DEFINITION

Invasive and exotic plants can generally be defined as species of non-native plants that have either been introduced or have migrated to a location where they do not naturally occur. Occasionally, some native plants are capable of becoming invasive and warrant control. Invasive and exotic plants can be a serious threat to forest ecosystems and natural communities by becoming overly aggressive, ultimately displacing native and other desirable plants.

Invasive and exotic plant species often found to be undesirable in a forest setting include, but are not limited to: bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, kudzu, tree of heaven, garlic mustard, Japanese stilt grass, autumn olive, multiflora rose, and several buckthorn species.

PURPOSE

Treatment activities will encourage the control of invasive and exotic plant species in forested areas, including newly established tree plantings.

Early detection and treatment are necessary to eradicate or control the establishment and spread of invasive and exotic plants in forests. If left unchecked, invasive and exotic plants can threaten forest regeneration, productivity, native plant diversity and wildlife habitat.

MANAGEMENT

Control can be difficult once a population becomes established. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve eradication and are often dependent on species and extent of infestation. Appropriate herbicide applications often provide the most effective long-term control.

Bush Honeysuckle Photo By: Gene Barickman

Other effective methods include mechanical (cutting or specialized machinery), manual (pulling by hand), biological, and prescribed burning. The best results are often achieved by using a combination of methods, such as (cutting + herbicide application) or (cutting + herbicide application + prescribed burning).

SPECIFICATIONS

Treatment of invasive species is often described as a component of a Forest Management Plan (FMP). If applicable, utilize the FMP to derive needed planning and specifications when completing the job sheet. In instances where a FMP does not exist or does not sufficiently describe the extent of infestation, utilize “OPTIONAL WORKSHEET FOR DETERMINING % CANOPY COVER OF TARGET SPECIES” to determine the extent and level of treatment.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Scout infested fields annually for detection of re-growth or re-introduction of species into the site.

Apply follow-up treatments to re-growth of targeted species within the application area.

Target species will be considered eradicated when no longer detectable two growing seasons following the final treatment measure.

FOREST STAND IMPROVEMENT (666) JS – Invasive and Exotic Plant Species in Forestland August 2010Page 1 of 3

ILLINOIS JOB SHEET - 666 AUGUST - 2010

Forest Stand ImprovementInvasive and Exotic Plant

Species in Forestland

SECTION I

LANDOWNER AND PROPERTY INFORMATION:

Landowner:      County:     

Date:      Field Name/Number(s):     

Designed By:      Tract Name/Number(s):     

SECTION II

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDANCE: (Provide detailed site-specific information as needed)

Disposal: Plan how treated material will be disposed before beginning any treatment methods. With cutting applications, stems and branches without berries can be left on site with little to no chance for re-establishment. With pulling methods, ensure all roots are exposed and not in contact with the soil surface to prevent re-sprouting. Other solutions include burning or removing the material for appropriate off-site disposal. If berries are present, destroy branches by burning. If seed heads are present, bagging and removing off site is an effective method.      

Herbicides: If herbicides are used, follow label rates and directions. Be sure to apply herbicide when the target plant is most susceptible to the chemical and the chosen treatment method. When choosing herbicides, review leaching, runoff potential, setback requirements, persistence, and toxicity ratings of chemical formulations. Use the safest available herbicide. Adhere to all application setbacks directed by chemical label for use in proximity to water bodies and other environmentally sensitive areas. Mention of trade names for plant control chemicals is not an endorsement for a particular product.

Attach a reproducible map or aerial photo that shows: (Minimum Scale of 8”=1 Mile) Stand/Unit Boundaries Location & Description of Sensitive Resources (If Applicable) Treatment Area Location & Description of Setbacks (If Applicable) Planned Treatment Year (If Applicable)

SECTION III

FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN INFORMATION (FMP):

FOREST STAND IMPROVEMENT (666) JS – Invasive and Exotic Plant Species in Forestland August 2010Page 2 of 3

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS – INVASIVE AND EXOTIC SPECIES IN FORESTLAND

FMP Date:       FMP Prepared By:      

List stands/units from FMP that include controlling invasive species in the recommendations section.

Stand Number

Stand Acres

% Canopy % Stand

Acres to be treated

Invasive target plant specie(s) to be controlled

                                                                                                                                                                              

SECTION IVSCHEDULE OF TREATMENTS (If available, utilize FMP information from Section III to complete this schedule)

Stand/Unit # Acres o %Canopy % Area

o Treatment Acres

Treatment(Year) (Number)

Target Specie(s) to be controlled

Treatment Method(s)(Cutting, Chemical, Rx Burning,

Pulling, etc.)

Extent AppliedAcres

Description & Date of the Treatment on the Applied Acres

                                                       

                                                       

                                                       

                                                       

SAMPLE 10 50 5 2010 1 Bush Honeysuckle Cut Stump + Chemical (June – November)(25% Solution Glyphosate)

5 Bush Honeysuckle was cut and treated, January 2010 within Unit 2.

SAMPLE 10 2nd Treatment30% re-growth

5 2011 2 Bush Honeysuckle Chemical - Foliar spray re-growth (June –November) (2% Solution Glyphosate)

5 Bush Honeysuckle was foliar sprayed, June 2010 within Unit 2.

FOREST STAND IMPROVEMENT (666) JS – Invasive and Exotic Plant Species in Forestland August 2010 Page 3 of 3

NRCS CHECK

o % Canopy Cover (or) % Area (of the Stand/Unit) of Invasive Specie(s) will be used to determine actual acres of the infestation within a Stand/Unit boundary which has been designated under a Forest Management Plan for a silvicultural purpose. In Stands/Units that are not 100% infested, treatment acres will be calculated by multiplying the % Canopy/Area of invasive species by the total Stand/Unit acreage. When treating invasive species within a larger silvicultural Stand/Unit, it will be understood that invasive species are variably stocked and may be dispersed throughout the entire Stand/Unit boundary. Coverage and treatment will be needed over the entire area.

o Instances where specific treatment unit(s) (e.g. along edge or interior pockets) with a full invasive infestation, % Canopy may be recorded as 100%. Specific treatment units must be designated on a project map or aerial photo.

Include specific application method(s), equipment type, herbicide type and rate, and timing of application(s). Provide reference if methods, herbicide rate, and timing are provided in documentation through an alternative fact sheet, management plan, information sheet, study result, or credible alternate source which is specific for control of the target species.

FOREST STAND IMPROVEMENT (666) JS – Invasive and Exotic Plant Species in Forestland August 2010Page 2 of 3

This practice meets or exceeds USDA/NRCS specifications:

Signature: ________________________________ Date: _________________

Alternative Certification: For FDA/EQIP practice, DNR certification can be documented on the “EQIP Forest Management Practice Certification Form”, and attached.

NRCS CHECK OUTAdditional Specifications and Notes: