The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutConserving and Reclaiming Native Grasslands 2011 • 1 F � i NO Ail s w Conserving and Reclaiming Native • CREATES WILDLIFE HABITATAS WELL As RECREATIONAL FISHERS ISLAND CONSERVANCY • 8- 16-2011 e - - WU7 Jel AA 46 44, Wv ly f � •:r w '•, � 1 ;,� .�. � 'fir +} � � y .ry.•,' �,' rk r 1 I, r{CPN' r eil`y ` 17 yg�` WHAT is HABITAT? HABITAT IS AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH PROVIDES: 1 . VERTICAL PROTECTION FROM AERIAL PREDATORS - THINK HAWKS EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR 2. HORIZONTAL PROTECTION FROM RACCOONS, FERAL CATS, COYOTES EMERY DAY OF THE YEAR 3. FOOD, FOOD, FOOD.. . EVERYDAY OF THE YEAR FOR EVERYLIFEFORm.. INSECT, MAMMAL, BIRD, REPTILE INDIGENOUS AND MIGRATORY THE MAIN ENGINES OF FOOD PRODUCTION ARE THE GRASSLANDS, AS THEY PRODUCE FLOWER NECTAR, SEEDS AND INSECTS AND GRASSLANDS ARE THE RAREST OF ALL OUR ENVIRONMENTS, SHRUB LANDS AND FORESTS SHARE THE DEFINITION OF HABITAT THIS is HABITAT AT THE AIRPORT 2009 : Al AN r AA AND THIS IS HABITAT AT HAY HARBOR 2 ND TEE 2009 : r s AND THIS IS REINVIGORATED HABITAT AT RACE POINT IN AUGUST, 2011 : a r " AMID THIS IS REINVIGORATED HABITAT AT THE PARADE GROUND , JULY 2011 : r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - i THIS IS GRASSLAND BUT NOT HABITAT. 2010 : LACKS HEIGHT, PATCHY, SMALL, INVASIVES, SMALL SCALE, INEFFICIENT TO BURN DISCONNECTED, NWSG AT RISK, INEFFICIENT TO BURN t r HAVING SPENT MUCH TIME, EFFORT AND TREASURE WE NEED TO DEVELOP MORE HABITAT SOLUTIONS TO FOREST AND SHRUB LANDS: No INVASIVE VINES, BUT NO NWSG USED DECORATIVELY COVER AND LITTLE FOOD ,+ � orf i • M'YLr � � Y;' �� ` �. r , I I FISHERS DOES NOT NEED ANOTHER ORGANIZATION , HABITAT WILL HOPEFULLY BE INTEGRATED WITH THE CONSERVANCY: • FI HABITAT COMMITTEE A MULTI~ORGANIZATIONAL EFFORT • REPRESENTATIVES - F. I. CLUB -- GREENS COMMITTEE - DONALD BECK - F. I. CONSERVANCY -- .JACKIE WILLIAMSON - F. I. DEVELOPMENT CO. -- ELLIE FFOSHAY AND ED CARPENTER - F. I. FERRY DISTRICT -- CHRIS EDWARDS - F. I. FIRE DEPT -- GREG THIBODEAU - F. I. WASTE MANAGEMENT -^ CYNTHIA RILEY - F. I. SPORTSMEN'S CLUB- PETER RUGG - H.L. FERGUSON MUSEUM -- PENNI SHARP - HAY HARBOR CLUB -- HARRY FERGUSON • ADVISORS - ANN FLINN DAVE BURNHAM .JOE HENDERSON - BARRON KIDD LARRY HORN STEVE MALINOWSKI 11 ONCE UPON A TIME ELEVEN THOUSAND YEARS AGO ON FISHERS ISLAND AND ALL ALONG THE NORTHEASTERN SEABOARD THE WISCONSIN GLACIER MELTED AWAY AND: • THERE WERE GRASSLANDS OF WARM AND COOL SEASON GRASSES,BUT: • BY AND BY THEY WERE COLONIZED BY SHRUBS AND YOUNG TREES,AND: • BY AND BY THE TREES GREW TO FOREST, AND: BY AND BY THERE WERE FIRES. . . • FISHERS AND OTHER AREAS OF THE SEABOARD AGAIN GREW WARM AND COOL SEASON GRASSES, WHICH WERE COLONIZED BY SHRUBS. . .ETC. • SOMETIMES THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES SET FIRES TO MAKE GAME MORE PLENTIFUL • UNTIL PEOPLE BUILT HOMES AND THERE WAS A FISHERS ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT • SO NOW FISHERS ISLAND IS FROZEN IN ITS SHROUD OF GREEN INVASIVE VINES, AND WILL REMAIN SO: • UNLESS WE ALL COME TO THE RESCUE THERE IS A CREAT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COOL SEASON GRASSES AND NATIVE WARM SEASON GRASSES: CT WEBSITE: Description of Grasslands Grasslands are generally divided into two broad categories: cool season and warm season grasslands with the difference based on the type of photosynthetic cycle used by the plants. Cool season grasslands are dominated by grass species that actively grow in the spring and fall when air and soil temperatures are cool. Most cool season grasses are non-native, brought in during European settlement. Warm season grasslands are dominated by native grasses that actively grow during June through mid-September with warmer air and soil temperatures. Examples of cool season grasses are: timothy, Kentucky bluegrass, orchard grass, tall fescue, smooth brome grass, and Virginia wild Kentucky bluegrass (Poa prat+ensht) Timoth Phleum ratense) 1 DIFFERENT SORTS OF NATIVE UNARM SEASON GRASSES : CONNECTICUT STATE WEBSITE : ALL ARE NATIVE TO THIS AREA. Examples of warm season grasses are: big bluestem, little bluestem, Little bluestem Switch grass (Panicum switch grass, Indian grass, and broom sedge. (Schizachyrium scoparium) virgatum) Big bluestem (Andropogon Indian grass (Sorghastrum ` gerardil) nutans) �'�►: . rte: .at, � � �; , I As you can see from the photos, height and structure of a grassland varies depending on the species mix. Grasses range in height from ' several feet to just a few inches. Some grasses are bunch (or clump) forming while others form sod. Grasslands with bunch grasses tend to have bare ground between clumps allowing for rodent movement and foraging by chicks. This aerial photograph shows the structure of the plants (grass clumps and open spaces on the ground) in this grassland. AIL A& Am Alk Ah Alk DIFFERENT SORTS OF NATIVE WARM SEASON GRASSES, VIRGINIA SIMILAR TO CT AND NY: INDIANGRASS FALL SWITCHGRASS FALL .f MIXED NWSG JULY BIG BLUESTEM FALL r ;,J d THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THATCH CRASS AND BUNCH CRASS IS THEY CROW IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS: NWSC BUNCH CRASS: THATCH CRASS: GOOD GOOD AVIAN AND GROUND BUGGING AND WALKING: COVER: BLUE STEM & ORCHARD GRASS & SWITCHGRASS CLOVERS , r _•5'S � � 'I�{{+iA .� fly�� V 4`� �� CC / , k { r nit r tl i GRASSLAND IS MAINTAINED BY QUICK CONTROLLED BURNING: NATIVE) W(ARM) SEASON) GRASS) NWSGRASSLANDS QUICK CONTROLLED BURN 3 YEARS r 3 � ONTH LATER � MOWING CAN BE OUR FRIEND OR ENEMY, USED FOR HABITAT CONSERVATION AND SUPPRESSION OF INVASIVES OR AS DESTRUCTIVE OF HABITAT RACE POINT SUPPRESSING PARADE GROUND INVASIVES ELIMINATION OF HABITAT t{ f a A v A .xf e • �' TP , - - .. Ir. t '. .._'. .4. ♦sem 46 .rr •;{s •C A .•� rxr.'•'kms} 't "/.: a t. ,., .� ? :`'•'sem;,r � uI USED 1 �. 1Y'�� fix: �•. 46 �. \ -/ .�k1.� fir,. [4yl - � •� Ap 'rf :,�:{ � 7 ice. i,•.. i y+��G, �.tl+' 't 4 r } ' MWAIK WJLjjMjLWJ . • 40 IL li v 2,f x VIE HAVE BEEN PREACHING AND USING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON FISHERS GRASSLANDS: CONNECTICUT: MEW YORK: MA111or-mrR;! AUdU• • YORK -drch titnecticut Co aid Habitats AbWt Ih 91rds h Science ! Birds&Science 3..