HomeMy WebLinkAboutPrinciples and Policies for Management of Lexington Conservation Land FINALApproved by Lexington Conservation Commission on Monday, February 23, 2015
Principles and Policies for Management
of Lexington Conservation Land
Prepared for the
Lexington Conservation Commission
by
Mass Audubon’s Ecological Extension Service
January 2015
Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than
100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide school, camp, and other educational
programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state,
and federal levels. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds,
Mass Audubon is now one of the largest and most prominent conservation organizations in New England. Today
we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and
nature. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages,
abilities, and backgrounds and serves as the base for our work.
Mass Audubon’s Ecological Extension Service (EES) assists cities and towns, land trusts, state and federal agencies,
and other conservation partners with natural resource inventories, habitat restoration and management planning,
and conservation planning. Through EES we can share the experience we have gained in managing our own
network of wildlife sanctuaries across the commonwealth. For more information on EES, contact 781-259-2159 or
jcollins@massaudubon.org.
Principles & Policies Final Document
January 2015
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1
General Character and Landscape Context of Conservation Land in Lexington ........................................... 1
Goals for the Use and Management of Lexington’s Conservation Land ...................................................... 2
Permitted and Prohibited Uses ..................................................................................................................... 3
Best Practices for Addressing Primary Land Management Issues ................................................................ 5
Habitat Conservation/Preservation .......................................................................................................... 5
Meadow Management ......................................................................................................................... 5
Invasive Species Management .............................................................................................................. 6
Restoration .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Wetlands, Stream, and Water Body Protection/Improvement .......................................................... 11
Areas of Special Concern..................................................................................................................... 11
Prevention and Remediation of Human Impacts .................................................................................... 12
Dumping/Pollution .............................................................................................................................. 12
Prohibited and Illegal Use ................................................................................................................... 12
Encroachment ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Boundary Maintenance....................................................................................................................... 13
Travel Off of Official Trails................................................................................................................... 13
Dog Waste ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Trash Bins ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Passive Recreational Uses ........................................................................................................................... 14
Trails ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Trail Design .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Signage Design Standards ................................................................................................................... 15
Entryway Design & Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 15
Connectivity Between Conservation Areas ......................................................................................... 16
Scenic Vistas ........................................................................................................................................ 16
User Conflicts ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Safety/Education ..................................................................................................................................... 16
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Emergency Vehicle Access .................................................................................................................. 16
Handicap Accessibility ......................................................................................................................... 17
Outreach and Education ..................................................................................................................... 17
Other Safety Concerns ........................................................................................................................ 17
Prioritizing Management Actions ........................................................................................................... 18
Recommended Schedule of Annual Maintenance Activities .................................................................. 18
Regulations that May Affect Management Decisions ............................................................................ 19
Appendix A – Recreational Use Appropriateness Matrix ........................................................................... 20
Appendix B – Invasive Plant Management Options .................................................................................... 24
Appendix C – Invasive Species Treatment Record Datasheet .................................................................... 33
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Introduction
Lexington has over 1,300 acres of conservation land under the purview of the Conservation Commission
and cared for by Conservation Division and Department of Public Works staff as well as a strong
volunteer group, the Lexington Conservation Stewards. In the past, land management activities have
been undertaken on a case-by-case basis, without the benefit of a body of principles, policies, and plans
to guide these decisions at both the individual property level and on the larger scale of all conservation
lands in Lexington. In response to this need, the Conservation Commission and Conservation Stewards
have created this guide to serve as a thoughtful, comprehensive, long-term set of land management
principles and policies.
This document aims to provide overarching best practices, principles and strategies for land
management that can be applied to the type of conservation land found in Lexington – relatively small
parcels in a suburban setting with high edge ratio and high passive recreation usage. This document is
informed by existing land management documents and input from the Conservation Commissioners,
Conservation Division staff, and Conservation Stewards. It will serve as a reference point for land
management plans written subsequently for each of Lexington’s conservation areas.
The Conservation Commission has ultimate decision-making authority over management activities on
Lexington conservation lands. Conservation Division staff members are responsible for interpreting and
implementing decisions of the Conservation Commission. Land Steward volunteers will coordinate all
activity with Conservation Division staff.
General Character and Landscape Context of Conservation Land in
Lexington
Since the 1960’s, Lexington has protected more than 1,300 acres of conservation land in perpetuity and
placed it in the care of the Conservation Commission. This conservation land covers over twelve percent
of the town, an impressive figure for a community so close to Boston. More than twenty-five
conservation areas across town – spanning forests, fields, and wetlands – have trail networks that
provide access for visitors seeking to explore local open spaces. Lexington’s conservation areas range
from large swaths of land connected to other open space, such as the 161-acre Dunback Meadow, to
small parcels tucked away in neighborhoods, such as the 6-acre Liberty Heights property.
While these parcels vary in size and in the natural and cultural resources they harbor, each contributes
to the network of open spaces that define Lexington as a wooded suburb where residents have ready
access to conservation land for renewal and enjoyment, where natural resources are protected, and
where beneficial ecosystem services contribute to the overall health of the community.
Lexington lies at the boundary of the urban-suburban interface, between the more dense development
of Arlington, Winchester, Belmont, and Waltham and the less developed outer suburbs. Conservation
parcels are generally modestly-sized, and even the larger properties are characterized by a high ratio of
edge to area, meaning that core area, or the area little-impacted by surrounding development, is
generally small. As a result, the wildlife of Lexington’s conservation lands are generally species that do
well in suburban settings, common species that have adapted well to a human-shaped landscape.
Despite this proximity to human development, the natural areas of Lexington do provide important
stopover habitat for a variety of migratory bird species.
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The current (13th) edition of the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas includes no Priority Habitat for
Rare Species or Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife in Lexington. The Heritage Program’s BioMap2 report
lists the area around the eastern end of the Minuteman National Historical Park as Core Habitat for the
presence of a Species of Special Concern and an uncommon natural community. Core Habitats identify
specific areas necessary to promote the long-term persistence of rare species, other Species of
Conservation Concern, exemplary natural communities, and intact ecosystems. The Conservation
Commission owns several small parcels off of Hayward Avenue that fall within this Core Habitat area.
These parcels are currently not prepared for public use but could be part of a connection to Minute Man
National Historical Park. Any access improvements should include a high level of sensitivity to the
uncommon natural resources.
Goals for the Use and Management of Lexington’s Conservation Land
As posted on its website, the purpose of the Conservation Commission is to “promote and protect
natural resources; to protect watersheds, waterways, and wetlands; to acquire and manage open land
for passive recreation and natural habitat; and to provide corridors for wildlife.”
This passage from the 2013 edition of the Lexington Conservation Steward’s Trail Guide to Lexington’s
Conservation Land lays out the primary values of conservation land for renewal, health, and experience;
protection of ecosystem services; and preservation of community character:
Conservation land provides the space to experience fresh air, green leaves, and the pleasure of a
stroll through the woods right here in our own community. It provides opportunities to walk,
jog, bicycle, cross-country ski, and observe the wild plants and animals that share our natural
surroundings with us. By protecting open space from development, conservation land also
protects many beneficial functions that nature performs for us, known as ecosystem services.
These services include flood protection, nutrient cycling, and the purification of air and water.
And because all of Lexington was once farmland, forest, or wetland, conservation land helps to
preserve the historic and cultural character of our town.
In keeping with these values, the Commission, staff, and volunteers manage Lexington’s conservation
properties for:
passive recreation and education programs;
protection of habitat for plants and animals;
provision of ecosystem services such as flood protection, nutrient cycling, and purification of air
and water;
open space connectivity for both wildlife and trail users; and
preservation of community character including scenic views and historic features.
While conservation lands will be managed collectively so that these community priorities are
accommodated within Lexington, not every use is appropriate for every property. Intended uses and
management priorities for individual properties will be articulated in property management plans.
Given that the Conservation Commission desires to maximize public enjoyment of town conservation
land through passive recreation while protecting the important natural, cultural, and historic resources
of the land, the following general principles will be used to consider management of the properties.
1) Public access to town-owned conservation lands for passive recreational uses will be
encouraged where it would not be detrimental to protection of the property’s natural, historic,
and cultural resources.
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2) Approved public uses will be expressed through Conservation Commissions rules and
regulations for conservation lands, property-specific regulations, use-specific regulations, and
on-site signage.
