HomeMy WebLinkAboutSMP-Pipes Cove PropertiesStewardship Management Plan for the Town’s Pipes Cove Properties
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Town of Southold
Stewardship Management Plan for the Town’s Pipes Cove Properties
Latest Revision: June 6, 2010
Adopted by the Town Board on June 29th, 2010 by resolution 2010-475.
Properties included in plan:
SCTM# Location Project Funding Acquisition Pursuant To
1000-45.-5-5 70380 Route 25 Reese CPF Chapter 185
1000-45.-5-7.3 1650 Shore Rd Stackler CPF Chapter 185
1000-53.-3-2 1900 Pipes Neck Rd Carroll CPF Chapter 185
1000-53.-2-5 700 Pipes Neck Rd Waldron CPF Chapter 185
1000-53.-1-7 579 Pipes Neck Rd Posillico CPF Chapter 185
1000-53.-3-15.1 1945 Pipes Neck Rd Posillico CPF Chapter 185
Purposes of Property Acquisitions
These properties were purchased for the purposes of passive recreational/educational uses, the protection
and restoration of natural resources and the natural scenic views of the properties. Proposed uses of the
properties included the establishment of a nature preserve, a passive recreational area with trails and
limited parking for access to the properties.
Special Conditions
Since the Town, due to assistance that TNC (The Nature Conservancy) has provided, has agreed via
resolution that TNC will work with the Town on developing management plans for any open space
acquisitions within the Pipes Cove area and since the properties noted above are all within the Pipes Cove
area TNC will be consulted and involved in the development of the stewardship management plan for
these properties prior to its adoption as well as subsequent adoptions of any changes to the plan.
Prohibited Activities
All activities not related to the purposes of the property acquisitions are prohibited.
Town Approval of Activities
No activities related to the purposes of the property acquisitions are allowed on the property without the
explicit approval of the Town Board except for the activities listed in the Allowed Activities section
below. Town Board approvals will be based on recommendations of the Land Preservation Committee.
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Allowed Activities
Section I Public Uses
A. Posillico beach parcel SCTM# 1000-53.-3-15.1 at the end of Pipes Neck Rd only
Access shall be from dawn to dusk unless posted otherwise or approved per the Town Approval of
Activities section above.
Hiking, jogging, walking.
Fishing and shellfishing.
Nature walks/surveys, bird watching, citizen science surveys.
Star gazing.
B. Reese & Stackler properties only
Deer hunting per the Town’s official Deer Management Program.
C. Throughout the properties
Participation in the General Activities outlined below.
Section II General Activities
Inventories of the properties including flora, fauna, trails, trash, archaeological features, structures and
any other aspects provided that conducting such inventories does not alter or damage the properties.
Invasive species control and removal provided a formal invasive species plan using Best Management
Practices is approved, made part of this management plan and followed. The invasive species plan will be
updated, expanded and amended as needed based on monitoring of the property for the extent of invasive
species present.
Clean up of man made trash provided such clean up does not damage the properties.
Section III Infrastructure
Posting of Town Open Space, No Hunting and Deer Management program signs.
The existing improved road known as Shore Rd will be maintained in a condition suitable for the private
home owners who have legal access over it to access their properties and for the Town to access the
Stackler property.
The existing pedestrian bridge at the end of Pipes Neck Road that provides access to the Posillico beach
parcel SCTM#1000-53.-3-15.1 may be maintained and repaired within its existing footprint. This bridge
shall not be converted for vehicular access to the beach.
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Appendices
1. Invasive Species Eradication Plan
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Appendix 1
Invasive Species Eradication Plan
What follows is the grant application for a grant that has been awarded to the Town of Southold by the
NYS DEC for funds to eradicate invasive phragmites from the Reese and Stackler Properties at Pipes
Cove in Greenport. The application includes a detailed plan for the eradication of phragmites using
currently accepted Best Management Practices. For the purposes of this Stewardship Management Plan it
will be assumed that the Town may proceed with the plan for the Reese and Stackler properties included
below regardless of whether or not the contractor noted is the actual contractor hired for the work. In
addition the Town may proceed with the eradication of invasive phragmites from the other properties
included in this Stewardship Management plan as per the eradication plan below.
Aquatic Invasive Species Eradication Grant Program
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233-4756
Attn: Timothy Sinnott
June 29, 2007
Project title:
PIPES COVE PHRAGMITES REMOVAL
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A.
PROJECT NARRATIVE:
Applicant Information: Town of Southold
Town Hall Annex
Office of Planning
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Project Contact: Mark Terry
Mark.Terry@town.southold.ny.us
(631) 765-1938 ext 5022
Tax status: Government Agency
Project Name: Pipes Cove Phragmites Removal
Project locations: (1) 70380 Main Road (Route 25), Greenport, Town of Southold, Suffolk
County, New York and
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(2) 1653, 1650, 2075 Shore Drive and no # on Silvermere Road, Greenport,
Town of Southold, Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk County Tax Map#s: (1) 1000-45-5-5
(2) 1000-53-1-18, 47-2-33, 47-2-34, 45-5-7.1, 45-5-7.2
This project is located in NYSDEC Region One.
1. Goal and Objectives of the Project
The Town of Southold proposes to remove the invasive plant species Phragmites australis from 3.6 acres
of marine wetlands located in the Pipes Cove Watershed. These wetlands have been historically impacted
due to the construction of roads, ditches, and a railroad track encouraging the invasion of this plant
throughout the marsh. The Phragmites will be manually cut and wicked over a period of three years. A
five year monitoring program will be established to record the success of the project and identify areas in
need of follow up treatment. .
The goal of the project is to permanently remove the Phragmites from the affected wetland and encourage
the recolonization of the areas with native plant species. Phragmites is one of the most invasive and
damaging plants to coastal wetlands in the Long Island marine environment. Hundreds of acres of salt
marsh vegetation have been lost due to the plants robust growth habit and broad tolerance. Few plants can
out compete Phragmites in a disturbed landscape. Once it has established, it spreads rapidly by long
underground stolons throughout the ecosystem. The removal of the Phragmites as proposed will improve
the entire ecosystem of the salt marsh.
.
2. Site Description
A. Locations: (1) 70380 Main Road (Route 25), Greenport, Town of Southold, Suffolk
County, New York and
(2) 1653, 1650, 2075 Shore Drive and no # on Silvermere Road, Greenport,
Town of Southold, Suffolk County, New York
This proposal will eradicate the Phragmites from two adjacent project sites. The first site is located south
of New York State Route 25, 100’ west of Silvermere Road, Greenport, Town of Southold, Suffolk
County, New York. The total parcel is 47 acres. Phragmites monocultures comprise 2.2 acres of the site
in the woodland high marsh ecotone. The remaining area consists of vacant woodland that is bisected by
a high and low salt marsh. See attached map for area titled Parcel 1.
The second site is located on a town owned property of 38.2 acres. The parcel begins approximately 569
feet south of Route 25, along the westerly side of Shore Drive where Shore Drive intersects with lands of
the Long Island Rail Road. It is bordered on the east by Shore Drive, on the south by Pipes Cove, to the
west by Pipes Neck Creek, and north by lands of the Long Island Rail Road. The tidal wetland comprises
8 acres of the parcel.
B. Type: Tidal marsh
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Phragmites monocultures are located in woodland and salt marsh on the ecotone. The size of Phragmites
infestation is 1.4 acres. This second site is adjacent to the original site, Parcel 1. Both are part of the Pipes
Cove watersheds. The area for removal of Phragmites is marked on the attached map, in red, and is titled
Parcel 2.
The ecological significance of the Pipes Cove Watershed is high. The project sites are connected to the
Peconic Estuary which was accepted into the National Estuary Program in September 1992, creating the
Peconic Estuary Program. The wetlands proposed for restoration are connected to over 400 acres of
wetlands, uplands, beaches, ponds, creeks, and submerged lands at Pipes’ Cove including the
Arshamomaque Wetlands system north of the site, that have been targeted for protection as part of the
Peconic Estuary Program’s Critical Lands Protection Strategy. This project pieces were purchased for
protection by an agreement between the Town of Southold, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service,
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Town
of Southold.
The National Estuary Program was established by the Clean Water Act of 1987 to promote long-term
planning and management in nationally significant estuaries threatened by pollution, development, or
overuse. Within the Peconic Estuary Program’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan,
invasive species, specifically Phragmites australis, are highlighted as a grave threat to the Peconic
System and notes that habitat restoration should be a priority. The Pipes Cove Complex, where this
project is situated, is within a PEP Critical Natural Resource Area - a PEP designation given to areas of
particular ecological significance.