❑s a Science> Birdsf OO •UiRMS ` GRASSLANDS Conservation Birds & Science Concern in NY Grassland Bird Conservation Program Important Bird Habitats Home Grasslands Areas Plight of Grassland Birds Bird Several grassland bird populations are rapidly declining and even approaching Grasslands Grasslands are a vital but diminishing natural resource Conservation in extirpation in significant portions of their ranges,including New York State. throughout the northeastern United States.Numerous the Hudson Data from the Breeding Bird Survey(BBS)indicate that populations of Riparian wildlife species,particularly birds,are dependent on these Henslow's Sparrows have decreased by over 99%in New York,and Coastal areas for food,cover or breeding.Animals that can be River Vallev Grasshopper Sparrow populations have decreased by 97%.The Bobolink,still found In grasslands Include bobolink,eastern meadowlark, Coastal Bird New York's most ubiquitous grassland bird,has experienced population Managing Open black racer,homed lark,northern leopard frog,small Conservation Space rodents,turkey,wood turtle and numerous Insects.This declines of approximately across its range.The consensus of experts website provides information on grasslands In Connecticut Grassland Bird studying this problem is thatat habitat loss,fragmentation,and deterioration Contact Us and a map of where the larger grasslands can be found. Conservation are the main culprits. Focus Area While a variety of wildlife and plants depend on grassland habitats,the Private Lands targeted species in this effort are the most specific in their habitat Conservation preferences and needs,and are the species most commonly designated as ZQO "grassland birds"in New York.While the traditional habitats most commonly Highlights considered to be grasslands are the tall and short-grass prairies of the Forests Midwest,some of the common landcover types in New York that provide habitat for these grassland birds include hayfields,pastures,fallow fields,and Wetlands other agricultural lands,as well as recently abandoned agricultural lands, Citizen Science landfills,airports,and a variety of other landuses that maintain the land cover American in very early successional stages. Kestrel Project The following tables list New York's grassland birds along with their ranking as determined by several conservation initiatives,as well as the trend data for their populations as provided by the Breeding Bird Survey. WE HAVE BEEN PREACHING AND USING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON FISHERS GRASSLANDS: NEVA JERSEY: MASSACHUSETTS: AMassAudubon cgataneaacl. - —® rratec(in9 the,Awavd iJA4uWjuuurr 1n of Fish . Wildlife torr :loses lirasa Advocacy Weare Cenneeoen alon"ill b Dor atlor s Bra a Md4 Jobs camps Isulubm shop ywaa++I a•.k.,�fisc 6 wikllae lino Small Grasslands Habitat Management for Grassland Birds Managing Small Grasslands for By aaa+snemko Grassland Birds priwta tapas ak,iwi,t Xi-,zona Introduction nabaats Inge over time ane amnn constant nue.some or these change,are netumn Ni.. —.am mrea�y finimd m numah mvomemeot.s,hce thea, e tta Value of Small Grasslands to Wildlde (spout tz,00g yeah ago),human a—ty has Dean a maw.factor in now—at n mapad aroupd the glme.me All nem the nonneast.Name A—cans were Mowing Small Hayfields the eat to neem dna manmm nao�mt ro wrc me.r occas.Toa Darned large+reqs m tha rarest r«nava dna nuntm9 o«Dose.These cameo areas Dearne�moonam Grazing Small Pastures hadY[pattneS for many.any wco— nal spades sato as