Landcare Management Advisory Committee

City of Portland LMAC Waiver Committee Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:30 PM The LMAC Waiver Committee will conduct this meeting remotely via Zoom. Allow your computer to install the free Zoom app to get the best meeting experience. If you are not able to attend live either in person or via Zoom, a recording will be available in the Agenda Center following the meeting. https://portlandmaine- gov.zoom.us/j/89988685831?pwd=cYI0aeTp2a0PLmzjV5L4 7K82e8rJbT.1 REMOTE ACCESS INFORMATION: 1. Introduction / Review purpose of the meeting 2. Applicant presentation a. Application for waiver to apply otherwise prohibited pesticides at 690 Seahore Avenue, Peaks Island. 3. Discussion 4. Adjournment 1 Page 1  LANDCARE ORDINANCE WAIVER APPLICATION Landcare Management Advisory Committee (LMAC) APPLICANT INFORMATION Applicant Name: ______________________________________________________________ Parterre Ecological (Shana Hostetter) Address: ____________________________________________________________________ 14 Braintree Street, Portland, ME 04103 Email Address: _______________________________________________________________ shostetter@parterregarden.com Telephone Number: __________________________________________ 717-587-5355 Submission Date: ___________________________________________ 1/27/25 I am a: ☐ Resident ☐ Landlord ☐ Business ☐ Municipality ☐ Landscape company Are you a licensed commercial applicator? ☐ Yes ☐ No REASON FOR REQUESTING THE USE OF A PROHIBITED FERTILIZER OR PESTICIDE: ☐ Is an emergency and threatens the public health and safety ☐ For the control of invasive plants that pose a threat to the environment (For a list of Maine Invasive Plants visit: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/invasive_plants/invsheets.htm) ☐ Required to protect buildings or structures from damage ☐ Using a synthetic fertilizer on performance turf or for new development, with one or more the following conditions: I. The soil temperature is less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit and reasonable grounds exist to justify fertilizer use at that location and at that time; II. The turf is experiencing high stress due to high use and must be ready for high performance play when the sports season(s) begin; or III. A suitable organic product that meets the nutrient needs of the soil as specified in a soil test is unavailable. Making the right pest identification is important and can be difficult. Resources for pest identification are available at: http://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/invasive-pests.htm. NOTE: Applications for poisonous plants such as poison ivy, pests of significant health importance such as ticks and mosquitos, and destructive pests such as carpenter ants and termites are exempted under the ordinance. No waiver is necessary to address these pests. Please provide a detailed account of the problem you would like to address with the proposed fertilizer or pesticide application. Include photos of the problem/pest and of the extent of the problem (this may be number of pests or area covered): _______________________________________________________________________ We would like to use Garlon 3A and Round Up Custom in cut and dab or foliar foam applications. We would like to manage a large swath ____________________________________________________________________________________ of Japnese Knotweed growing in a monoculture, including over a septic field. We would also like to manage out Bush Honeysuckle, ____________________________________________________________________________________ Multiflora Rose, and Bittersweet. The location of this property is on Peak's Island. We would also like to work within the Right of Way outlined in yellow ____________________________________________________________________________________ on the attached map. Page 2 What steps did you take to evaluate alternative methods to the proposed fertilizer or pesticide application, including but not limited to, non-fertilizer/pesticide management tactics, minimum risk fertilizers or pesticides, non-synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and selecting the minimum amount of the least toxic, most effective fertilizer or pesticide necessary. ____________________________________________________________________________________ There is no non toxic way to successfully manage out Japanese Knotweed, especially at this scale. In our experience, repeated mowing will not ever ____________________________________________________________________________________ eradicate the plant. It is especially important to remove this plant successfully for the sake of the building infrastructure and the septic field. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ PROJECT INFORMATION What are you treating? ☐ Turf ☐ Shrubs ☐ Trees ☐ Invasive Weeds Address of proposed application: _________________________________________________________ 690 Seashore Ave. Peaks Island, Portland, ME Please attach a map of the proposed application area (this may be a sketch, however it should be to scale and include property boundaries, structures, and water bodies). Is this application within 75ft. of a waterbody? ☐ Yes ☐ No Proposed fertilizer or pesticide: ___________________________________________________________________ Round Up Custom, Garlon 3A Amount to be applied: __________________________________________________________________ 360 oz over several years Method of application: ☐ Liquid ☐ Granular ☐ Injection/systemic ☐ Cut stem treatment Proposed timing(s)/frequency of use: ______________________________________________________ Late Summer 2025, Late Summer 2026, Late Summer 2027 Proposed date of application: ___________________________________________________________ First Application would be in September of 2025 Please provide a detailed management plan for your proposed application, including how you will minimize the impact of this application on abutting properties and, to the maximum extent possible, ensure that the grant of the waiver will not be detrimental to the public’s health, safety or welfare. NOTE: the following applications are prohibited: ● Broadcast applications: the spreading of pesticides over an entire area ● Preemptive applications: the application of pesticides as a measure against something possible, anticipated or feared, i.e., as a preventive or deterrent measure ____________________________________________________________________________________ When using the backpack sprayer we will be using large droplet sizes to minimize drift. We will only apply herbicide when the wind is under 15mph. ____________________________________________________________________________________ We will spray only when the ground is dry and not saturated with water. We will avoid spraying when forecast shows a threat of heavy rain. We will ____________________________________________________________________________________ not spray on rain days and will cease spray operations if rain is in the immediate forecast. We will cut the Knotweed and woody invasives down the the ____________________________________________________________________________________ ground in the early summer. Then we will apply herbicide in the fall when the plant is most susceptible to herbicide and is at a short height so that we ____________________________________________________________________________________ can spray low to the ground to minimize drift. In order for the waiver to be considered, all of the fields above must be completed. For questions, please contact Troy Moon in the Sustainability Office at 207-756-8362. Completed forms may be emailed to landcare@portlandmaine.gov, or mailed or delivered to City Hall, 389 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101. Page 3 LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN A NARRATIVE FOR INVASIVE MANAGEMENT & NATIVE PLANT RESTORATION LANDSMAN PROPERTY • PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, MAINE Page 4  CONTENTS 4 Introduction 6 Existing Conditions: Invasive Plant Species 8 Invasive Plant Management Techniques 10 Proposed Management per Invasive Species 14 Management Calendar for Treatment and Planting 15 Proposed Schedule for the Landsman Residence 16 Preliminary Planting Proposal by Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design (MCLD) A view of the Landsman residence and the vegetation behind the home. The orange vegetation shows a Knotweed monoculture that extends beyond the property boundary. LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 2 OF 26 LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 3 OF 26 690 SEASHORE AVENUE 690 SEASHORE AVENUE PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 Page 5 PROJECT INTRODUCTION PROJECT GOALS The Landsman property is on the Eastern side of Peaks Island, Maine. The property abuts Wharf Cove in the Atlantic Ocean to the East, large natural areas to the West, and several residential properties to the North and This plan addresses proposed invasive management and South. Little more than invasive plant varieties and a few nonnative ornamental plants comprise the property’s contains a native restoration narrative at the Landsman 0 0.5 km vegetation as the invasive species dominate the native ecosystems that are present. This Land Management property on Peaks Island, Portland, Maine. The oceanfront property sits on the East side of the Island spanning just over Plan aims to present an inventory of the invasive species, share our Invasive Plant Management strategies, and Landsman 0.5 acres in a residential area. The property abuts large natural propose native species to replace the removed invasive plants. Property areas to the West and Wharf Cove in the