Site Preparation and Tree Planting, Victoria Co., TX`

Wetland Reserve Program Tree Planting Plan James E and Ginger Fagan Victoria County, Texas Soils: The predominant soils in the planting area are Aransas clay, frequently flooded, and Austwell Clay, frequently flooded. These soils are a dark gray to black clay that is poorly drained and very slightly acidic to alkaline. Surface runoff is slow and permeability is very slow. The sticky nature of these soils will make planting difficult if moisture conditions are not almost ideal. Tree Planting Specifications "Pre-planning" Conference: A pre-planting conference will be held between the contractor, owner (or agent) and the NRCS to discuss the planting operation. Planting will not begin before this meeting. Site Preparation: The perennial vegetation within the treatment area include native and introduced grasses such as Common Bermuda grass and Gordo bluestem. Forb and woody species such as Spiny Aster and Sump weed are also present. Site preparation will include spray treatments utilizing approved systemic herbicides such as Roundup and Rodeo according to label directions on existing vegetation by September 15, 2008. A second treatment may be required by October 22, 2008 in order to - cleanup any vegetation that did not respond to the first spray treatment. NRCS will determine the need for a second herbicide treatment, and will inform the contractor by 15 Oct 2008 if it is required. Tree Planting: Hardwood seedling will be hand or machine planted on a 12' x 12' spacing (303 trees per acre) on approximately 35 acres. The planting area, except the strips around water impoundment, will consist of one mix described below. Species: Refer to the attached restoration plan map and species list below. The tree planting contractor will be responsible for the ordering of the seedlings, their delivery to the site, their care, and, if necessary, cold storage. The species for most of the site are grouped as preferred and secondary. At least four species will be planted. Each preferred species will make up no more than 30% of the total mix, and each secondary species will make up not more than 10% of the mix. In addition, a separate mix will be used for the strips planted around water impoundments. The species to be planted along with approximate percentages depending upon availability are listed below: Preferred Species: Green ash 20%, Bur Oak 10%, Willow Oak 10%, Bald Cypress 20%, Cedar Elm 20% Secondary Species: Bitter Pecan 5%, Persimmon 5%, Hackberry 5%, Mulberry 5% Around Water Areas: Bald Cypress, Bitter Pecan The planting list is a guide to mixes that should be best suited for the site based on wetness, pH, etc. Flexibility with the mixes is expected. If substitution of species is necessary, those with equal or greater tolerance to the wetness will be chosen. It is also expected that there will be sites within the planting area that may be too wet for species selected. In these cases, wetness tolerant species should be used. Species Substitutions: If a substitution is necessary due to the unavailability of a species from the nursery, low counts in the bags, modifications of the planting plan due to unforeseen conditions, etc., a species will be selected that has an equal or greater tolerance to wetness than the originally selected one. Any substitution must be approved by the NRCS beforehand. Spacing and Planting Rate: Hardwood seedlings will be planted on 12' x 12' spacing (303 seedlings per acre). The number of satisfactorily planted seedlings must fall within 15% of this planting rate or 258 seedlings per acre. Areas along the shores of impoundments and natural slough and wet depressions will be planted with species listed above to the extent that the water depth will allow. In these areas, increase the spacing to 15' x 15'. If a shortage of seedlings should occur due either to low seedling count or a high cull rate, the NRCS may either: (1) require the original purchaser (as stated above) to procure additional seedlings or (2) adjust the planting rate and/or acreage. If, on the other hand, seedlings are planted closer than the above spacing, causing a shortage, the contractor will be responsible for additional seedlings needed to finish the planting. Species Mixes: Mixes will be achieved through "bag-mixes" and/or matching the species to the site. Unless otherwise specified in the Tree Planting Plan, row or block plantings of single mixes will be avoided. Further explanation will be provided at the pre-planting conference. Planting Dates: Unless otherwise specified, planting will be down between mid-December and late February. Seedling Quality: Seedlings will meet the standards listed below for quality: Minimum root collar diameter Minimum Height 16 Minimum root length 8 Minimum number of lateral roots 5 Condition Stiff and Woody Together, the contractor and the NRCS technician will open at least one bag of each species being planted to determine quality and count. The NRCS technician will discuss seedling quality with the contractor, and determine the need for modifying the planting plan or purchasing additional seedlings at this time. It will be the responsibility of the contractor to "cull" seedlings according to the above or agreed to standards during planting. Seedling Care: It is the responsibility of the contractor to assure proper care of the seedlings during the planting operation. Planting will begin immediately after receiving the seedlings. Although cold storage (34oF to 40oF) is preferred, storage of seedlings in structures of shaded areas is permissible provided the planting will be completed within 7 days and the seedlings will be kept moist and cool (but not allowed to freeze). Cold storage will be necessary if the planting will require more than 7 days after the receipt of the seedlings (but no longer than 3 weeks). It will be the responsibility of the contractor to secure cold storage. Only the number of seedlings that can be planted in a day will be taken to the site. These will be kept shaded and moist. Pruning: Roots: The tap roots may be pruned to the minimum length of 8". Lateral roots may be pruned to facilitate planting. Prune by pulling the laterals down along the tap root and cut to its (the tap root's) length. Prune only with shears or a sharp knife. Do not tear roots. Tops: Tops may be pruned to the minimum height of 16". Planting Methods: Seedlings will be hand planted using either a dibble or planting shovel that can produce a 10" or deeper planting slit or by the use of a tree planter.. Seedlings will be planted with the root collar slightly below the soil surface. Roots will not be balled, twisted or planted in a "j" or "u" shaped manner. Steps needed to ensure the compacting of the soil around the seedling, leaving no air pockets in the planting slit, will be taken. Consult with the NRCS representative before planting when optimum site and soils moisture and/or temperature conditions are not available. Quality Control The contractor will be ultimately responsible for quality assurance. Quality control will be explained during the pre-planting conference. In addition, NRCS representatives will be available during the first day of planting and will occasionally visit the site during planting. They will be available for consultation, but they will not serve as daily inspectors. It is the responsibility of the contractor to provide day to day oversight of the planting crews. NRCS will conduct an inspection at the completion of the planting to determine the acceptability of the planting. The attached "Tree and Shrub Planting Compliance Record (Seedlings)" will be used for certification.