neer,roe,raDmY,gust art other gesslarkf r—ting Deas. r Burning Small Pastures Grassland Restoration =hang,the upas and through moot of the teor>5,more and more people colonized the northeast.wan this I Enhaneino Public Interest in Grassland Photo by Huston Westover n agrkWture.The roma.were cleared to make mom far rmkls to grow crops.This also ! Conservation nae a ooslDve-mpatt onethese early succes-al grassland spec—and mar pointWIDns increased cosh one aKrese�n agriNltuel anx. introduction But then Flo eau,nq happened.Colonustion mnpnued westward.The tend to the west was more Pertik and easier to firm than the less rervle,rock fined:Das of the Ncn heat.Farms wee awndoned,rwa lay rano-and swwly Grasslands in the Northeast have provided lame and sanctuary to grassland birds and ravened tuck rata ro—.Early succevonal spec—and gthi—W elated wildfire deained. � other wild!f s for many hundreds of years.In hayfields,pastures,and natural grasslands, �'- birds such as bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks have raised their u hunted for rn aadmon m the aecrea:e.n farms aha aeric suaes:;ohal gesaana natkmt,me mmainmg rums dao wee young,d,ahging.actor farming equipment max roc moa enbent rarmay.Farmers igen haying neva z or time.per food.and returned each spring to continue this cyte.We are rapidly losing these and mora and more desDciae were used and flax were expanded uvng an or the ooeiwe space roc rarmihg other grassland birds that were once a common and integral part of our countryside.As cath.^than having small natural areas Met..dI t used and needed. Savannah Sparrow,a grasslands species land use and agricultural practices have changed dramabcaly since the tum of the tuck to en-roe century,remaining grasslands have become smaller and isolated.With proper Ni or these tcwn bhl w to where.e are today Grassland soeoe are m sevem deck—Uilum—p—,—,spa--,graunol o warmws,D000l-, management,these small grasslands provide important habitat for some spaces of arca amen are naw listed on tham na Enxncered dna mmamhaa span.est,wnne«na species such a Doswnrte gust arca ameKan woodc rock rove-1--s at grassland birds. are severay on me amine.stens heed to de taken today to keep easy st—e—hal grassland 1-tat,and the specie—ted war it,art or the N]wnesope. cool-season vs.warm-season Grasslands The following information addresses management issues on small grasslands,generally ranging in size from 10 to 75 acres.that are not in active agricultural use.These include Grasses can oe generally ca[eponaed roto own grcx,s;cool-season grasses(grasses wan growth rate that peak m me sprllp and til wren soil and air tmpamtures areas such as conservation or recreation lands.small landfills,corporate parks,and small airports fir, qw lw WE HAVE BEEN PREACHING AND USING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON FISHERS GRASSLANDS: NEw HAMPSHIRE: PENNSYLVANIA: Recognizing grassland habitats Gfasslands are an increasingly rare sight in New Hampshire.More than 70 species of wildlife use these open areas of fields and wildflowers to meet their needs for food,cover,or breeding.Learn to recognize the habitat values of Why Are Grasslands hnportant? �A��To�.�nda.""en? grasslands and discover what you can do to maintain and conserve these special 0-1dam P—ir'aoa arc ares d=—W Twwea r+ f�..-lprt�aeaa�g by-jr— —h.hale mdb,g bl.e—W— �bewmfi"d-.A ieeeeesrwea habitats. —.,weharn..rmgpunt„n... Pg. P„F—wel .a.,.• goldemad.bluk-<.rd Smae andother ,em .gatbnrgeealtwrP.n•.nu>. herbaeeou plants.Shrubs and small tr<ss u< --WtRb WAM&HAM b—#,.pry•—(WW), • The most common °°mm° MUM,, � am(.”' grassland habitats in New Hampshire are •.a .P� agricultural fields such Sat—geeslandh.hlehmbendedmmPm w.��rsg.rryg.dd•..a err.r�.��.r.a..�.nr.r Ptdor 6xier�tbehawat rm.se as hayfields,pastures ��pg .b5 � and fallow fields.Here, d How Are Grasslands M.—ged? BAI—r..led.. vegetation consists of a GParya.d.ab.nh6tialedasdmnagadm.ga ,km— g„ ^•^+y{y ranelyWbearyaa�oepe.cN .d.dng: gm.unoeon,m+Y mixture of grass species, muebdeaieg be•oaJab.P.pm lm caehlh tined b—W eemq Conba a r n - or a combination of •5eednE°prmne prawn sed orb mina plan grasses,sedges and P a;b dbo mcg wildflowers. For more pimmaeoe see Pmsgirauu a WYldsk.YGm Plan Graa-0aoda Ooala - (GraaelandP Campmml,SecUoo 10)rt: :uppun.f) • Airports,capped landfills,military installations,and wet meadows may also function as grassland wildlife habitat if they support similar vegetation.Croplands are also used by many grassland wildlife species, and are also important as potential grasslands,since they may be easily converted to grow grass if crop farming practices are abandoned. THE LITERATURE FROM STATES, ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITIES, AND WILDLIFE ORGANIZATIONS AGREES ON WHERE OUR OPPORTUNITIES LIE: RETIRED FARMLAND SMALL REGIONAL AIRPORTS LANDFILLS GOVERNMENTAL INSTALLATIONS PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS AND WE HAVE THEM ALL DESERTED FARMLANDS CAN • GRASSLAND OPPORTUNITIES, • • ISLAND POND CA. 1895 NORTH HILL CA. 1905 �'•� .•• F +a �~' � ` - � � gyp_ a' i. MIDDLE FARMS • loo `�i1�+►r1► as qr+M e .- .. -,i.++.4/1t'.'.=+ ,�Y Jas -.• w'.. �: .�ra :. k THE EAST END : 1924 1956 SCOUTING THE SITE CA. 1924 �} CLUBHOUSE • • i low t A 2010 HABITAT REPORT WAS WRITTEN AND MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE: AIRPORT IS ON WA Y Q K 4-fti'":'^.uu' Airport:four large areas—1.burn for sure,may require brushing and stumping; Plot#1 is of highest importance for rescue.It has the best-established NWSG stands in the area,however it is beginning to be overcome by invasives and shrubs.Area A is most likely to take a good burn,there being sufficient fuel.Area B is compromised by encroaching shrubs and invasives and may find it necessary to pursue more extensive renovation than just burning.Both areas would profit from overseeding by hand if feasible.Unfortunately,the ground is heavily obstructed. Plot#2 remains in grassland and may not have sufficient fuel for a burn this year. The recommendation would be to mow the area bordering the landing strip but allow grasses to grow another year before considering a burn.Does need more A 2010 HABITAT REPORT WAS WRITTEN AND MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE: PARADE IS ON da• `�._ \� Aft liMl►ti3al;Cil�l1� li cffia IIt� r Plot#1 Area B and C require coordinated but different management from Area A. Both Areas B and C contain substantial stands of NWSG,mainly Switchgrass and Big Bluestem.However,they also contain large amounts of invasives,primarily Northern Dewberry and rampant shrub/tree growth of Russian Olive,cherry,etc.. Sumac has overgrown the area.While not normally considered an invasive,it is destructive of the precious and scarce grassland. Additionally,Area B includes a wetland.Both areas should be burned.We should then focus our reclamation effort on Area C. We need to shift the balance away from the invasives and towards NWSG,wild flowers and Habitat.To do this,after burning,we should allow northern dewberry to green up and then spot spray a broadleaf herbicide.On green up,bushes and young trees not killed by the burn should be cut and the stumps swabbed with herbicide.The broad-leaf herbicide application needs to obey whatever wetland A 2010 HABITAT REPORT WAS WRITTEN AND MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE: MIDDLE FARMS NOT ON Middle Farms: ' 4 f 1R'iylil 1J1:Y u.lti ii r 3 F q4 AO 4 1 Middle Farms is the largest potential Native Grassland Habitat Area on Fishers Island."Potential"is used to express future possibilities.The lack of three year rotating burns has caused a host of problems.While largely Native Grassland, Middle Farms is rapidly being overtaken by shrubs and trees.Its Habitat value is impeded by deep thatch.Northern Dewberry makes much of the land impassable to humans and creatures of all kinds,reducing its Habitat value.Well-fueled controlled burns have not been achieved on Middle Farms.This has resulted in the thatch buildup,increase of invasives and transition from grassland to shrub/treeland. In the absence of programmed hot-burns,mowing practices have been used to attempt to suppress the nascent shrubs and trees.This has the effect of carving the blocks of NWSGrasses into very small areas which allow nest predators and avian predators relatively easy access.Historically,Middle Farms used to be burned in toto.While not an ideal Dractice.this could be done as Ione as there were alternate THE PARADE GROUND PATHS WERE ADJUSTED ACCORDING TO CONDITIONS: � ] w I lot .r x PARADE BEFORE, MARCH 2011 DONNIE BECK CONSULTING RESIDUALS AFTER BURN r PARADE BEFORE , MARCH 2011 ROCKS, CONCRETE, NEED MORE FUEL BUSHES AND TREES P s , PARAD F.. BEFORE 2009 THE MOWING LINE 411. PARADE GROUND IN JULY 20 , 2011 AV 7�lA • pS `tom i f i PARADE GROUND JULY 20 , 2011 LINGERING EFFECTS OF COOL SEASON & CLOVER MOWING AS BURN BOUNDARY PARADE • , 2011 THE FEAGLES PATH THE COTTONWOOD FOREST t S i e�M' � PARADE GROUND JULY 2.0 , 2011 CONSERVATION MOWING FOR THE GOOD, KNOCKING BACK THE INVASIVES, AND ESTABLISHING FIREBREAK TRAILS r" PARADE GROUND JULY 20 , 2011 THIS WAR AGAINST INVASIVES MUST CO ON FOR YEARS, BECAUSE THEY CREPT UP WHEN WE WEREN'T PAYING ATTENTION CHERRY STUMPS SUMAC AND CHERRY WITH BIC BLUESTEM r i SHRUBSRACE POINT BEFORE , MAY 2011 UNBURNED ROCKS GALORE TREES if Q �� \�h' ♦' - ., b, —33/tea" .+- RAGE POINT DURING ROCKS SORTED OUT AND FEASIBLE TO OVERSEED SHRUBS CUT WITH NATIVE GRASSES — s q J Ah A RAGE POINT AFTER MOWING TO SUPPRESS INVASIVES ENCOURAGING THE NWSG AND PREVENTING SEEDING TO GROW t 4 .s THERE HAS BEEN A REVOLUTION IN MACHINES WHICH CAN BE USED FOR HABITAT CONSERVATION : ■ V 9• h r�- III& All, Ailk Adilk Adik 1� Im Am ® + Am lqp 7 SEVERAL. SPECIAL PURPOSE MACHINES HAVE BEEN USED Ilii THE HABITAT CONSERVATION EF'F'ORT: PLOTMASTER"m HUNTER 600 LOFT'NESS 2011 Retail Prices Rear-mounted Flail Mowers for Tractors •',t"�9., i; {- � "tom Recommended use:Tractor 40 HP and up {y_�A =., s W�t"�` 1-nit Includes: y •d� 41,, r k�' ' 3 Point Hitch,I]latch compatible,Dual Disc Harrow,Center Plow with(3)4" `�: a A. - Sweep Plow Tips,Electric Versa Seeder,CultipackerrDrag with Metal Grating. Dimensions: Length w:C'ultipacker Folded:100" Length w Cultipacker Extended:124" Features Width: 80" 70 HP Gearbox S Dnveline 0-4 1/2 inch Cutting Height Adjustment Height:46" 540 RPM PTO shaft •Fine-cut.Reversible Knives \Weight:1200# Cat.I or 11,Free-link or Quick Hitch •Easy Access Ben Shields 3-8 Section Banded Belt •2190 RPM Rotor Speed Disc Harrow: Spring-loaded Belt Tightener •Full-width Gauge Roller 16 Heayv-Daft Notched Disc with Sealed Bearings 1 314 Inch Rotor Bearings •51/2 itch OD x 1/4 Inch Wall Roller Tube O (Front Disc Adjustable/Rear Disk Fixed/Adjustable Plow Attachment) 10 Gauge Hood •1 1/2 Inch Bearing on Gauge Roller i Maximum cutting width:72" 114 nU End Plates i Roller Scraper Mersa Slider Svstem: Structural Steel Frame.Front&Rear M Centered or 14 inches Offset to the Right )0 New,Patent-Pending Versa Seeder,Reverse Anger Brush System designed to plant all types of seeds and seed blends. Eft.1Ni0.6-F.0 ia'y 1 Wit sllg0d10chrq. usa°a." AN F." ala wd 800.828.7624 - loftness.com - 320.848.6266 THE RED ZONE AT THE AIRPORT WAS RESCUED BY JIM SKI AND VOLUNTEERS: . ........_.. . ... . 46 • �� rte.. ^. -. �. - _ �• _ �� IN GRASSLAND IT IS CRITICAL THAT FOOD AND PROTECTIVE COVER BE AVAILABLE 24-7-365 : • SMALLER LANDHOLDINGS MUST CONTRIBUTE IF WE ARE TO SUCCEED AS AN ISLAND: • SMALL PLOTS OF WILDFLOWERS HELP, MOW IN WINTER • AREAS OF 1 -2 ACRES CAN BE PUT INTO NWSG OR WILDFLOWERS • NO FIELD, UNLESS VERY SMALL, SHOULD BE MOWED 100%, INSTEAD MOW 1/2 OR 1 /3 EACH YEAR • IDEALLY MOW AFTER JULY AFTER NESTING IS OVER, 8" • SMALL ANNUAL FOODPLOTS WOULD BE EXTREMELY WELCOME, BUT THEY DO NEED PLANTING EVERY YEAR • BUGGING BY BIRDS IS CRITICAL IN SPRING/SUMMER • SEEDS CRITICAL IN FALL/WINTER • FEED PLOTS CRITICAL WINTER/SPRING • SPRING CAN BE MEANEST TIME OF YEAR, TOO EARLY FOR BUGS, AND SEED SUPPLY GONE • *�!/- Yom` YY' �. ^ .: -. IK r• �,•��.1 �."'/'�'-wyr/i� � ''4 ♦�r�,yfr+_�,..iS �- `i'_, }j' \A � 14'}_Y.r 40 ML STRAIN t1 LA ' ti 9 - 7A/tib- \i�.��! �T 1 � .�`�, ♦ .� h„ „y��Y1GY�.�. ASPHYXIATIONE `H > IF ` AN eR TR i THIS: HATEFUL DEWBERRY THIS: IMPOSTOR BAMBOO •��...�''.-_� _P-, ,� i �,��. � ��.��,� ��.i� ��,`�y�'.,� ��r-11 lklq J- M THIS: FILTHY MIX THIS: VINOUS CESSPOOL �� 'rte,• t� R„ l� VOLUNTEER "WEED SEEDS" HELP PROVIDE BIRD AND BUTTERFLY PROVENDER : A WEED IS SIMPLY A FLOWER BLOOMING OUT OF PLACE AIRPORT ROAD AIRPORT ROAD �4 j. WHY SHOULD FISHERS ISLAND GARS NOW? •ISLAND WIDE THREAT OF FIRE DUE TO ACCUMULATING FUEL OF WOOD, VINE AND SHRUB •DISAPPEARING VIEWS •STIFLED WIND AND HIGH HUMIDITY •DISAPPEARWG LOCAL BIRDS •DISAPPEARING MIGRANT BIRDS •DISAPPEARING BUTTERFLIES •FEWER BIRDS OF PREY •BECOMING INCREASINGLY COSTLY TO FIGHT THE VINOUS PERILS AND INVASIVE TREES •APPROACHING A POINT OF NO RETURN •THERE APPEARS TO BE AN EMERGING WILL TO COOPERATE IN GRASSLAND IT IS CRITICAL THAT FOOD AND PROTECTIVE COVER BE AVAILABLE 24-7-365 : ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF OUR FEW LARGE REMAINING GRASSLANDS WILL BE ESSENTIAL • NATIVE WARM SEASON GRASS FOR COVER, MUST HOLD UP UNDER SNOW LOAD AND BE IN 1 -4 ACRE PLOTS - BALANCED RATIO OF SURROUNDING CLOVER AND GRASS PATHS TO INTERNAL AREA • BUGGING PATHS CRITICAL IN SPRING/SUMMER • WEED AND NWSG SEEDS CRITICAL IN FALL/WINTER • FEED PLOTS CRITICAL WINTER/SPRING • SPRING CAN BE MEANEST TIME OF YEAR, TOO EARLY FOR BUGS, AND GRASS SEED SUPPLY GONE THERE ARE FOUR EASILY IDENTIFIED MAJOR GRASSLAND AREAS ON FISHERS, ALL HEADING TOWARD SHRUB AND TREE FORESTATION : BUT ALL LANDOWNERS ARE POTENTIALLY PART OF THE SOLUTION . ORGANIZATION HELD PRIVATELY HELD • THE AIRPORT-FERRY DIST. • LARGE LANDOWNERS • THE PARADE GROUND-FERRY • SMALL LANDOWNERS DIST. • THE PICKETT LAND FILL- WASTE MGT. • MIDDLE FARMS-MUSEUM LAND TRUST D • FISHERS ISLANDERS HAVE THE INDIVIDUAL COMMUNAL WILL TO ROLL THE INVASION BACK7 OR IS IT D • NOTHING - GAME • SHOULD • • MORE . ;h.�_ 2 4e^+. � + �j! �*'F'.�`t�j .,•fir� .",, y` ( ' #� �� DO FISHERS ISLANDERS HAVE THE INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNAL, WILL TO ROLL THE INVASION BACK? DOING NOTHING IS NOT CONSERVATION . HABITAT CONSERVATION IS CALLED FOR. WE CAN DO IT: HABITAT WE CAN DO IT: HABITAT CONSERVATION AT RACE POINT CONSERVATION AT THE PARADE AUGUST 2011 GROUND AUGUST 2011 • FyISHERS ISLAND WILL, SUCCEED OR FAIL IN ITS EFFORTS TO CREATE, RESTORE AND MAINTAIN HABITAT TOGETHER • BECAUSE WE ARE ALL IN IT TOGETHER - ORGANIZATION OR INDIVIDUAL - BIG OR SMALL - IT IS AN ISLAND-WIDE PROBLEM SHARED BY THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES - - - - J - 1� - - - - •CONSERVATION USED TO BE A PASSIVE ACTIVITY. NO LONGER !. LAND EASEMENTS PROTECTED LANDFROM DEVELOPMENT AND THE LAND REMAINED IN A NATURAL STATE . .No LONGER !. • CONSERVATION TODAY OF FISHERS ISLAND IS AND MUST BE AN ACTIVE UNDERTAKING BECAUSE OF THE INVASION OF FOREIGN (MAINLY ASIATIC) PLANT MATERIALS • WITHOUT ACTIVE MANAGEMENT TO ELIMINATE THE 1NVASIVES AND ENCOURAGE NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA, NO NATIVE WILDLIFE HABITAT WILL REMAIN Name of the project: Parade Ground Conservation Areas Generated by Measure Map on Jun 23, 2015, 8:59:50 PM Area: 71.82 acres Perimeter: 25,602 ft .,may R Y 1 � a •� c 0 2 � N � U h m m a A m � a z N � Gc �o U w Q m a � • mr6 � a pC N O U O j� VS m m. �c U � A m � CL �• �R a � a O R m �i o V 9 � a r •r r - 'a� • r Page 1 Name of the project: Present Conservancy Mgt & Possible Conservation Area Generated by Measure Map on Jun 23, 2015, 7:32:34 PM Area: 144.72 acres Perimeter: 26,615 ft R z C N ° O U �} A N CCO S rs4 N I) W U o CC O y d 9 ?a� °=R mo n Aga 'e c 0.2 a m � U ' U� � �o Z U m a a $ A o n U v r c � U 1 Page 1 Name of the project: Airport Conservation Areas Generated by Measure Map on Jun 23, 2015, 8:45:39 PM Area: 38.32 acres Perimeter: 14,611 ft i zm :) N U N m Rc � O R m t U z a m 9 0 U �D a � a � Q I N I Q N ' II L v m o m U t ' `a a O � < O � ,E Page 1 Name of the project:Airport Conservation Areas Generated by Measure Map on Jun 23, 2015, 8:48:07 PM Area: 38.32 acres Perimeter: 14,611 ft i m o � U � c } J U m a a � t m U �o � o A C m U N r t' 1 .r u A y t 2 U O � U Q m 1 c 4 m m o rn U e Q Page 1