In addition, the project sites are located in a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
designated Critical Environmental Area, and a New York State Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat.
The sites contain Phragmites australis as a predominant plant species. The Phragmites australis occurs as
several monocultures throughout the tidal marsh. Adjacent to the Phragmites australis areas, is a large
healthy saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens) marsh, containing several tidal marsh plant and animal
species, including the following:
Salt Marsh Plant Species
Saltwater cord grass (Spartina alterniflora), along the edges of the ditches
Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens), is the predominant plant species
Spikegrass (Distichlis spicata), throughout the marsh
Blackgrass (Juncus gerardi)
Sea lavender (Limonium carolinianum)
Glasswort (Salicornia eurpaea)
Groundsel tree (Baccharis halimifolia)
Marsh elder (Iva frutescens)
A variety of indigenous invertebrates were also observed, including:
Mud snail (Nassarius obsoletus)
Salt marsh snail (melampus bidentatus),
Rough periwinkle (Littorina saxatilis),
Ribbed mussel (Modiolus demissus),
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Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)
Green crab (Carcinus maenas)
Marsh crab (Sesarma reticulatum)
Fiddler crabs (Uca pugnax and Uca minax)
Amphipods
Vertebrates include the Common mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) and the Northern diamond back
terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).
C. Size: 3.6 acres
D. Mean and maximum depths: N/A
E. Shoreline: undeveloped
F. Said parcel is publicly owned land and accessible to the public.
G. Said parcel is undeveloped.
H. Habitat is described above.
3. Work Proposed
A. Species targeted for eradication: Common reed (Phragmites australis)
B. – E. Detailed below and in previous paragraphs.
The cut-stem treatment method will be used to eradicate the Phragmites australis from the sites with the
application of Glyphosate (AquaPro or Touchdown Pro; a systemic herbicide; also under the brand name
Rodeo) in the fall for a three year period, followed by cutting each year. The method of herbicide
application depends on the density of the Phragmites and proximity of other desirable plants.
The Phragmites monocultures will be treated via manually wicking or backpack spraying dependent upon
plant density. Herbicide shall be applied in the early fall, September through October for a period of three
years. The herbicide Glyphosate will be applied at a 1% to 1.5% solution. Once plants have died, plants
will be cut at ground level, manually raked and removed from site.
Follow-up treatments will be applied as necessary over a three year period. . .
The cut stem treatment to control the Phragmites has been done at several wetland
sites. Currently the Nature Conservancy, using this same company (Allied
Biological) is progressing on 2 sites in the Town of East Hampton. Injecting the cut
stems of Phragmites australis with Rodeo after the tassel stage (mid-September-
October) is very effective. The seeds are often not viable and germination and
successful seedling establishment is rare, so it is not worthwhile to remove the
flowers.
The cut-stem treatment kills most of the underground root system because there
has been little to no re-sprouting 2 years after control. This method results in
minimal off-target damage. It will take three years to treat several small infestations
of Phragmites on this preserve using both Allied biological staff and Town
employees.
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A more formal and specific methodology and plan will be proposed by Allied Biological
when they are contracted to eradicate the Phragmites. Allied Biological in Hackettstown,
New Jersey has agreed to do the cutting, spraying, and removal of the Phragmites australis.
Here is a description of their techniques from their website. They have completed a similar
restoration in Hook Pond and Long Creek, East Hampton, New York. A complete plan will
be proposed by them if the grant is approved. The following is from their website
http://www.alliedbiological.com/
Invasive Species Control Techniques
With more than fifteen years of hands-on experience Allied Biological is the leader in providing
comprehensive management services for control of invasive wetland plants. We pioneered the methodology
used to apply herbicides via ground equipment to large wetland areas. Using a variety of amphibious
vehicles, we are able to spray large tracts of phragmites and other wetland
plants while avoiding the drift issues that accompany aerial applications.
With platforms mounted on the vehicles, herbicides can be applied just
above the top of the plants, and hand-directed spray can be used when
desirable plants and target plants are interspersed.
In more sensitive areas, herbicides can be applied by backpack sprayer,
mechanical wicking device or hand-wicking. Our technical staff is
experienced in the identification and protection of desirable plants during an herbicide application, and
regularly performs invasive plant control work in Wildlife Refuges, Parks and Preserves.