3) Alterations to conservation land necessary to accommodate public access, such as vegetation
management, trail building, and installation of appropriately-sized parking lots, bridges and
boardwalks, will be considered favorably as long as they are:
a) determined to be necessary to accommodate public access;
b) demonstrated to be the best option for achieving public access; and
c) demonstrated to have minimal impact on known natural, cultural, or historic resources.
4) Visitor safety will be a top priority in planning and implementing property management, public
access improvement projects, and land use regulations.
5) The Commission, staff, and volunteers will strive to maximize the natural resource values of
each conservation parcel. Specifically, they will manage properties to:
a) protect habitat for rare and sensitive species;
b) enhance habitat for nesting and migrating birds;
c) protect uncommon and exemplary natural communities and maximize habitat value for
dependent species;
d) maintain and extend wildlife corridors across conservation land;
e) maintain ecosystem services such as pollination, natural flood control, groundwater
recharge, carbon sequestration, and food production; and
f) control invasive species.
6) Cultural and historic resources will be recognized, celebrated, and protected on conservation
lands to the extent practicable. Specifically:
a) all identified historic resources will be protected from disturbance;
b) where appropriate, conservation land will accommodate agricultural uses traditional to the
site or as identified as a community need (such as community gardens); and
c) sites will be managed to maintain traditional landscapes and vistas, especially those that
contribute to community character.
Permitted and Prohibited Uses
A wide range of passive recreation activities are permitted on Lexington conservation properties
including, but not limited to: walking, jogging, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing,
nature observation, photography, education programs, and picnicking. Off-leash dog walking is
permitted on almost all properties. Camping is permitted at Willards Woods.
As expressed in the Conservation Commission’s rules and regulations for conservation lands, without
permission of the Conservation Commission, it is forbidden to:
Be in or on conservation land between the hours of 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before
sunrise.
Commit any disorderly action, or disturb the peace, or conduct oneself in such manner as to
interfere with the rightful enjoyment of the public upon these grounds.
Hunt, trap or shoot.
Remove, cut or damage any flowers, plants, shrubs, trees or rocks.
Operate a motor vehicle (the term "motor vehicle" includes, without limiting the generality of
the same, any car, truck, bus, motorcycle, motorbike or snowmobile) on conservation lands.
Make a fire except in designated fireplaces with permission of the Fire Department.
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Discard litter except in designated receptacles or post, paint, affix or display any sign, notice,
placard or advertising device.
Dump materials of any kind.
Build any structures.
Dam any stream.
Park a motor vehicle except in designated parking areas.
Possess, be in control of, or be responsible for more than 2 dogs per person.
Possess, be in control of, or be responsible for any dog or dogs unless carrying a waste bag for
each dog and properly disposing of each dog’s waste. Waste may be disposed of by placing the
bagged waste in a designated trash or waste receptacle in the conservation land or by removing
the waste from the conservation land for disposal.
Possess, be in control of, or be responsible for any dog or dogs unless carrying a leash for each
dog.
Possess, be in control of, or be responsible for any dog or dogs unless such dog(s) are under
immediate restraint and control of a responsible person (hereafter “the guardian”), either by
leash, or by sight and voice command. Sight and voice command means that dog(s):
o are within the guardian’s sight at all times;
o come to the guardian immediately when called;
o stay at the guardian’s command;
o do not charge or chase any person, dog or wildlife, nor engage in any aggressive
behavior;
o do not cause damage to any conservation land, or any land used to gain access to
conservation land.
On Saturdays and Sundays, to possess, be in control of, or be responsible for any dog or dogs in
or on the conservation land know as “Willard's Woods,” unless such dog(s) are controlled by
leash.
Possess, be in control of, or be responsible for any dog or dogs in marked “On-Leash” zones at
the entryways to the conservation land known as “Willard’s Woods,” unless such dog(s) are
controlled by leash.
Conservation Commissioners and Conservation Stewards have identified specific uses as being most
appropriate and of greatest interest at specific properties. These uses are presented in Appendix A.
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Best Practices for Addressing Primary Land Management Issues
Habitat Conservation/Preservation
Meadow Management
The Town annually mows the vegetation at some areas of its conservation areas in order to maintain
open meadows. Conservation land with mown areas include Parker Meadow, Cotton Farm and Upper
Vine Brook, Juniper Hill, Paint Mine and Hennessey Field, Poor Farm, West Farm, Daisy Wilson‘s
Meadow, Idylwilde, Willard‘s Woods, and Shaker Glen. In addition, agricultural practices keep other
fields open on Town-owned land (Chiesa Farm and Waltham Street Farm). Meadows are mown to
maintain this habitat type, to retain historic vistas, and to offer variety in the user’s open space
experience. Existing fields and meadows will continue to be managed as such unless a site specific
management plan recommends otherwise.
Meadows range from grass-dominated, frequently mown hayfields to infrequently mown, wildflower-
dominated meadows. Each type provides habitat for a different suite of species based on plant
composition, meadow size, moisture and other factors. This open habitat type has become less
common in Massachusetts as agricultural land has grown into forest or been developed for housing or
commercial use. As a result, remaining meadows are valuable habitat for a range of plants and animals
that are also becoming less common. Several rare birds make use of grassland for nesting, however
they prefer very large fields, generally 50 acres or larger with the most uncommon grassland birds found
only in sites over 100 acres. Meadows as small as 10 acres will host breeding bobolinks and should be
managed for bird habitat. While smaller meadows provide supplemental habitat for birds, they will
generally be managed for plant and invertebrate habitat, and cultural and aesthetic values.
Challenges to meadow management include succession, encroachment, impacts to wildlife, and invasive
species. In the absence of some form of disturbance, most New England meadows will naturally
transition to an ‘old field’, a young forest, and eventually a mature forest. This process is termed
succession. Encroachment is a more insidious form of succession where even well-tended fields slowly
shrink as shrubby vegetation on the field edge grows further into the meadow year by year.
All fields need to be disturbed on a regular basis to avoid succession and encroachment. The ultimate
tension in grassland management is that disturbance is required to maintain the habitat, yet the
disturbance may result in an impact to wildlife making use of the meadow. The goal of management is
to plan the disturbance in a way that minimizes impacts to meadow-dependent species.
The most common forms of disturbance are mowing, grazing, and burning. Since burning is logistically
complex and expensive, meadow management on Lexington conservation land will generally be limited
to grazing and mowing. Grazing can be an appropriate method for meadow management; however it
requires a dedicated farmer willing to take on all aspects of animal husbandry including erecting and
maintaining fencing and providing water for livestock. A meadow being actively grazed would be
inaccessible to the general user, and conflicts between livestock and dogs may arise. For these reasons,
mowing will be the preferred meadow management technique.
Mowing variables include timing, frequency, type of equipment, blade height, and fate of the mown
material.
Timing and Frequency – A field that is mown earlier in the season and more frequently in a
season will tend to be dominated by grasses. A field mown once per year and later in the fall
will tend to have a higher component of wildflowers. Mowing should be prohibited during bird
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nesting season, mid-May to the end of July. While most of the fields on Lexington conservation
land are not large enough to attract grassland nesting birds, anything over 10 acres should be
managed to accommodate bobolink, which will use a grassy field this small. Thus, any fields
over 10 acres should be mown in early August so that they remain grass-dominated. Fields
smaller than 10 acres can be mown in September or October to provide nectaring plants for
invertebrates.
Type of equipment – Fields can be mown with a rotary deck mower or a sickle bar mower. A
sickle bar, or hay mower, is preferred for the larger fields to be managed as grasslands. A rotary
mower tends to leave clumped material which can inhibit re-sprouting in the spring and
smother insect larvae.
Blade height – Any mowing should leave roughly 6 inches of standing material to provide habitat
for invertebrate larvae.
Treatment of mown material – Grassland nesting birds prefer a field with less thatch close to the
ground. Larger fields managed as grassland habitat should be hayed, with material removed
after mowing. Smaller wildflower meadows managed for invertebrate habitat can be mown
with clippings left in place.
Mowing should include removal of woody shrubs growing on the meadow edge to resist their natural
expansion into the field. If necessary, a heavy mower should be used to clear back shrubs on field
edges. Management should include removing shrubs and trees growing along stone walls that divide
adjacent meadows to maximize the size of contiguous meadow. Single trees standing in a meadow can
be maintained if they offer significant aesthetic appeal, but generally should be removed to maximize
size of the field and to eliminate refugia for woody invasive species to become established.