Atlantic Ocean to the Boundary East. As a monoculture of mature Knotweed from the western natural areas encroach on the Landsman property, little more Native plant restoration will be managed by Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design (MCLD), a team than invasive and a few nonnative ornamental plants comprise specializing in native plant garden design. the property’s vegetation. With approval from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), removing invasive species will allow Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design (MCLD) team, specializing in native plant garden design, to manage the restoration planting. The invasive population on-site and on the entirety of Peaks Island is mature and self-perpetuating. These invasive species outcompete native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers in Peaks Island’s natural habitats, create monoculture stands devoid Right of Way (ROW) of biodiversity, create habitat for ticks, and reduce habitat Map the of residential parcels on Peaks Island including the for native wildlife. These species will inevitably displace the Landsman property boundary and the large natural area parcels to the West. remnant native population of the Island and are considered a highly invasive threat to entire ecosystems unless decisive Mature Knotweed Monoculture Septic action is taken. The invasive on the Landsman property are classified as “widespread” and “severely invasive” by the Maine Natural Areas Program (MNAP), which is within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. Landsman Property Boundary Significant invasive plant pressure exists on the site of highly invasive and mature Knotweed, Asiatic Bittersweet, Shrub Honeysuckle, and Multiflora Rose. Additionally, the deep, matted root system of Knotweed poses a threat to the septic system on-site and has prompted the interest of the property owner to work collaboratively with abutters to help abate Knotweed growth. Action to remedy the densely invaded property boundary on the western part of the site now could spare the rest of the property from invasion and allow MCLD to restore the property to a healthy and biodiverse ecosystem. This plan identifies the invasive plants we propose to remove, describes each, and details best management practices for control and management. The plan also includes a narrative for proposed native restoration and specifying plant species. Finally, it provides a detailed maintenance calendar for all aspects of proposed management and ecological restoration over an extended timeline. 0 30 ft An aerial view of the Landsman property shows the bright orange vegetation of a mature Knotweed monoculture encroaching from the West. The area of Knotweed that this plan proposes for invasive management and removal is highlighted in blue. LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 4 OF 26 LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 5 OF 26 690 SEASHORE AVENUE 690 SEASHORE AVENUE PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 Page 6 EXISTING CONDITIONS: INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES INVASIVE SPECIES PLANT KEY BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME Celastrus orbiculatus Bittersweet Lonicera morrowii Shrub Honeysuckle Ligustrum vulgare Privet Fallopia japonica Knotweed Rosa multiflora Multiflora Rose (Above) A bramble of Celastrus orbiculatus, Bittersweet, at the (Above) Fallopia japonica, Knotweed, is encroaching on the front of the property. property from the West. (Below) Mature Lonicera morrowii Shrub Honeysuckle, along the (Below) Rosa multiflora, Multiflora Rose & Lonicera japonica, foundation of the home. Shrub Honeysuckle are intertwined. An aerial view of the Landsman residence. The orange vegetation shows a Knotweed monoculture that extends beyond the property boundary. The area that this plan proposes for invasive management and removal is highlighted in blue and includes Knotweed, Shrub Honeysuckle, and Bittersweet. LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 6 OF 26 LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 7 OF 26 690 SEASHORE AVENUE 690 SEASHORE AVENUE PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 Page 7 INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IMPORTANT NOTE ON HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS BY COASTLINE AREA Because some of the areas we will treat with herbicide are adjacent to the coastline, every effort will be made to FOLIAR FOAM: CUT AND FILL: perform these applications safely. We will prioritize manual removal where possible. We will use cut and dab herbicide applications when working in sensitive areas. We will only work with herbicide during dry stretches of weather and on Cutting alone is not an effective tool for managing When foliar application is not an option (Knotweed calm days to minimize