HomeMy WebLinkAboutRDA narrative 20261
Invasive Species Management 2026-2030
OBJECTIVE.
To manage invasive species and enhance scenic views, improve wildlife habitat, encourage outdoor
recreation, and restore wetland resource areas. Parcels will be prioritized for their open space,
recreation, tourism, and conservation value to the Town and a three-year management program will
be developed by the contractor and approved by staff and the commission to treat and remove
invasive vegetation. Work is proposed on Conservation Areas and town Ways to Water. Work will
follow Best Management Practices and include long-term monitoring and re-treatment of invasive
plant species as needed. Treatment details vary by species. Phragmites can be removed by hand or
mechanical removal (can consist of mowing with low ground pressure tracked vehicles with ground
pressures of less than 4 p.s.i. or equivalent during winter months paired with herbicide application by
cut and wipe or foliar spray in the late summer/early fall. Knotweed is treated by foliar spray or stem
injection is late summer/early fall. Other woody invasives can be treated by cut-and wipe method at
any time. The contractor shall hold a valid Massachusetts herbicide applicator’s license, a copy of
which shall be provided prior to execution of a contract, and have experience in sensitive wetland
habitats.
PROJECT SUMMARY.
The open space and recreation plan identified invasive species management as a high priority item
(Goal 1, Objective 1B) in managing town owned open space. This project fits directly into that goal.
Mechanical removal and herbicide treatment of invasive vegetation at multiple Town owned parcels
would benefit the town by opening previously scenic viewsheds and improving environmental quality.
All properties include resource areas and/or buffer zones.
Annual treatments will occur for at least 3 years, and annual monitoring will take place. Follow up
management is suggested for an additional 3 years after initial work is done. Work would commence
late summer/early fall 2026 or 2027 depending on funding, permitting, and consultant acquisition.
NEW LOCATIONS
Not all locations may end up being pursued based on funding and resource availability. Highest priority
are starred. Funding sources may include the Conservation fund, Commnity Economic Development
Committee- Tourism Public Improvement funds, Capital Improvement funds, and Community
Preservation Act funds. Japanese knotweed and phragmites are a high priority.
T O W N O F Y A R M O U T H
1146 ROUTE 28, SOUTH YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS 02664-4492
Telephone (508) 398-2231, Ext. 1288, Fax (508) 398-2365
Conservation
Division
2
*SYRJALA CONSERVATION AREA ~1,400 sqft
Target species-Japanese Knotweed, Bittersweet, Poison ivy (aggressive native species near paths).
Located in buffer zone, and riverfront area
*TOWN LANDING ~900 sqft
Target species- Japanese Knotweed. Located in buffer zone, and riverfront area
3
*THACHER SHORE RD CONSERVATION AREA ~2,000 sqft
Target species- shrub honeysuckle, bittersweet, multiflora rose, privet, buckthorn, phragmites,
knotweed. Lawn area to aim to restore to Meadow (green) is ~7,500 sqft. Located in buffer zone,
vegetated wetland, salt marsh, and riverfront area
NORTH COVE LANDING ~ 820 sqft
target species Japanese Knotweed, multiflora rose, Japanese barberry, tree of heaven, English ivy, and
erosion control with seed. Located in buffer zone, coastal bank, and riverfront area
4
DENNIS POND CONSERVATION AREA~2,000 sqft
Target species- Japanese Knotweed. Other woody invasive species present. Located in buffer zone.
WHARF LANE WAY TO WATER AND WATER ST. CONSERVATION AREA ~20,000 sqft
Target species, phragmites, Japanese knotweed, and black swallowwort. Located in buffer zone, and salt
marsh
5
PREVIOUSLY TREATED LOCATIONS:
MONITORING AND FOLLOW UP MANAGEMENT
Target species: Phragmites
Run/Crowell Pond
~ 8,500 square foot area along South Shore Drive was previously treated for 3 years from 2024-2026.
Located in buffer zone, riferfront area, and salt marsh
Meadowbrook Conservation Area
~35,000 square foot area was treated 2024-2026, and prior in 2018-2021 (in red), and 2013-2014 (in
blue). Located in salt marsh
6
Taylor Bray Farm
Red area treated prior in 2015, and 2019-2021. This site is in excellent condition, with many native
plants recolonizing. A small additional area (in yellow) was added in 2024-2026. Located in salt marsh
Alms House Road
Treatment was done in 2017-2021. Follow up was done in 2024-2026. Minimal monitoring needed.
7
Brad Hall Blueberry Patch
~ 15,000 square feet and is responding well. Located in salt marsh and BVW.
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