Regular disturbance should prevent colonization by woody invasive species, although once they are
established, invasive shrubs and vines can persist even in a mown field. Once woody species such as
glossy buckthorn are established throughout a field, the most effective approach for their control is use
of a broad-leaf herbicide which targets the shrubs but does not impact grasses.
Vines such as oriental bittersweet and black swallowwort can be pernicious meadow invaders. These
species can be removed by hand and kept at bay with regular work parties dedicated to their removal.
It is particularly important to control black swallowwort as soon as it is discovered since this species,
related to milkweeds, spreads its wind-dispersed seeds far and wide, expanding in a field relatively
quickly and reducing habitat quality for butterflies. If manual control is not successful, herbicides may
be necessary.
Characteristics of each field and the intended management routine should be identified in the
management plan for each property. Property stewards should meet annually to review condition of
fields, identify threats that are not being addressed by the current management approach, and
formulate adjustments to management to reduce those threats. Efforts should be made to survey each
field for breeding bird activity and use by butterflies, perhaps by using volunteer effort such as the
annual Xerces Society butterfly count or members of the Massachusetts Butterfly Club.
Invasive Species Management
Invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity, natural landscapes, agricultural
interests, recreational activities, and scenic beauty of conservation properties. There are many ways to
deal with this threat including initial prevention, early detection, and control through manual removal,
mechanical treatment, pesticide application, biological control, grazing and fire. Invasive species are
difficult to eradicate and without multiple seasons of dedicated management, infestations will rebound
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despite one’s best efforts. Prioritization of targeted management is essential to successfully managing
an area for invasive species.
Invasive species control efforts can be divided into two categories: species-based and location-based.
The species-based approach will focus on individual species no matter where they occur on conservation
properties. The five elements of the species-based approach are:
Preventing invasion by new species;
Early detection of new invasions;
Eliminating or effectively controlling species with recent or limited presence;
Limiting the spread of highly noxious invaders;
Directing effort at species which are particularly susceptible to control.
Location based efforts will focus efforts on all invasive species within specific areas of the conservation
property. The three elements are:
Protecting sensitive habitats;
Establishing invasives-free zones;
Restricting the spread and reducing the extent of heavily invaded zones.
The approaches will overlap at times and taken together will define a comprehensive approach to
reducing the presence of invasives across the conservation properties.
Management of invasives species should follow an adaptive approach – a continuous process that allows
for flexibility in management based on the inclusion of the most recent management options. As new
information becomes available on plant biology and treatment methods, it will be incorporated into
future management decisions. An adaptive approach will also allow property managers to learn from
the efficacy of current treatment methods and adjust future management actions.
Species-Based Efforts
Prevent spread of existing invasives and introduction of new invasions
The primary element of a proactive prevention plan is limiting the introduction of new invasive species
to individual conservation properties. Spread of existing invasives will be reduced by limiting soil
disturbance and implementing restoration when soils are disturbed, by washing equipment that has
been used in heavily invaded areas before moving to an un-invaded area, and by implementing practices
to reduce likelihood of seed spread by individuals working on invasives control projects. Soil disturbance
from plowing, tree removal, trail building, etc., should be limited and all disturbed soil should be
covered with leaf litter at the very least, with larger areas restored with a fast growing native seed mix.
All equipment used for maintenance operations in heavily invaded areas should be cleaned (e.g. with a
leaf blower) before moving to non-invaded areas; and staff and volunteers will take special care to pat
down, wipe, and/or rinse clothes and shoes after working with invasive plants.
Early Detection/Rapid Response
Any comprehensive invasive species control program must also include early detection (ED) of new
invaders and rapid response (RR) to eliminate new invasions before they become well-established. ED
efforts will be directed at the list of early detection species identified by the Massachusetts Invasive
Plants Advisory Group (MIPAG). MIPAG’s current ED list is presented in Table 1, and updates can be
found on the MIPAG website: http://www.massnrc.org/mipag/. Land Stewards should be trained to
identify the ED species which are not yet well-known in this part of the state, such as Japanese stiltgrass
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and mile-a-minute vine. The Commission, staff, and stewards should be prepared to collaborate on
planning and implementing the rapid response element to eliminate new invasions as quickly as
possible.
Table 1. Early Detection (ED) invasive plants as identified by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory
Group (MIPAG).
Limit spread of highly noxious invaders
Special attention should be paid to particularly aggressive invaders, such as those species with wind-
dispersed seeds, aggressive root suckering, allelopathic characteristics, rapid growth, and high
resistance to control. Species in this category are shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Particularly aggressive invasive species.
Control species with recent or limited presence
Early invasions are much more easily eradicated than well-established stands of any species. Removing
young woody plants before they reach a fruiting size prevents further spread, and it is critical to remove
aggressively rooting species before they establish a dense underground network. Vining species are
more easily removed before they tangle with native shrubs and trees.
Control relatively easily managed species
Japanese barberry and garlic mustard are examples of species that can be controlled with dedicated
manual effort. Such species should be the focus of eradication efforts before they spread.
Flowering rush Butomus umbellatus
Brazillian waterweed Egeria densa
Giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum
Yellow floating heart Nymphoides peltata
Kudzu Pueraria montana ssp. lobata
Water chestnut Trapa natans
Pale swallowwort Cynanchum rossicum
Tall pepperweed Lepidium latifolium
Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum
Black swallowwort Cynanchum louiseae
Common reed Phragmites autralis
Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata
Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica
Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum
Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria
Tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima
Water chestnut Trapa natans
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Location-based Efforts
For areas that are particularly sensitive habitat, contain species of concern, or hold high aesthetic value,
location-based methods, which prioritize certain areas and take a systematic approach to large
infestations will direct control efforts.
Protect and restore rare species habitat and uncommon or exemplary natural communities
Invasives control should be a priority at any sites within the town’s conservation properties that support
state listed species. Invasive control activities that occur near these populations will be conducted in a
manner that does not have a negative effect on these populations.
Invasives Free Zones
Larger parcels of conservation land will typically have some sections that do not contain invasive plant
species. These resilient parcels should be identified and monitored on an annual basis in the late
summer to determine if these areas have remained pristine or if new invasions have started to become
established. If a new infestation is found, efforts should be made to eradicate those plants and keep the
“clean” areas “clean”.
Limit expansion of heavily invaded areas
An area that is completely covered in invasive species or has several species of invasive plants growing in
the same location should be contained to prevent further spread of the infestation. This can be done by
identifying the boundary of the heavily invaded area(s) and creating a treatment area buffer zone (e.g.,
50 feet around the perimeter of infestation) for targeting management efforts. This allows conservation
stewards to prevent encroachment of invasives in cleaner areas without getting overwhelmed or
tackling a project that is too big for the available resources.
If highly noxious species are present in the densely invaded area, extra measures may need to be taken
to really prevent further spread of the infestation. Some options include increasing the treatment area
to a 100 foot buffer zone or hiring outside contractors to treat the infestation chemically.
Treatment Methods
Different invasive species respond to different management techniques, several of which are
summarized here and detailed in Appendix B. Manual control, pulling plants by hand or with light tools
such as loppers or weed wrenches, may be effective for small infestations and where volunteer capacity
permits repeated effort. Large infestations and certain problematic species will require more intensive
management, often involving the use of herbicides. Herbicides can only be applied by an individual duly
licensed by the Department of Agricultural Resources. Because licensure requires liability insurance
coverage, while volunteers could obtain this license, it is more likely that herbicide will be applied by a
contracted professional. Property-specific management plans should identify infestations and
recommended approaches for control. The Commission, staff, and stewards should plan and budget for
involvement of professionals as necessary. Table 3 provides information on species that can be
managed at various times of year.
Disposal of removed invasives
Invasive plants that have been hand pulled or cut can be piled on site to decompose or bagged and
brought to an area for invasive plant containment. The site(s) used to dump invasives should be
monitored to ensure that invasive plants are not establishing themselves from the materials deposited
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there. Staff and volunteers should take extreme care to avoid spreading seed or other material from
which plants can resprout; e.g., Japanese knotweed can sprout from any stray plant part.
Table 3: Season-specific Management for Commonly Found Invasive Plant Species.
