HomeMy WebLinkAboutPython_Monitoring Report_2024-11
2024 ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT FOR YARMOUTH CONSERVATION COMMISSION
DEP File Number: SE 83-2446
Date of Issuance: 9/10/2024
Project Address: 140 Baxter Ave, 31 Grist Mill Ln, and the end of Grist Mill Ln
Assessment Period: October 2024 – November 2024
Project Documents: Site Plan ~ Showing Existing Conditions by Ryder & Wilcox,
dated 5/21/2024
Restoration Plan by Crawford Land Management, dated
8/22/2024
Land Management Plan & Project Narrative by Crawford Land
Management, dated 8/22/2024
Project Overview
This permit approved the restoration of a substantial area of invasive common reed
(Phragmites australis) in the salt marsh, as well as the restoration of upland naturalized
areas dominated by other invasive species. This permit approved work at 140 Baxter Avenue
and 31 Grist Mill Lane; a separate RDA was filed for a small portion of Phragmites at the end
of Grist Mill Lane, for which a negative determination was issued. This report assesses
project progress at all approved properties for work approved under both the NOI and RDA
applications.
Project Activities Completed to Date
Work on this project began in late October 2024, at which time the initial removal and
treatment of Phragmites, Japanese knotweed, and any other invasive vegetation was
completed. Phragmites was removed and treated as approved, using a bundle, cut and wipe
method to cut groupings of stalks and apply an appropriate herbicide directly to the cut
stems. Japanese knotweed was removed and treated as approved, using a stem injection
method to deliver herbicide directly inside the stalk. All other invasive species for
management were flush cut and an herbicide applied directly to the cut stem.
Assessment of Current Site Conditions
At the time of our assessment, initial invasive species management work had just been
completed and the dormant season is beginning. The restoration areas will continue to be
monitored over the following growing season to determine the effectiveness of initial
treatment work.
Anticipated Activities to be Completed Next Monitoring Period
Over the 2025 growing season, restoration plantings will be planted (either in the spring or
fall, depending on control of invasive species and plant availability). A temporary, above-
ground irrigation system will be installed to supply supplemental water to establishing
plantings. Maintenance work will also be ongoing throughout the growing season in order to
manage any invasive species that may have re-sprouted from roots remaining in the soil or
germinated from seed left in the seed bank. Maintenance activities will include hand
weeding and selective clip and drip or low-volume foliar spray treatments, as well as
overseeding of the native seed mix and adjusting the irrigation system (if necessary).
Representative Project Area Photographs
Restoration area prior to initial removal/treatment work. October 2024.
Initial treatment of Phragmites in progress. October 2024.
Treatment of upland restoration area in progress. October 2024.
Restoration areas after initial removal/treatment work. October 2024.