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HomeMy WebLinkAboutlandscaper statement1 In 2018, the Lucey family, property owners of 44 Studley Rd in Yarmouth, MA, contracted with BlueFlax Design LLC to develop a Restoration Planting Plan/ Invasive species removal plan to address the removal and mitigation of bluestone stairs to access long pond, as well as manage invasive species and repopulate the area with native vegetation. The project area is approximately 2,330 square feet. The goals for the property are to manage the slope for stability and restore native vegetation within the 50’ buffer to the BVW, remove invasive species, and plant natives in the 50’ buffer zone as well as a small portion of the 100’ buffer zone. 815 Route 28 Harwich Port, MA 02646 774-408-7718 theresa@blueflaxdesign.com MONITORING REPORT 44 STUDLEY ROAD YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS JANUARY 31, 2022 PROJECT AREA Google Earth image of the project area at 44 Studley Road. The project area is shaded in yellow. PROPERTY LINE 100’ BUFFER TO BVW 50’ BUFFER TO BVW EDGE OF BVW ST U D L E Y R O A D LONG POND SE # 83-2162 SE # 83-2192 2 Bluestone steps Erosion near the steps BEFORE PHOTOGRAPHS OF PROJECT SITE - PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN IN AUGUST 2018 INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL AND RESTORATION PLANTING The first phase of restoration work was implemented as per the Restoration Planting Plan dated August 27 2018 and revised with additional information for the stairs area March 20 2019. In Fall 2018, invasive/aggressive vegetation including Asiatic bittersweet, shrub honeysuckle, Poison ivy, greenbrier and multiflora rose were managed/removed by selective treatment with an EPA approved systemic herbicide. The slope was immediately blanketed with 100-percent biodegradable erosion control blanket and seeded with a native grass and wildflower mix to prevent erosion. Native shrubs and groundcover species were installed as well as temporary irrigation. AFTER PHOTOGRAPHS OF PROJECT SITE - PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN IN FEBRUARY 2021 The site was assessed and it was found that greater than 80% control of invasive species has been achieved. There was good germination results from the seed mix sown and a groundcover is now established on the bank. The planted shrubs are in good shape both on the slope and on the top of the bank area. Looking northwest from the stairs. Native shrubs look healthy Below the retaining wall the groundcover and shrubs are established with a few bare areas that need to be re-seeded FOLLOW UP INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT Follow up invasive species management continued in the summer and fall each season with selective herbicide treatments. Temporary irrigation was adjusted as needed throughout the growing seasons. 3 Looking from the pond edge up to the stairs. Some shrubs have died and need replacement View from on the top of the slope where planted shrubs including bayberry and silky dogwood are looking healthy The retaining wall and stair area is stable and established with native groundcover Pine needles and oak leaves were abundantly present on the slope making groundcover not easily visible View looking east of planted bearberry and lowbush blueberry by the fire pit View looking west at planted bearberry at the top of the wall AFTER PHOTOGRAPHS OF PROJECT SITE - PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN IN JANUARY 2022 4 Looking north at natural stairs with Carex pensylvanica, Deschampsia cespitosa and little bluestem surrounding them. Silky dogwood, bayberry and bearberry on the western side of the property at the top of slope. View of the eastern side of the bank. Sweet fern, bayberry, clethra and silky dogwood present with little bluestem as groundcover. Few bare areas. Pine needles and oak leaves were abundantly present on the slope making groundcover not easily visible. Fragrant sumac is thriving on the bank. View of the eastern side of the bank from top of bank. Photo taken in September 2021 Photo of western side of the bank. Photo taken September 2021 5 Native plants have established on the bank. Some bare areas were re-seeded by BlueFlax Design in spring 2021. In November 2021, the natural steps were build on the steep area of the lawn and plugs of grasses and sedges were planted around them. Additionally, bearberry shrubs were planted at the top of the wall and several replacement sweet ferns were planted on the bank. We will be happy to answer any questions about information provided in this monitoring document, or any of our observations at the site. Sincerely, Brittany DiRienzo Restoration Specialist BlueFlax Design LLC 815 Route 28 Harwich Port, MA 02646 774-408-7718