Common Name Spring Summer Fall
Autumn olive manual chemical
Black swallowwort chemical/manual
Burning bush manual chemical
Bush honeysuckle manual chemical
Common reed chemical
Garlic mustard chemical/manual
Glossy buckthorn manual chemical
Japanese barberry manual chemical
Japanese knotweed chemical
Japanese stiltgrass chemical/manual chemical
Multiflora rose manual chemical
Oriental bittersweet manual chemical
Purple loosestrife biological
Spotted knapweed chemical/manual
Tree of heaven manual chemical
Water chestnut manual
Restoration
Many of our invasive species are adapted to pioneer disturbed soils. For this reason, all control efforts
and general site work that results in exposed mineral soil should incorporate restoration with fast-
growing native species. Small patches of exposed soil, e.g. from root wrenching a shrub, should be
tamped down by foot and covered with leaf litter from on-site. Non-forested sites such as meadows,
should be seeded with a grass mix including annual rye (Lolium perenne) which can provide a quick
cover to open soils and allow non-invasives time to self-germinate.
Record-keeping
All invasive plant species management actions should be documented with a field datasheet and records
kept in a central file. Information collected should include the location, date, species targeted,
phenology of plant (vegetative, flowering, fruiting), type of management used (manual, mechanical,
chemical), the size of the infestation and an estimate of what percent of the area was managed (See
Appendix C for a sample field sheet). Recording these data allow conservation staff to track progress in
management efforts, adapt tactics in future years if needed, and have a sense of the expanse of
targeted invasive species.
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Wetlands, Stream, and Water Body Protection/Improvement
Lexington’s watershed resources play an important role in the community: draining storm run-off,
purifying ground water, harboring wildlife, and providing aesthetically pleasing places to visit. Protection
of these aquatic resources, and the functions they perform, is a fundamental objective of the
Conservation Commission. Therefore, all land management will comply with current local, state, and
federal rules and regulations, including
Wetland Protection Code administered by the Lexington Conservation Commission
Wetlands Protection Act administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection
Federal Clean Water Act administered by the Environmental Protection Agency
Any regulated activities considered within jurisdictional areas on conservation land will be fully reviewed
by the Conservation Commission through the normal processes laid out in the Wetlands Protection Act
and the Lexington Code. Current and future management activities will strive to minimize real and
potential impacts to wetland resources. Projects on conservation properties will serve as showcases for
low-impact land use regarding wetlands and buffer areas.
Restoration and improvement of wetland habitats should focus on building connectivity of wetland
habitat and increasing flood-storage capacity. Connectivity for aquatic wildlife can be increased by
ensuring that any wetland and stream crossings incorporate culverts or bridges of adequate size and
design to ensure that wildlife can move through the passage unhindered. Stream culverts must ensure
that water does not move through the passage at high speed, lead to a drop at the downstream end, or
scour the riverbank below the crossing. Staff and commissioners should engage with Lexington
Engineering and DPW to review opportunities for improving culverts and other stream crossings to
ensure that they are adequately sized for wildlife passage and in-stream habitat. Any work in or near a
wetland or floodplain must avoid any reduction in flood storage capacity. The northeast is predicted to
receive more frequent intense storms in coming decades as one result of climate change. Storm water
storage is one of the most valuable ecosystem services already performed by wetlands and will become
even more important in the future.
Areas of Special Concern
Areas of special concern include those areas recognized by the state as ecologically significant, and
exemplary natural features within the town that may not have statewide importance but still hold great
conservation value in the local landscape. Areas of special concern include:
Rare species habitat identified by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species
Program (NHESP) in the most current Natural Heritage Atlas.
Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscapes identified by NHESP in their BioMap2 project.
Locations of exemplary local natural features identified in site-specific management plans.
Areas where it is impractical to provide environmentally sustainable human access.
If at any time the recreational use of a conservation property has the potential to conflict with these
ecological values, the natural resources will take precedence and recreational use of an area may be
limited.
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Prevention and Remediation of Human Impacts
Dumping/Pollution
Dumped materials should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Delayed cleanup gives the impression that
a property is not well-monitored and well-cared for, which is discouraging to users and invites further
misuse. Stewards should monitor parking areas and all road frontage of conservation parcels at least
monthly and immediately inform staff of new dumping. Each report should include a photograph, some
indication of location, and an assessment of what materials have been dumped. Small piles of
innocuous materials such as paper or household trash should be removed as soon as possible by the
steward. Removal of larger piles or anything including potentially hazardous material should be
coordinated by staff with DPW or another appropriate partner. Locations experiencing repeated
dumping should be posted with signs reading “No Dumping Including Yard Waste”. If dumping
continues, it should be reported to Lexington police with a request for more frequent patrol of the site.
Prohibited and Illegal Use
Once established, illegal and prohibited uses of conservation properties can be very difficult to
discontinue. ATVs, paintball, forts and fire pits are examples of activities that should be ‘nipped in the
bud’. Individuals will often engage in these types of prohibited uses on a whim; however, if there is no
sign of a reaction, such as closing informal access points, posting signage, engaging neighbors, or
cleaning up litter, the use may continue and intensify.
Stewards should regularly inspect each property including areas off trail with an eye for unpermitted
uses. Such use should be reported immediately to staff, no matter how minor. Staff and stewards
should develop an appropriate response focused on:
repair of impacts, including cleaning litter, removing structures, etc., which demonstrates that
the site is being cared for;
education as to permitted uses through temporary signage at secondary or informal entrances;
outreach to these users, e.g. through letters to neighbors or information distributed in local
media or through the school system.
More problematic illegal and offensive uses such as drinking parties, drug use, and casual assignations
should lead to involvement of Lexington police and a specific plan to add patrols until the activities are
driven out.
Encroachment
While vandalism and dumping in commonly used areas of conservation land is easily detected,
encroachment along the boundaries is more difficult to monitor, yet critically important. Common forms
of encroachment include dumping yard waste across a boundary, extending a lawn into conservation
land, and clearing vegetation across the boundary. Other cases may involve fence building, placement
of a shed or swing-set, or intensive landscaping extending onto conservation land. Failure to identify,
pursue, and resolve encroachments reduces the value of conservation land and may jeopardize the
ability to obtain an appropriate resolution. Accordingly, the Commission should take timely action to
resolve encroachments in the defense of lands entrusted in their care. Resolution should take place as
soon as practical and encroachments should be treated consistently.
Different levels of encroachment will likely require different responses. A critical step is mutual
agreement with the neighboring landowner that an encroachment has occurred. Potential outcomes
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include: passive restoration where nature restores the disturbance; active restoration; remediation of
conservation land elsewhere within the town; or monetary compensation.
Boundary Maintenance
Clearly marking boundaries and maintaining open communication with abutters will help to minimize
the risk of encroachment. Small, weather-resistant markers, such as plastic markers nailed to trees,
should be placed along boundary lines at regular intervals – especially those boundaries adjacent to
residential development. Boundaries should be inspected a minimum of once per year, and an annual
report with a summary of any encroachments, including documentary photographs and maps, should be
prepared and kept on file by conservation staff.
Travel Off of Official Trails
Travel off of official trails will be discouraged by clearly stating on all signs and kiosks that visitors should
remain on trails. In those areas where unofficial trails become apparent, large sticks and branches will
be placed on the trail to indicate that travel is not allowed. Where needed, “Trail Closed” or “Ecological
Restoration Area. Do Not Enter” signs will be posted.
Property stewards should endeavor to understand use of each site for geo-caching or other informal
activities that specifically involve leaving official trails. Stewards should engage these user groups to
understand the use and make a recommendation to staff regarding potential impacts of off-trail use. If
any such use is determined to be having a specific impact on a known resource, action should be taken
in cooperation with the specific user group to minimize impact, or if deemed necessary, to alter or
discontinue this use.
Dog Waste
Signs will be posted at popular dog walking spots to encourage owners to clean up after their pets. Signs
should include information about impacts to wildlife and water quality and the safety of visitors as well
as other pets. A culture of picking up dog waste often evolves based on the behaviors of others: when a
dog owner sees others picking up, s/he will adopt this as standard behavior; when a dog owner observes
uncollected dog waste, s/he often assumes that this is the local practice and follows suit. With this in
mind, stewards should work to identify local, dog-owning ‘ambassadors’ who would be willing to speak
with other dog walkers about the importance of picking up their dog’s waste. In addition, stewards
should endeavor to clean up uncollected dog waste on a regular basis to avoid giving the impression
that it is acceptable to leave your dog’s waste.
Trash Bins
If trash receptacles are made available, they must be emptied on a regular basis. An overflowing trash
can leads to further litter and leaves the impression that the property is not well cared for.
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Passive Recreational Uses
A vital role of the Commission is to provide all citizens with ample opportunity to engage in a wide range
of passive recreational uses. At the same time, the Commission is obligated to protect the natural
resources found within its lands. Therefore, the Commission may restrict the use of certain properties,
either temporarily or in whole, to help ensure that natural resources are not impacted and also to
enhance visitor enjoyment of the properties. Furthermore, the Commission recognizes that some
properties contain inherent limitations, such as extensive wetlands, steep terrain, or lack of adequate
parking, and certain activities and uses may not be suitable at all properties.
Trails
The existing trail network is an integral part of Lexington’s recreational open space, providing citizens
with a means for exploring and enjoying the town’s conservation lands. Trail networks will utilize
appropriate existing trails and add trails as necessary to create loop walks of varying distance and
character. Trails will also link conservation properties with other conservation land, open space, and
greenway corridors. Trails will be located to minimize redundancy and enhance the visitor experience by
not exceeding the capacity of the conservation property to accommodate trails. To the greatest extent
possible, all trails will be located outside of sensitive natural resource areas, such as habitat for rare
wildlife, wetlands, steep slopes, or soils that are too wet or prone to erosion. Appropriate mitigating
measures will be taken when this goal is not attainable, such as installation of boardwalks, raised planks,
or water bars.
The number of or total length of trails in a property or part of a property may be reduced or limited to
enhance the visitor experience or for reasons including, but not limited to: redundancy; presence of rare
or vulnerable resources; lack of external access points; the capacity of the property to sustain trails;
property deed, conservation restriction, or conservation easement restrictions that preclude human
access; or the impracticality of relocating trails or building structures to mitigate erosion, wetland
damage, or other resource damage. Redundant trails or trails that are causing damage to natural
resources will be closed or rerouted. Closed trails and trail sections will be blocked with brush or, if use
continues, with a small sign indicating that the trail is closed.
The Commission and staff will work with volunteer conservation stewards to systematically monitor
trails and maintain an updated inventory of trail conditions as part of the annual property inspection
process. Volunteer stewards will identify priority trail maintenance issues such as boardwalks repairs,
trail erosion, and trail obstructions. Monitoring will also be used to catalogue areas where
improvements such as benches and signs would enhance the visitor’s experience. Volunteer stewards
will also monitor for adequate signage, including trail blazes, directional arrows, route connectors, and
points of interest.
Easements and road frontage granting access to conservation land should be identified as soon as
practical, e.g. clearly marked with one or more signs identifying the easement or frontage as
conservation land access.
Staff will maintain spatial data on the location of trails on conservation land. Trail location data will be
available for display and analysis in a geographic information system (GIS).
Trail Design
Design, construction, and maintenance of the trail network shall be guided by the standards and
guidelines in Trail Solutions: IMBA’s Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack and the U.S. Forest Service Trail
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Construction and Maintenance Notebook. The particulars of trail design will vary across the Lexington
conservation properties based on site conditions and use. Nevertheless, the Commission, staff, and
volunteers will pursue the following principles in trail design.
Trail width – trails will be 4-6 feet wide in areas of heavy use and close to parking areas so that
pedestrians can walk side by side or pass and so that cyclists can safely pass. Lesser used trails
and those further from parking areas will be 2-4 feet wide to minimize impacts to natural
resources and to encourage a closer experience with nature, with the expectation that some
width expansion is inevitable with use. Woods roads and other double-track trails should be
maintained at their existing width to accommodate the full suite of uses and to maintain their
historic character. Vegetation should be regularly clipped back to 2 feet beyond the tread width
and up to a height of 8 feet to accommodate winter use and so that vegetation does not grow
into the trail. Selected trails through rapidly encroaching vegetation may need to be trimmed
wider or more frequently depending on local conditions.
Trail surface – trails will normally retain a natural soil surface except where boardwalks cross
wetlands or where trails are designed to meet accessibility standards. Trails through meadows
will be maintained with weekly mowing and need not be cleared down to mineral soil. In rare
circumstances where the existing substrate cannot be made into a sustainable surface,
supplemental surfacing material may be used. Boardwalks will follow specifications developed
by the Conservation Stewards and kept on file by the Conservation Stewardship Program
Coordinator. Accessible trails will meet standards set by the U.S. Forest Service Accessibility
Guidelines.
Signage Design Standards
The Commission will develop standardized signage for properties. Signage should have a consistent look
at all conservation properties and include, at minimum:
Roadside sign – a highly visible sign identifying the property by name and as a Lexington
conservation property. Signs should be located close to the road, be oriented perpendicular to
the road, include very little text, and be designed with contrasting text and background to
enhance legibility from a passing car.
Boundary markers – all conservation land exterior boundaries should be indicated in the field
with small plastic markers, ideally custom ordered with text identifying the land as owned by the
Lexington Conservation Commission.
Trail signs – blazes or weather-resistant markers mounted to trees that correspond to colored
trails on publicly available maps.
Parking lots at more heavily used properties should also have a weatherproof structure such as a capped
wooden kiosk or metal or composite sign including the site name, ownership, a trail map, and a list of
approved uses. Such a kiosk could include a plexiglass- or Lexan-covered bulletin board or a chalk board
for recording wildlife sightings, but materials must be regularly updated. Information boards should
include a reminder to check for ticks in all seasons. Volunteer efforts to build kiosks and other signage
will be encouraged; however staff and volunteer stewards will review the design and installation of
structures and assist if necessary to ensure that they are consistent with other trailheads in town.
Entryway Design & Maintenance
A well-designed and maintained entryway sets the tone of the use and care of a conservation area. A
hidden driveway and parking lot, confusing parking, outdated or faded signage, and litter give the
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impression of neglect and questionable safety. A clearly visible entrance; well-marked, level and logical
parking that is visible from the road; informative signage; and appearance of frequent maintenance
draw in a wide variety of users and immediately set the tone of respectful enjoyment of the property.
Entryways will be visited on a regular basis by volunteer stewards and monitored for dumping and other
litter, damage to signage and other infrastructure, condition of the parking lot, and parking lot capacity
and use. Stewards will make note of potential incipient issues and hazards such as potholes, erosion,
and dead tree limbs. Stewards will collect any small litter and report to Conservation staff larger piles of
dumped materials and other issues requiring immediate attention.
Where appropriate, entryways will provide adequate parking for typical visitor use. Stewards will
monitor parking and update Conservation staff if parking capacity is inadequate, as indicated by cars
parked informally at times of heavy use.
Connectivity Between Conservation Areas
Connecting open spaces benefits both people and wildlife by creating an extended trail network and
providing habitat connectivity through the less developed parts of our landscape. The Conservation
Commission will refer to goals and priorities identified in the Lexington Open Space and Recreation Plan
when considering acquisition of new conservation parcels. The Conservation Commission will continue
to work closely with the Greenways Corridor Committee (GCC) to develop and extend the ACROSS
Lexington trail system and other town-wide trail connections.
Scenic Vistas
Scenic vistas into conservation land from abutting roads will be managed to promote maintenance of
community character and aesthetic enjoyment of the property by passers-by to the extent that such
maintenance does not detract from natural resource values. Maintaining these vistas may require the
periodic removal of brush, saplings and trees. Scenic vistas within properties that provide vantage points
of landscape views, such as those from hill tops or pond shores, may also be maintained by the periodic
removal of vegetation. Any vegetation clearing for vista maintenance must be reviewed during the
Spring work plan meeting and approved by Conservation staff.
User Conflicts
If conflicts between user groups arise, the Commission and staff will make reasonable efforts to engage
the involved parties and reach a resolution that accommodates the users while adhering to Commission
principles and policies.
Safety/Education
Emergency Vehicle Access
The Commission strives to provide a safe experience for all of its visitors, yet visitors must assume a
certain degree of risk when visiting conservation properties. Risks inherent in use of conservation land
include, but are not limited to, uneven ground, falling tree limbs, wildlife encounters, and the fact that
not every part of every conservation property will be accessible to emergency vehicles. Conservation
properties will be managed to offer access for emergency vehicles if such access has existed in the past,
such as along a woods road, but the properties will generally not be managed to create new roads to
permit more extensive emergency vehicle access.
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To facilitate emergency response, the Commission will schedule annual meetings with the Lexington Fire
and Police Departments to discuss emergency vehicle access issues, including protocols for accessing
any properties that are gated.
The Commission will also work with the town Department of Public Works to periodically maintain
existing fire roads as determined necessary, such as clearing brush, or improvement of surfaces and
drainage. Fire roads will be kept gated and locked to discourage unintended use.
Handicap Accessibility
The Commission aims to provide passive recreational opportunities for users of all physical abilities. The
Commission, staff, and volunteers will identify opportunities for creating accessible trails according to
the standards laid out in the U.S. Forest Service Accessibility Guidelines.
Outreach and Education
The Conservation Commission will coordinate with Citizens for Lexington Conservation and the
Conservation Stewards to offer annual walks and educational activities to engage the citizens of
Lexington about the natural resources contained within conservation land and the many benefits they
provide the town, including passive recreation, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem services. The Commission
will use outlets such as their trail guide and web site, and foster connections with other groups within
the town, such as scouts, the recreation department, and schools to reach a broader audience of the
citizenry than is currently engaged.
Other Safety Concerns
Informational kiosks will include signs regarding health issues such as ticks and mosquitoes. Volunteer
stewards will place temporary flagging and signage where a Poison ivy, bee or wasp nest is found close
to a trail. Staff and volunteers will aim to keep trails cleared of downed trees and poison ivy encroaching
on edges. All safety concerns identified by stewards should be noted and logged with the Conservation
Commission.
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Prioritizing Management Actions
Management activities will be prioritized according to the following considerations.
Safety issues – any actions related to the safety of visitors will be given highest priority in terms
of Commission decision-making, staff and volunteer resources, field work scheduling, and
funding. A conservation property or a portion of a property or trail may be closed until a specific
safety issue is remedied.
Natural resources – as the number one purpose of the commission is to “promote and protect
natural resources”, natural resource management activities will be the highest ongoing priority.
In practice this means: any proposed improvements for recreational or other use must not
impact natural resource values; staff and volunteer effort will be directed to addressing natural
resource management needs, as appropriate; natural resource management plans will be
completed for each conservation property; and the Commission and staff will seek funding, as
appropriate, to address natural resource management needs.
Cultural resources – elements of the conservation properties that embody the cultural heritage
of Lexington will be protected and managed to the extent they do not interfere with visitor
safety or natural resources.
Recreational access – Improvements and maintenance activities for all approved recreational
uses will be reviewed, planned, funded, and implemented, to the extent possible, as long as
they do not interfere with the above management priorities.
Recommended Schedule of Annual Maintenance Activities
Winter Spring Summer Fall
Dec- Feb Mar- May Jun - Aug Sep- Nov
Monthly Property Visits X X X X
Permitting (boardwalk, invasive control, etc) X Annual Work Plan Review Meeting with Staff
and Stewards X
Safety Meeting with Staff, Stewards, Police
and Fire Dept. X
Trail Walk/Clean Up (downed limbs,
drainage issues, signage needs, plow
damage) X
Invasive Plant Management X X X
Building Projects (kiosks, sign posts, etc.) X X X
Mowing for Manicured Areas X
Mowing for Grassland Fields
mid-late
August
Mowing for Wild Flower Meadows
late Sep-
Oct
Boundary monitoring for encroachments,
signage, etc. X X
Year-in-review meeting with Staff and
Stewards X
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Regulations that May Affect Management Decisions
All conservation land management activities must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal
laws, bylaws, codes, rules, and regulations as well as property-specific easements or terms. These
include, but may not be limited to:
Federal
o Clean Water Act (Section 404)
State
o Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
o Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act
o Article 97
o Forest Cutting Practices Act
Town
o Lexington Wetlands Code
o Lexington Tree Bylaw
Property-specific
o Conservation Restriction
o Donor’s letter of intent
o Other easements
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Appendix A – Recreational Use Appropriateness Matrix
Table A-1. Diverse recreational uses identified by Mass Audubon were ranked by their appropriateness at
various Lexington conservation properties. Uses were rated by the Conservation Commission, staff, and
volunteer stewards most familiar with each site.
Site Most Appropriate Appropriate Least Appropriate
Brown Homestead
Accessible trails
Dog walk (on/off)
Hike
Nature Study
Picnic
Agriculture
Bike
Education
Camp
Garden
Horseback ride
Chiesa Farm
Dog walk (on/off)
Education
Hike
Nature Study
XC ski & snowshoe
Horseback ride
Picnic
Accessible trails
Agriculture
Garden
Cranberry Hill
Bike
Dog walk (on/off)
Hike
Nature Study
XC ski & snowshoe
Daisy Wilson
Meadow
Bike
Dog walk (on-leash)
Education
Hike
Horseback ride
Nature Study
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
Dog walk (off-leash)
Garden
Picnic
Dunback Meadow
Bike
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Garden
Hike
Nature Study
Picnic Accessible trails
Hayden Woods
Accessible trails
Agriculture
Bike
Garden
XC ski & snowshoe
Hike
Picnic
Nature study
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Site Most Appropriate Appropriate Least Appropriate
Henessy Field
Accessible trails
Bike
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Horseback ride
Nature Study
Picnic
Agriculture
Camp
Education
Hike
Fire ring
Fish
Idylwilde
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Garden
Hike
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
Nature study
Picnic
Joyce Miller's
Meadow
Bike
Dog walk (on-leash)
Hike
Nature Study
Dog walk (off-leash)
Education
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Juniper Hill Hike
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Nature study
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
Katahdin Woods
Accessible trails
Bike
Hike
XC ski & snowshoe
Liberty Heights
Accessible trails
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Hike
Nature Study
XC ski & snowshoe
Education
Picnic Bike
Lower Vine Brook-
Leary Parcel
Accessible trails
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Hike
Nature Study
XC ski & snowshoe
Bike
Education
Camp
Fish
Garden
Picnic
Meagherville
Accessible trails
Bike
Hike
Nature Study
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Picnic
Swim
XC ski & snowshoe
Education
Fish
North Street
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Education
Hike
Nature Study
Bike
Fish
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
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Site Most Appropriate Appropriate Least Appropriate
Paint Mine
Accessible trails
Bike
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Education
Hike
Nature Study
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Parker Meadow
Accessible trails
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Education
Hike
Nature Study
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Bike
Fish
Horseback ride
Poor Farm Hike
Accessible trails
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Nature study
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Camp
Shaker Glen
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Education
Hike
Nature Study
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
Camp
Picnic
Simond's Brook
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Hike
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
Bike
Education
Horseback ride
Nature study
Picnic
Sutherland Woods1
Tophet Swamp
Accessible trails
Bike
Hike
Nature Study
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Education
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Turning Mill Pond
Education
Hike
Nature Study
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
Bike
Camp
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Fish
1 No responses were received for the Sutherland Woods property.
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Site Most Appropriate Appropriate Least Appropriate
Upper Vine Brook-
Cotton Farm
Agriculture
Bike
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Education
Hike
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
Garden
Nature study
West Farm
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Education
Hike
Nature Study
Accessible trails
Fish
XC ski & snowshoe
Bike
Camp
Picnic
Whipple Hill
Camp
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Education
Fire
Fish
Hike
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
Bike
Horseback ride
Nature study
Willard's Woods
Bike
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Fire ring
Fish
Hike
Nature Study
Picnic
XC ski & snowshoe
Accessible trails
Agriculture
Camp
Education
Garden
Horseback Ride
Wright Farm
Agriculture
Bike
Camp
Dog walk (on/off leash)
Fire ring
Fish
Garden
Hike
Nature Study
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Appendix B – Invasive Plant Management Options
Foliar spray- This method is usually applied with a type of sprayer (backpack, mist blower, or tank). The
percent of solution depends on the target species, the time of year, and type of sprayer. Glyphosate will
target all species while Triclopyr will only target broadleaf plants and will have minimal impact if any on
grasses.
Bloody glove- A more intensive method of herbicide application often used in place of foliar spray when
impacts to non-target species is a concern. Herbicide is applied directly to leaves and stems of target
species from a soaked cotton glove worn over a rubber glove.