drift. We will use wetland safe herbicides only (Garlon 3A and Roundup Custom). Knotweed. However, cutting can be integral to managing in sensitive areas and/or mixed with desired plants) this plant, particularly when combined with follow-up or for smaller patches of Knotweed stem application herbicide application. An adequately timed cutting is an option. For large populations, the large stems CUT AND DAB TREATMENT: will eliminate the tall canopy and simplify follow- are cut at 18 inches. The remaining stems are then up operations. For more extensive mature stands of treated between the first and second nodes with a All invasive plant species that have a base greater than 1” in caliper will be addressed with herbicide application. Knotweed, stands should be cut in May, and foliar or 50% solution of glyphosate that is put into the hollow Invasive plants of this size usually have extensive fibrous root systems which provide beneficial soil stabilization and stem herbicide should be applied in late summer. The tube of the stem and its walls. This should be done for are best left in situ. Unfortunately, they also maintain the ability to resprout, which is why we propose a cut and dab cutting in May causes the Knotweed to regrow to a consecutive 2-5 seasons. method with Garlon 3A™ (a triclopyr-based herbicide) on individual cut stumps. Licensed Herbicide Applicators will more manageable height in late summer. At this point, complete all treatments. the leaves can be easily painted with a 6.0% Aquaneat (glyphosate) solution before the plant pulls its nutrients back into the roots in preparation for winter. Cutting later than June reduces your operational window to chemically treat knotweed, and waiting too late in the season can result in almost no regrowth. After the Knotweed has been cut in early June, the plant will respond by utilizing stored carbohydrates, further reducing the plant’s vigor. The herbicides used for a foliar application move through the plant. To control the rhizomes, the application needs to be made later in the season, when the movement of carbohydrates is back to the rhizomes for growth and storage. Licensed applicators with required Personal Protective Equipment paint the stems of invasive species after cutting. Foliar herbicide application by licensed technician Herbicide application by licensed technician LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 8 OF 26 LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 9 OF 26 690 SEASHORE AVENUE 690 SEASHORE AVENUE PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 Page 8 Foliar herbicide application by licensed technician PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PER INVASIVE SPECIES SHRUB HONEYSUCKLE LONICERA MORROWII ORIENTAL BITTERSWEET DESCRIPTION: CELASTRUS ORBICULATUS DESCRIPTION: Celastrus orbiculatus, Asiatic Bittersweet is a deciduous Lonicera morrowii, Morrow’s climbing vine common in honeysuckles are upright, deciduous areas of disturbance in our shrubs that typically have a multi-stem New England forests. It has mounding appearance. Oval leaves are glossy, rounded leaves that opposite along the stem with smooth are alternate with finely edges (no teeth or lobes) and hairy on toothed margins. The leaves the underside. Mature stems are often turn yellow in the fall. The hollow on the interior and peeling on fruiting plants produce small the outer bark. In the spring pairs of greenish flower clusters from fragrant, tubular flowers less than an leaf axils that mature in fall inch long are borne along the stem to produce high numbers of in the leaf axils. The fruits are red to fruiting seed. The seed are orange, and fleshy. noticeably yellow, globular capsules that split open at HABITAT: maturity to reveal red-orange fruiting seeds. Roots are also Honeysuckles are relatively shade- distinctly orange. intolerant and usually colonize forest edges, abandoned fields, and other HABITAT: open, upland habitats. Grazed meadows and disturbed woodlands Bittersweet spreads easily into are especially vulnerable. Woodlands forest edges, woodlands, and open meadows, especially those unmanaged meadows and that have been grazed or otherwise old fields. Most disturbed sites disturbed and are left unmanaged that are not being actively are also highly susceptible. Morrow’s managed that receive full sun Honeysuckle are highly adaptable are susceptible. The vine can and can grow in even challenging tolerate shade but is often environments such as roadsides and found in more open, sunny wetland edges. areas. MANAGEMENT: MANAGEMENT: Honeysuckle management can combine mechanical mowing Small seedlings can be hand and manual hand pulling with cut pulled, but bittersweet resprouts and dab herbicide treatments. prolificate to form root fragments, Small specimens may be removed so more aggressive measures must manually as honeysuckle root be taken on all