) was present near the dock envelope. <br /> <br /> <br />Natural Resource Goals <br />The primary goal of the natural resource plan is to protect the five conservation values listed <br />above. To that end, management objectives for the natural and recreational areas are: <br />1. Management of maple-basswood forest for native community composition, prevention <br />of erosion <br />2. Management of recreation area for reduction in invasive species, prevention of erosion <br />3. Management of wetland areas for native community composition, prevention of <br />erosion, no change in hydrology <br />4. Management of shoreline and bluffs for stabilization and prevention of erosion <br />5. Management to protect special concern species <br /> <br /> <br />Natural Resource Management Recommendations <br />This section outlines management and maintenance practices that will achieve the management <br />objectives. Practices are divided into those that protect species of concern, vegetation <br />restoration and maintenance, and shoreline improvements. Although divided into three areas, <br />the practices are closely related and good management in one area will benefit the others. <br />Future discussions will occur to clearly establish responsibility regarding the roles and <br />responsibilities of the city of Orono and the MCWD in oversight of the Park‘s natural <br />resources. <br />Protecting species of concern <br />Restoration and maintenance activities shall be scheduled to minimize disturbance at the bald <br />eagle nest. Protection of emergent plants and prevention of erosion/sedimentation on the site <br />will benefit listed fish species. In order to protect the listed plant and other species, no <br />collection of native plant material is allowed, with the exception of seed collection for use in <br />restoration on the site. No disturbance or removal of plants is allowed except for management <br />activities described herein. <br />Vegetation maintenance and restoration plan <br />1. Restoration/establishment techniques and strategies for disturbed areas. Prior to <br />seeding or planting, a detailed site preparation and planting plan shall be developed or <br />approved by a qualified restoration ecologist. <br /> Seeding—prairie/woodland edge species are most appropriate in the recreation <br />areas. Seeding shall take place in spring, early summer, or late fall. Node <br />seeding is recommended for the recreation areas. This technique was tested at a <br />Nature Conservancy natural area in Glyndon, MN. Node seeding simulates