Cut and paint- The stem of the plant is cut so a cross section is showing. The outer edge of the stem is
then painted in herbicide; if the stem is hollow herbicide can be injected into the hollow stem. Triclopyr
or Glyphosate can be used for treatment.
Girdling- This method used for trees involves making a shallow cut through the bark and outer cambium
tissue; the plant is slowly killed due to the inability to transport water and nutrients up the trunk.
Girdling is particularly effective for species that sprout aggressively from root suckers, particularly black
locust, since it seems to bypass the signal to respond to a dead main stem by sprouting from root
suckers. Care must be taken not to cut too deeply into the trunk as too deep a cut can sever all phloem
tissue which transports nutrients down into the roots of the plant and is necessary to transport
herbicide into the roots. If the phloem is all cut, downward transport will cease and black locust will
respond by sprouting aggressively from root suckers.
Basal bark- Herbicide is applied to the outer surface of the stem. Triclopyr is used because glyphosate
will not penetrate the stem. There should not be any standing water present or moisture on the stem.
The application can be made with a paint brush or backpack sprayer from the base of the stem to about
1 foot up the stem.
Recommended herbicides:
Triclopyr- Triclopyr is a selective herbicide that will affect broad leaf plants and will have minimal to no
impact on monocots. This is due to the fact that it stimulates cell growth elongation. Since monocots
grow naturally by elongating their cells it will have little to no affect where since dicots grow laterally,
they burst their cell walls and cause damage to the plant when they are stimulated for cell elongation.
Since this herbicide can be mixed with water or oil it can be used for foliar sprays, cut and paint, or basal
bark applications. It is recommended to use this herbicide when there is a dense native grass understory
surrounding a target plant.
Glyphosate- Glyphosate is a broad spectrum herbicide meaning it will kill most plants it is applied to. It is
an amino acid inhibitor so it inhibits the growth of plants. Foliar sprays should be applied while the plant
is actively growing but cut and paint applications can be done during the fall/winter months. This
herbicide can be used for foliar sprays and cut and paint applications. Since water is used as the base of
the solution it cannot be used for basal bark treatments because water based solutions will not
penetrate the bark layer. During cut and paint treatments the herbicide will need to be applied before
the cambium layer seals for it to be effective.
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Table B-1. General Management Options.
Method Good for
Volunteers?
Timing General guidelines Target Species
Cut and
paint
Yes Late
August to
November
Preferably done in the fall when
woody plants are translocating
energy towards roots. Can be
done to all trees/ shrubs except
black locust (signals root
suckering). Preferred treatment
for multiflora rose. If berries are
present take extra precaution to
not spread seed. Best when left in
local area and burned in brush
pile. Good for volunteers working
together with staff: have
volunteers cut and haul brush
while licensed applicator paints
herbicide.
Common reed (stem
injection)
Japanese knotweed
(stem injection)
Burning bush
Oriental bittersweet
Multiflora rose
(preferred)
Bush honeysuckle (fall)
Glossy buckthorn
Autumn olive
Hand pull
Yes
Spring and
Summer
Great for herbaceous plants with
taproot and shallow root system.
Best for small infestations. All
trees/ shrubs can be hand-pulled
when in seedling stage. Garlic
mustard should be hand-pulled
when second year plants start
sending up seed stalk and all plant
parts should be bagged and kept
out of the sun (seeds can still
develop if sunlight is available).
Spotted knapweed
Garlic mustard
All seedlings for trees
and shrubs
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Method
Good for
Volunteers? Timing General guidelines Target Species
Mechanical
(weed
wrench/
shovel)
Yes
Spring
through
Fall,
although
better
before
seed set.
Great for small shrubs/ trees. Best
when done in early spring when
leaves start coming out but
before berries develop. Shovels
can be used to dig up herbaceous
plants with fibrous root systems
(Black swallowwort) care needs to
be taken to make sure all root
system is dug up. Soil should be
tamped down after removal or
native species planted soon after
disturbance to keep additional
invasives from re-colonizing area.
Japanese knotweed
Burning bush
Japanese barberry
Black swallowwort
Autumn olive
Tree of heaven
Basal bark
herbicide
No
August
through
October
This method is best when done in
late summer mid fall (Aug-Oct)
when sap flow is towards roots.
Can be performed on all trees/
shrubs.
Burning bush
Autumn olive
Biological
Yes
Dependent
on insect.
This method of treatment works
well for purple loosestrife. It is
the least disruptive method of
treatment currently available.
Usually agents are released in
July/ August. The affect the
biological agent will have on the
environment should be taken into
consideration and the relative
ease of other forms of treatment.
Depending on infestation size this
could be a good way to treat
Spotted knapweed.
Purple loosestrife
(preferred)
Spotted knapweed
(needs research)
Principles & Policies Final Document
January 2015
Page | 27
Method
Good for
Volunteers? Timing General guidelines Target Species
Foliar spray
herbicide
No When
leaves are
out.
For trees and shrubs best when
done in the fall when sap flow is
towards roots. Can be done any
time for herbaceous plants.
When spraying, the least amount
of herbicide at the smallest
effective percentage should be
used. The surrounding habitat
(wetland vs upland), nesting/
breeding animals, and whether it
is a necessary treatment should
be considered.
All species
Girdling If certified in
chainsaw
safety
Fall A chainsaw is used to create a ~2”
wide cut all around the tree
between knee and waist height
taking care to remove only the
outer layer of cambium, then the
fresh cut is painted with
herbicide.
Larger trees
Bloody
glove
No When
leaves are
out.
A rubber glove is worn on the
hand with an absorbent cotton
glove over it. The cotton glove is
dipped in a Glyphosate solution
(strength depending on target
species) then used to directly
apply herbicide to leaves, stems,
and inflorescences of target
plants. Herbicide is absorbed
directly into the plant via the
stem and leaves, however,
breaking the stem aids in more
rapid absorption.
Small patches of
common reed,
seedlings, etc.
particularly in wetlands
where impacts to non-
target species is a
concern.
Principles & Policies Final Document
January 2015
Page | 28
Table B-2. Species Specific Management Options.
Species Biology Control Recommendations Monitoring
Period Manual Chemical
Au
t
u
m
n
o
l
iv
e
Autumn olive
flowers in May-
July (plants have
to be at least 3
years old to
flower). Seeds are
produced August
– November and
nuts usually ripen
in September.
Adults produce
less seed in the
shade than the
sun. Autumn olive
reproduces
primarily by seed.
Seedlings can be
hand-pulled. Bigger
plants can be
removed with
weed wrenches.
Care should be
taken to get entire
root system. Plants
re-sprout
vigorously when
cut without the use
of herbicide.
A foliar treatment with at 2%
solution of Triclopyr or Glyphosate
can be used when leaves are
present. A 25% solution of Triclopyr
or Glyphosate can be used for cut
and paint. A 20% solution of
Triclopyr is recommended for basal
bark treatments.
3 years
No
informatio
n available
on seed
viability.
Bl
a
c
k
s
wa
l
l
o
w
wo
r
t
Black
swallowwort
spreads
vegetatively and
by seed. It flowers
in June-August.
The seeds are
released from
August to
October;
Plants can be dug
up with a shovel.
The entire root
system would need
to be removed and
this method is very
time consuming.
A 2% foliar spray of Glyphosate or
Triclopyr is recommended before
mid-July. Chemical treatment is
recommended from May-June, this
would be before the plants flower
so there would not be a possibility
of spreading seed.
6 years
Seeds
remain
viable up
to five
years.
Bu
r
n
i
n
g
b
us
h
Burning bush
reproduces by
seed and
vegetatively.
Small plants can be
hand pulled while
a weed wrench will
need to be used
for larger plants.
Care should be
taken to remove
entire root system.
A 2% foliar solution of Glyphosate is
recommended when leaves are
present. A 20% solution of
Glyphosate or Triclopyr is
recommended for cut and paint and
a 20% solution ofTriclopyr should
be used for basal bark application.
5 years
No data on
seed
banking.
Principles & Policies Final Document
January 2015
Page | 29
Species Biology
Control Recommendations Monitoring
Period Manual Chemical
Bu
s
h
h
on
e
y
s
u
c
k
l
e
s
The berries are
mildly poisonous
if eaten.
small plants can be
hand pulled or
removed with a
weed wrench. Care
should be taken to
remove all roots
and not to spread
berries.
