10 TIPS FOR MONTANE REVEGETATION

Transcription

1 10 TIPS FOR MONTANE REVEGETATION B Y J O H N Z A N Z I, S E N I O R H A B I T A T R E S T O R A T I O N S P E C I A L I S T

2 DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING MONTANE REVEGETATION Dudek Senior Habitat Restoration Specialist John Zanzi shares tips based on his experience designing and implementing long-term, self-sustaining projects. These tips result in a quality project that promotes sustainability and saves money in the long run.

3 TIP #1: GET THE RIGHT TEAM OF EXPERTS. Montane revegetation is a complex process involving biologists, ecologists, soil scientists, landscape architects, engineers, suppliers, and contractors. Their collaborative expertise and experience-based solutions contribute to a quality, functioning project done right the first time.

4 TIP #2: PREPARE DETAILED DESIGN DOCUMENTS. Detailed design plans and specifications reduce risk and communicate a standard of quality to be expected during construction. These documents detail the work to be conducted, provide construction directions, prescribe the needed materials, and explain how they should be put together while meeting agency requirements.

5 TIP #3: SELECT A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR. Before revegetation implementation and monitoring, select a knowledgeable and experienced restoration contractor. An expert understands materials and how they fit together, knows the tools needed, orchestrates timing, interprets and executes project goals, and delivers on time.

6 TIP #4: ENSURE PLANT PROCUREMENT IS IN PLACE. Native-to-the-region plants often need more than one growing season. To properly collect propagules, grow, store, and deliver plants, it is critical to contract plant procurement upon award of the construction contract. To ensure quality, observe plants at the nursery before delivery to the project site.

7 TIP #5: IMPLEMENT SOIL REHABILITATION STRATEGIES. Revegetation projects start with the soil. To achieve maximum soil rehabilitation, your project team should conduct soil analyses and implement amendment recommendations (if appropriate); salvage and stockpile litter and mulch; decompact and loosen soil; integrate organic materials; and reapply litter and mulch.

8 TIP #6: CONDUCT PLANTING CONCURRENT WITH CIVIL WORK. For a sustainable, self-repairing structure that becomes stronger as plant materials mature, it's necessary to install plantings as part of biotechnical treatment construction. Good design documents prescribe a concurrent work schedule to integrate planting with structure construction for a treatment program that is done right the first time.

9 TIP #7: ADAPT DESIGN SOLUTIONS TO FIELD CONDITIONS. Detailed design should develop treatments for site-specific peculiarities and conditions, but site conditions may evolve from the time design documents are prepared. The design team, including the contractor, should adapt to field conditions to meet project goals and objectives as well as implement persistent plant establishment.

10 TIP #8: PRESCRIBE A PLANT ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD. Revegetation isn't static; it will take a minimum of two years and proactive adaptive management to establish persistent plants. A successful plant establishment period includes weed control, watering/irrigation, replacement planting/seeding, and adaptive management for high-quality performance.

11 TIP #9: PROVIDE TEMPORARY IRRIGATION TO GET RESULTS. To establish persistent plants, your project team should water immediately after planting, observe the soil infiltration rate, adapt watering to site conditions, and evaluate plant establishment throughout site maintenance. Weaning plants off irrigation after two or three years will promote strong, self-sufficient plants.

12 TIP #10: CONDUCT PERFORMANCE AND SUCCESS CRITERIA. Performance standards serve as a benchmark to evaluate plant establishment. Your team should observe the percent cover of woody and herbaceous plants, litter, and mulch as well as evaluate soil surface and below-ground conditions. Performance criteria will inform remedial actions and adaptive management to ensure long-term, persistent revegetation.

13 For more information, contact John Zanzi, Landscape Architect/Senior Habitat Restoration Specialist, Design and Implementation, at or