09-17-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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HOPE FOR A BIOLOGICAL CONTROL "(rood news came; this month," wrote Cynthia Boyd in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Sept., 26, 2001, "in a $20,000 report commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Natural R.esoui-ces from the Center for Applied il3ioscience hiternational in Delmont, Switzerland. The 100 page research paper includes a list of 14 insects that are possible natural predators (of buckthorn), thus potential control agents." According to Luke Skinner and Jay Rendall, coordinators in the DNB's exotic species program, the feasibility study was completed in 2001, but the entire study may take up to ten years to complete. The next step will be to test the 14 species and determine which ones harm buckthorn exclusively. In the meati -time it is up to us to make an effort to control buckthorn in an ecologically - friendly way. Then we will see the return of our native plants, OVTRWHELMED BY IT ALL? If you've worked in a heavily buckthonl-infested area, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Don't give up. Buckthorn has had decades to get a root -hold ahead of those of us who would like to etimi:nate it. With the conixol methods described here, total elimination oi'buckthorn on a city lot is possible. In larger wooded areas the volume of buckthorn biomass can be staggering. There, it will be a multi-year battle; fust against the large plants, later against the seedlings that will emerge. The cost in terms of hurnan-power, time, equipment, and dollars is high. Reduction of the critical mass is possible; so prioritization is essential. Knowing wha: to do and doing son, ething is far better than leaving the invasion unchecked. See priorities below for a good place to start. BUCKTHORN REDUCTION PRIORITIES FOR THOSE OVERWHELMED CPR WITH A LIMITED BUDGET 1, Survey your site to find pockets of remaining native plants. Clear around these plants first. By doing this you "release" these plants from their buckthorn competition. Protect them :5rom being harmed during cuti,nng and removal. Sometimes these natives are very, very small, the size of sticks; but they are worth protecting, because when they are freed, they bounce back with new growth. Find. a local native; plant expert to help you with identification. Use colored ribbon flagging to mark the special plants to protect. These remnants are the very important local gene pool (plants that are indigenous to your area). 2. Remove or kill female buckthorn first. This stops annual seed production in the area, Mark the; female plants when ever fruit is visible, late; summer through winter, for priority removal. 3. Protect quality wooded areas that are only partially infested first. FOR NEIGHBORHOOD REMOVAL PROJECTS 4. Partner with conservation groups, your city, garden clubs, other neighborhood volunteers. 5. Search locally for potential grant funding, then write grant proposals. Ask local businesses and fowndations for assistance. 6. Prioritize buckthorn removals to be in high-profile areas; f'or example, along bike paths, parkways, and in parks. 'l. Publicize what you're doing;: put up informational signs in the: project area; distribute flyers to nearby residents; write an article for your local paper or association. 8. Stop to answer questions of all those who inquire while you are working. These methods sound like a lot of work, and frankly it is. The lbenefits of organizing ia project are many. When'[. began to organize projects in my neighborhood, I met neighbors for the first time after living or.ly a few doors away f'or many years. You will be proud of your work when you see how the natives respond to release. Helping to preserve a small piece of our diminishing native woodlands, savannas and wetlands is noble indeed. Good luck. "cc page 8 for references and where to go for more information.