Foliar spraying can be done as long
as there are leaves present a 2%
solution of Triclopyr or Glyphosate
is recommended. A 25% solution for
cut and paint treatments can be
used, put the solution right into the
hollow stem and around the stem
edge. This is best during the fall
when all of the plant fluids are
headed towards the root system.
3 years
Few seeds
viable for
more than
one year.
Co
m
m
o
n
r
ee
d
Common reed
reproduces by
seed and
vegetatively.
Inflorescences
develop in late
June.
Plants can be cut.
The shoots should
be removed to
prevent re
sprouting.
A 2% solution of Glyphosate is
recommended. Since Common reed
is an aquatic species an aquatic safe
herbicide must be used. The best
results are when the herbicide is
applied in the late summer or early
fall when Common Reed is actively
growing and in full bloom. Remove
dead stems if possible by mowing or
clipping.
2 years
Seed
viability is
typically
low,
although it
may vary
year to
year.
Ga
r
l
i
c
m
us
t
a
r
d
Garlic mustard is
a biennial plant
and is
allelopathic.
Basal rosettes and
second year plants
can be hand
pulled. Plants
should be pulled at
base near ground
to ensure that the
root is removed.
A 2% Glyphosate solution can be
sprayed in April/May before the
basal rosettes go to seed and in
September/October when other
plants are dormant.
6 years
The seed
bank is
viable for 5
or more
years.
Gl
o
s
s
y
b
uc
k
t
h
o
r
n
Reproduces by
seed.
Seedlings can be
hand-pulled and
larger plants can
be removed with a
weed wrench.
Cut and paint with a 20% solution of
Glyphosate or 25% Triclopyr. A 2%
foliar spray can be used while there
are leaves. Remove dead stems if
possible by mowing or lopping.
7 years
Seeds
remain
viable for
5-7 years.
Ja
p
a
n
e
s
e
b
ar
b
e
r
r
y
Japanese
barberry spreads
by seeds and
vegetatively. The
seeds have a 90%
germination rate.
Small plants can be
removed by hand
pulling or using a
weed wrench.
A 2% foliar spray can be used when
leaves are present (April). Both
Glyphosate or a Triclopyr solution
can be used. A 25% cut and paint
solution of Glyphosate or Triclopyr
can be used, it is most effective in
the fall when sap flow is towards
the root system.
2 years
Do not
persist in
seed bank.
Principles & Policies Final Document
January 2015
Page | 30
Species Biology
Control Recommendations Monitoring
Period Manual Chemical
Ja
p
a
n
e
s
e
k
no
t
w
e
e
d
The majority of
literature
recommends
spraying after
flowering; this
makes it harder
for the plant to
have enough
reserves to re-
sprout that year.
When the plant is
in flower (August)
there are a lot of
bees around this
species; care
should be taken
to avoid spraying
bees when
present and if
possible, efforts
should be made
to spray multiple
times a year
before flowering.
Due to its
extensive root
system, hand
pulling Japanese
Knotweed is not
recommended as
an efficient form of
control.
A 2% solution of Triclopyr or
Glyphosate is recommended for
foliar spraying and is recommended
to be done soon after flowering. For
cut and paint techniques a 25%
solution of Glyphosate or Triclopyr
is recommended.
4 years
Seeds do
not remain
viable
beyond
one year,
but
rhizomes
and other
plant parts
can sprout
up to three
years after
treatment.
Ja
p
a
n
e
s
e
St
i
l
t
g
r
a
s
s
Japanese
stiltgrass emerges
in late August.
Small patches can
be hand pulled and
bagged. Be sure to
remove entire root
system.
A 2% Glyphosate or Triclopyr
solution can be used for foliar spray
in August/September.
7 years
Seeds
remain
viable for
5-7 years.
Mu
l
t
i
f
l
o
r
a
r
os
e
It flowers from
April to June and
fruits July- Dec. It
reproduces by
seed and
vegetatively.
Hand-pulling small
plants is
recommended as
long as all the
roots are removed.
It is not
recommended for
established plants.
Foliar application is best when near
flowering time. A 2% of Triclopyr or
Glyphosate can be used. Cut and
paint or basal bark applications can
also be applied in the fall. A 25%
solution of Triclopyr or Glyphosate
is recommended for cut and paint
and 20% of Triclopyr can be used
for basal bark treatments.
20 years
Seeds of
multiflora
rose are
viable for
up to 20
years.
Principles & Policies Final Document
January 2015
Page | 31
Species Biology
Control Recommendations Monitoring
Period Manual Chemical
Or
i
e
n
t
a
l
bi
tt
e
r
s
w
e
e
t
The seeds are
viable for several
years, but can
sprout from roots
and runners.
Seedlings are easy
to hand pull. Bigger
vines can be
removed by
unwinding them
from their host and
using a weed
wrench to uproot
them. This can be
done year round,
but use caution
when berries are
present.
You can foliar spray with a 2%
solution of Glyphosate or Triclopyr.
A 20% solution can be used for
basal bark treatment. A 25%
solution is recommended for cut
and paint treatments, both
Glyphosate or Triclopyr can be
used.
5 years
Seeds do
not remain
viable, but
resprouts
from roots.
Pu
r
p
l
e
l
oo
s
e
s
t
r
i
f
e
Galerucella spp.
beetles are
recommended for
bio control
agents.
Plants can be
removed by hand
pulling. All roots
should be
removed.
An aquatic safe herbicide (Rodeo)
should be used. A 2 % foliar spray is
recommended in late August early
September.
Ongoing
Produces
nearly
inexhaustib
le seed
bank. Bio-
control will
not
eliminate
plant.
Sp
o
t
t
e
d
k
na
p
w
e
e
d
Plants may
contain
carcinogenic
compounds and
skin irritation can
also occur, gloves
should be worn
when handling
Plants can be hand
pulled and bagged.
Care should be
taken to get entire
root system and
not to distribute
seeds if present.
A 2% Glyphosate foliar spray can be
used. Plants are most susceptible if
sprayed in the late stages of flower
buds (late June).
10 years
Seeds can
survive for
8 or more
years.
Principles & Policies Final Document
January 2015
Page | 32
Species Biology
Control Recommendations Monitoring
Period Manual Chemical
Tr
e
e
o
f
h
ea
v
e
n
Tree of heaven
flowers May-June,
and fruits starting
in July. It
reproduces by
seed and
vegetatively.
Plants need to be
2 or 3 years old to
produce viable
seed. It re-sprouts
vigorously when
cut without
herbicide.
Small plants can be
removed by hand-
pulling or using a
weed wrench. Care
should be taken to
remove entire root
system.
A 2% solution is recommended for
foliar spray. Either Triclopyr or
Glyphosate can be used. Triclopyr is
recommended for cut and paint
(30% solution) and basal bark (20%
solution) treatments.
2 years
Few seeds
remain
viable after
one year.
Wa
t
e
r
c
he
s
t
n
u
t
Water chestnut
emerges in June
and sets seed in
August
Small patches can
be hand pulled in
canoes and kayaks.
Vegetation can be
used as compost.
An aquatic specific herbicide would
be used. Also required NPDES
permits would have to be in place
before control.
15 years
Seeds
remain
viable for
12 or more
years.
Principles & Policies Final Document
January 2015
Page | 33
Appendix C: Invasive Species Treatment Record Datasheet
Invasive Species Treatment Record
Property: Date:
Location: UTM (WGS84/NAD83):
Weather (include 24 hours before and after for chemical treatment)
Current 24 hours before 24 hours after
Temp.
Wind speed/direction
Cloud Cover
Precipitation
Method: Chemical Manual Mechanical Biological
Chemical
Chemical used: % Solution Used: Amount of solution used:
Amount of herbicide used: Mix date:
Adjuvants/Carriers etc.:
Method of Application:
Name of applicators:
Biological
Biological control agent: # Released: Stage:
Mechanical/ Manual
Equipment used:
Acres/number of plants treated: % of infested area treated:
Growth stage of target:
Principles & Policies Final Document
January 2015
Page | 34
Target Species:
Comments:
Date current treatment mapped w/ GPS:
Efficacy notes:
Date/type of last treatment:
ATTACH MAP OF TREATMENT AREA
or hand draw on back of this sheet