Allied Biological, Inc. incorporates cutting and mulching of invasive
species into many of its wetland restoration projects. Using a low ground
pressure, rubber-tracked vehicle with a specialized cutting attachment,
we mow large stands of dead Phragmites australis canes. Cutting this
invasive species, in conjunction with herbicide treatment, is generally
more effective in restoring wetlands than use of either method alone.
Such mechanical removal of the vegetation also expedites the
reestablishment of native plants.
The herbicide Rodeo is the most common herbicide employed for Phragmites control, and can be
effective in controlling monocultures of this plant. Rodeo is a moderately toxic herbicide containing
glyphosate, the same active ingredient as Roundup, the common lawn and garden herbicide. The
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glyphosate in Rodeo is not, however, pre-mixed with a surfactant. As described above, this nonselective
herbicide is absorbed through plant leaves and translocated to plant roots, where it disrupts an enzyme
essential to protein production. Cell disruption, decreased growth, and death of the plant root and rhizome
eventually follow (Rilling, 1998a).
Rodeo should be applied to actively growing plants following pollination and tasseling (between July and
September; Magee, 1981; Marks, Lapin & Randall, 1993). Rodeo is generally applied at a rate of 4-6
pints per acre (Cross & Fleming, 1989; Rilling, 1998a).
Rodeo should be applied during warm, sunny weather with no rain forecast for a minimum of 12 hours.
Low wind conditions are also necessary to prevent spray drift onto non-target vegetation (OLISP, 1998;
Rilling, 1998a). Rodeo has been applied using techniques ranging from manual spray equipment
transported by backpack, to aerial application from a helicopter. Size of stand, accessibility, and proximity
to rare plant species or other priority vegetation must be considered when planning herbicide application
(Cross & Fleming, 1989). Wilting and yellowing generally begins within a week following application,
and browning and deterioration of roots should be complete within 6-8 weeks (Rilling, 1998a). Removal
of plants after shoots turn brown will assist recolonization by other plant species.
Rodeo is highly absorbent on substrates with high organic content, where it becomes inert, and non-
volatile. Rodeo is degraded into natural products, e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas, phosphate, and water,
by soil microorganisms between 1 and 174 days (CCE, 1998a; Weinstein, 1996; Rilling, 1998a). Because
glyphosate is strongly adsorbed to suspended organic materials, it has half life of 12 days to 10 weeks in
natural waters (CCE, 1998a; Rilling, 1998a). For this reason it is recommended that Rodeo be mixed with
distilled water prior to application to minimize absorbance onto particulate organic materials in tap or
other water, decreasing the effectiveness of application. Rodeo has been approved by the U.S. EPA for
use in aquatic systems (Cross & Fleming, 1989). The protein production enzyme disrupted by glyphosate
is found only in plants (Rilling, 1998a). Rodeo is therefore considered of low toxicity for humans, birds,
mammals, fishes, and aquatic invertebrates (Rilling, 1998a). There is low potential for accumulation of
glyphosate in the environment or in animal tissues. No reproductive, teratogenic, mutagenic,
carcinogenic, or organ toxicity effects have been found in field and laboratory evidence.
Rodeo must be mixed with a surfactant prior to application. The surfactant acts as a wetting agent,
softening the waxy layer on plant surfaces and allowing glyphosate to be absorbed. Without a surfactant,
the herbicide “balls up” on the leaf surface (CCE, 1998a; C. Rilling, personal communication). Some
surfactants used with glyphosate (e.g., Induce or Chemsurf 90) may have toxic effects for humans and the
environment. For example, the surfactant additive found in Roundup is a modified tallow amine toxic to
fish (CCE, 1998a). Roundup should therefore not be used for the control of Phragmites australis in
aquatic environments. It should be noted that pesticide application is a regulated activity in the State of
New York. Department of Environmental Conservation permit staff must be consulted prior to planning
and undertaking any pesticide applications for Phragmites australis control.
4. People Involved in the Project, Qualifications, and their roles
Glenn Sullivan, President, Allied Biological, and staff biologists, experienced in the
eradication of Phragmites australis along the east coast
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Town of Southold staff employees working on project:
Mark Terry, Principal Planner, LWRP Coordinator, Town of Southold, since 2002.
B.S. in Environmental Science, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry,
Syracuse, New York. Mark will be the project manager. Currently a planner with
Southold, he has many years experience in marsh restoration projects in Florida.
He will implement the different segments of the project, monitor the success of the
eradication, and record the results of the project.
John Sepenoski, GIS specialist.
Technical Coordinator for project, Data Processing Department, Town Hall, Southold. Masters Degree in
Engineering from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. John will update the maps using GIS equipment
in the field to record the areas of Phragmites removal. He will prepare the maps for the project showing
areas of eradication.
Heather Cusack, Environmental Technician for the Town of Southold; B.A. in Human Ecology from
Connecticut College, New London, Ct.; NYS Provisional Teaching Degree in Secondary Education in
Biology from Dowling College, Oakdale, New York. Heather will apply for all necessary permits, and
assist Mark in the monitoring of the project site.
Melissa Spiro, Land Preservation Department. Masters in Community Planning and Area development
from the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, R.I. Planner with Southold Town since January 1988.
Land Preservation Coordinator since 2000. Melissa is the Town contact for all information regarding the
Town owned lands, stewardship of the land, and permission from the Town for the project.
Town employees from the Department of Public Works under the direction of department head Jim
McMahon. These Town employees will do the actual field work that is necessary after the contractor has
completed their work. They will dispose of the Phragmites at the Town landfill and do any needed follow
up mowing or Phragmites removal as well as replanting of native plants in specific areas.
Town staff will be involved in the technical aspects of the project plan and
implementation, obtaining permits from required agencies, post treatment
monitoring and data collection at the project site, mowing, removal, and disposal of
Phragmites, and replanting of native species if needed.
5. Significant resources on the property.
The salt marsh adjacent to the project area will not be negatively impacted by the
herbicide application, Phragmites australis cutting or removal. There will be no
disturbance to the Spartina patens tidal marsh next to the Phragmites australis. All
necessary precautions will be taken to protect the healthy marsh. In the long run it
will be a positive affect on the tidal wetland to restore the Phragmites australis area,
increase tidal flow in that area, increase the biodiversity of the habitat, and reverse
the trend of wetland loss due to Phragmites australis invasion. The removal of
Phragmites australis will also increase wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and
enhance “viewsheds”.
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6. Past Efforts
There have been no efforts in the past to prevent, control or eradicate Phragmites
australis on these parcels.
7. Long term monitoring plan
The project site will be monitored by Town staff. The areas slated for eradication will be
photographed before and after each phase of the project. Transects will be established for
monitoring the affect of the project on the plants. The area will be monitored over several
years. Maps and layers within the Town’s wetland inventory will be updated as the project
progresses. The Town will monitor and update the GIS information on the Town’s wetland
maps.
Within the transects and quadrat areas the plants will be measured and counted. The site
will also be used as a test site for other possible projects. Other projects may include the use
of the site and the data in education/stewardship projects with area schools and the
education of the public on Phragmites australis and other invasive species eradication
throughout Southold Town.
Salt marsh vegetation (primarily Spartina alterniflora and S. patens) may be lost as a result of
chemical and physical changes in the ecosystem and through competitive exclusion by invasive
species. Even minor changes in the elevation or salinity of salt marsh habitats will enhance
competitive exclusion, especially by common reed. Phragmites australis is indigenous to the
northeast (Orson et al., 1987); however, an invasive form from Europe that spreads rapidly
through brackish and freshwater marsh habitats is now believed to be present in North America
(Besitka, 1996; Casagrande, 1997; R. Rozsa, personal communication).
Once established, Phragmites shades existing vegetation and hinders the germination and
growth of other species. Phragmites stands are also thought to provide inferior nesting habitat
for many marsh birds (Howe et al., 1978), including seaside sparrow, sharp-tailed sparrow, and
willet. These marsh specialists are adapted to nesting in short grasses like Spartina patens and
Distichlis spicata (Benoit, 1997). Conversion of salt marsh to Phragmites monocultures alters
detrital cycling patterns due to the slower degradation rate of Phragmites’ woody stalks, and
increases the likelihood of fire as dead, woody stems accumulate (Niering & Warren, 1980). The
slower degradation rate of Phragmites stalks can also raise the elevation of the marsh, thereby
decreasing the area that can be flooded with salt water by tidal flow and further promoting
Phragmites australis invasion (T. Diers, personal communication). Stands of Phragmites,
growing up to 14 feet in height, are often considered to negatively impact the “viewshed” in an
area (Tiner, 1987; Eastman, 1995).
COMMON REED CONTROL—MONITORING PROTOCOL
The New York State Salt Marsh and Monitoring Program will be applied to the area post treatment.
1) Principle parties:
Monitoring will be performed by Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Coordinator
and Town of Southold Environmental Technician.
2) Purpose of the protocol:
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This monitoring protocol is designed to assess the progress towards, and the success or failure of, the
restoration project.
3) Monitoring Duration Period
Project areas will be monitored for a period of 5 years,
4) Monitoring Protocol Design:
a. Transects: A total of four evenly spaced transects will be located with in the project area.
Transects shall run perpendicular to the mosquito ditch located in the center of the project site to
the landward edge of the project. Transect locations will be permanently marked at the each end
using PVC poles.
c. Quadrants: One meter square quadrants will be established at even intervals along the each
transect. Quadrants corners will be delineated using PVC piping. Taxonomy, percent cover, stem
density and height of each species occurring in the quadrant will be recorded.
b. Permanent fixed-point photo stations: Four permanent photostations for photographic
monitoring will be established at the origin of each transect. All photographs shall be in the form
of color prints no smaller than 4" x 6". In addition all quadrants will be photographed and
submitted within the reports during the monitoring program
5) Monitoring Reporting Requirements:
Annual monitoring reports shall be submitted by October 30th to all applicable
agencies fro a period of five years. Reports shall include labeled photographs, as well as a brief summary
of the collected data.
Evaluation of Herbicide Treatments
A variety of Phragmites australis herbicide application techniques will be developed and
evaluated depending on characteristics of the vegetation in the immediate area and the
evaluation by Glenn Sullivan of Allied Biological.
A report will be put together at the completion of three years to show the affects of the
treatments on the Phragmites australis.
8. Resolution from the Town Board approving application and matching
funds
See attached.
9. SEQRA/Permit Issues
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation requires permits
for the cutting and spraying of Phragmites australis. They have been contacted for
approval and preliminary discussions suggest that this project will be approved.
Recently a similar project was approved in East Hampton. During the application
process the SEQRA forms will also be filed and reviewed.
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Resources/reference guide:
New York State Salt Marsh Restoration and Monitoring Guidelines
Prepared by Nancy L Niedowski for the NYS Department of State
Division of Coastal Resources and the NYSDEC Bureau of Marine Resources
December 15, 2000
Ecological Restoration and Enhancement of Southampton Town owned tidal
wetlands
Prepared by Christopher Pickerell
Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program, Suffolk County
March 1995
Attachment B. Project Budget
1. Phragmites australis cutting, spraying and removal by Allied Biological
Allied Biological estimate for herbicide application and cutting
$9,400/year for two years Total $18,800
4,500 just herbicide, third year 4,500
1,700 raking and removal 1,700
Travel and lodging for staff 5,000
Total cost: $30,000
2. Work completed by Town of Southold staff:
Hours Cost in dollars
GIS mapping/ updating wetland layer 50 2,150
Post treatment monitoring 150 4,800
Project management 150 5,400
Costs associated with permits 20 1,100
Post treatment 60 3,520
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Research 10 320
Prevention of re-infestation/Planting 100 3,200
Education 10 520
Use of Town equipment 80 hours x $60/hour = 4,800
Travel 700
Costs for supplies, materials, chemicals, and 700
materials required to execute the project
Costs associated with the removal and disposal
of dead plant or animal material produced as a result
of the successful execution of the project 1,790
Costs associated with fulfilling regulatory obligations
(e.g., public notification, providing alternative sources
of drinking water, etc.) directly related to the execution of the project 500
Costs for directly related consultant and legal services; 500
Total match from Town employees, equipment, and supplies $30,000
Attachment C. Project Schedule
1. September 2007
Begin project by collecting field data for project site. Take photos and compile data on plant species.
Contract with Allied Biological to begin eradication process.
2. Fall 2007
First treatment/herbicide application/cutting of phragmites; raking and removal of phragmites
cuttings.
3. Continuous monitoring of site, on a weekly basis; check plants, set up transects and quadrats, take
photos.
4. Spring 2008
Check site for plant growth. Mow or cut phragmites. Continue with Allied Biological protocol.
Continue to collect data on transects.
5. Fall 2008
Second herbicide treatment and cutting.
6. Continue to monitor site and collect data.
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7. Fall 2009
Last herbicide application. Collect data before and after application.
8. Growing season 2010: Evaluate success of eradication and plan any needed maintenance program to
keep phragmites from reestablishing. Determine the need for planting of native species where they
have not filled in. Plant where needed.
9. Prepare a final report on program.
Attachment D. Resolution
See attached resolution
Attachment E. Maps and Photographs
1. Map/aerial showing two parcels for phragmites eradication
2. Tax map showing location of parcels
3. Locator map showing parcels.
4. Photos of site and other aerials.
Attachment F. Invasive Species Management Plan
1. Problem statement
Maps: Attached here are maps and aerials indicating areas currently infested with the invasive plant
Phragmites.
Identification of target aquatic invasive species: Target species is a well known plant that was
identified by staff biologists.
History of infestation: The area has been invested for over 20 years with the phragmites, according
to local knowledge of the area and past aerial photography. The infestation is increasing; the plants
send out runners, and the plant is popping out throughout the marsh each season.
Uses impaired: The invasive species is invading an otherwise healthy marsh, decreasing the species
diversity, habitat cover and food value, and blocking the viewshed of the area.
Rare/endangered/species of concern:
Diamond back terrapin
Horseshoe crabs
Piping Plover
Osprey
Great egret
Least tern
Common tern
2. Management History
There is no previous management history of this site. The Town only recently purchased the land
where the wetland is located (2005).
3. Management Objectives
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Extent of Preferred Control: The objective is to eradicate all the phragmites from the wetlands on
the two parcels over a 3 year period.
Expected Use Benefits: The benefit to the ecosystem as a whole is that the wetland will be restored
to an ecologically healthier system. The phragmites have currently replaced native species, that have
greater habitat and food resource value to the species that inhabit the marsh. Eradication of the
phragmites will allow for the native species to reestablish in the project areas. A healthier marsh will
provide all the values that wetlands offer to an estuary: habitat for birds and marine organisms,
nursery grounds, flood control, food, nutrients, pollution filtration, buffering of storm impacts, as
well as aesthetic values.
Critical Areas to Protect: The project wetland provides habitat and buffering for the adjacent creek,
cove, and bay. The area to protect include all these areas: Pipes Cove Creek, Pipes Cove, Peconic
Bay.
4. Management Alternatives
Local control- This would be very time consuming and labor intensive. The Town has several Town
owned wetlands with phragmites infestations, but its staff is very limited in time available to work on
removing the plant. The other problem with working only on a small area is that the other phragmites
will continue to seed that area.
Lakewide control:
- Physical/mechanical control: this is part of what is being proposed for this grant. The plants will be
cut and physically removed.
-Biological control: there are methods using the introduction of herbivorous insects to eradicate the
phragmites. Our research shows there are problems with this method and we do not propose trying it.
-Chemical control- As described in the project narrative we do propose to use an herbicide on the
invasive plant species.
No Action Alternative- Management of the phragmites by no action will most probably result in the
increase of phragmites throughout the marsh. This is not an alternative that the Town wants to
follow.
Preferred Alternative- As proposed.
Integrated management- Not at this time.
5. Pre-During and Post Treatment Actions Planned
Monitoring- Aquatic Invasive Species- At the completion of the project, the cutting and spraying, a
long term monitoring plan will be implemented. Transects will be set up and monitored weekly in
season to count the plants. The long term maintenance will include continued cutting and mowing of
any future phragmites that grows on the marsh. The work will be conducted by employees of the
Town of Southold. The project may also possibly be monitored by a school group as part of the
educational component. The data and photos that are collected will be compiled into a report to
monitor the success of the various methods of eradication.
Early response- Frequent monitoring of the site will identify any new invasives after the completion
of the project. These will be cut or mowed. Educational programs may be set up using the project site
as a test model for eradication in other wetlands within the Town.
Source Management- The Town will publish in the local paper information on the eradication
project, and also prepare a flyer that will be distributed at Town Hall.
Evaluation of Efficacy- The final site inspections will evaluate the success of the project. Positive
affects on fisheries may include water quality improvements in the adjacent creek, which is currently
closed to shell fishing. A final survey will be distributed to all involved to evaluate the success of the
project.
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Attachment G. Ownership Documentation and Permission
The subject wetland is located on lands owned by the Town of Southold. This project as proposed
required permission from the Town Board and the Land Preservation Commission. These Boards
have given permission for the eradication grant to be applied for, and to commence the work needed.
Attached here is a copy of the tap map showing the location of the wetland, and attached tax sheet
showing the ownership as the Town of Southold.
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