specimens. For systems are fairly shallow. Root established plants, vines should be resprouting can persist for a few cut to the ground to reduce mass years and several seasons of and treated with the cut-and-dab management may be required to method. Bittersweet aggressively fully control the population. suckers after cutting, so it is essential to cut and treat during or after its flowering period (late June to December). LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 10 OF 26 LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 11 OF 26 690 SEASHORE AVENUE 690 SEASHORE AVENUE PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 Page 9 JAPANESE KNOTWEED MULTIFLORA ROSE Fallopia japonica Rosa multiflora DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: Knotweed, Fallopia japonica, is Rosa multiflora, Multiflora a tall-growing, hollow-stemmed, Rose is a shrub with perennial plant that can grow to arching canes and a over 10 feet in height. Stems of mounding shape in the Japanese knotweed are smooth, landscape. The leaves are stout and swollen at joints where divided into five to eleven the leaf meets the stem. Although sharply toothed leaflets. leaf size may vary, they are The base of each leaf normally about 6 inches long by stalk has a pair of fringed 3 to 4 inches wide on a mature bracts, which is a key plant, broadly oval to somewhat identifier of the plant from triangular and pointed at the tip. other wild roses. Beginning The greenish-white flowers occur in early summer, clusters as branched sprays in summer HABITAT: and are followed soon after by of showy white flowers appear. The flowers are small winged fruits. Seeds are followed by developing that forms dense monocultures triangular, shiny, and very small, red fruit, or hips, during the on various site conditions, from about 1/10 inch long. summer that remain on the roadsides to stream banks. Knotweed is a relative of plant through the winter. buckwheat, smartweed, and the Noxious Weed mile-a- HABITAT: minute vine. Japanese knotweed was introduced to the U.S. as Multiflora Rose thrives in early ornamentals during the late successional habitat. The 1800s. However, it has become rose has a wide tolerance for an invasive plant in our natural various soil, moisture, and light areas due to its imposing height, conditions. It occurs in dense dense growth habit, aggressive woods, along river banks spread, and seeming indifference and roadsides and in open to control methods. unmanaged fields. It can form a dense understory that suppresses growth of native plant species. MANAGEMENT: The seed is readily dispersed by birds, and the extended Knotweed management can productivity of the fruit into winter combine foliar spray and cut-and-fill months allows widespread herbicide treatments. Precisely timed distribution of the plant. cuttings of Knotweed increase the operational window to chemically MANAGEMENT: treat. Either of these treatments should be done for consecutive 2-5 Manual methods of hand-pulling seedlings seasons. is effective. For more established shrubs, a combination of pruning to reduce mass followed by cut & dab treatments with a triclopyr-based herbicide is recommended. Persistent root infestations may require repeat cutting over several seasons. Rake any seeds present, bagging and disposing of correctly. LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 12 OF 26 LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 13 OF 26 690 SEASHORE AVENUE 690 SEASHORE AVENUE PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 Page 10 MANAGEMENT CALENDAR FOR TREATMENT & PLANTING PROPOSED MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE LATE SPRING/ EARLY SUMMER 2025 (WITH DEP APPROVAL) TASK JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC » Systematically remove woody invasive plants according to priority. Hand removal woody seedlings < 1” caliper » Cut and remove all Japanese Knotweed Hand pulling herbaceous species LATE SUMMER/FALL 2025 Mechanical management of woody invasive » Treat Japanese Knotweed reprouts with herbicide (foliar treatment of foam). » Treat woody plant reprouts with herbicide (foliar treatment of foam). Cut and dab herbicide on woody invasive » If the invasive plant management schedule holds, it is possible to plant larger trees and shrubs into the disturbed areas in the late fall of 2025. However, due to the intense nature of the Knotweed monoculture, we would recommend waiting until the following year to plant. Japanese Knotweed Cutback 2026 Japanese Knotweed Chemical Treatment » Continue the same pattern as the 2025 season. 2027 » Assess the effectiveness of the management in the past 2 years. Optimal timing and efficiency Not optimal but mostly effective Possible, but not ideal The timing of various containment and restoration strategies is critical to their success. Fortunately, the calender provides ample opportunity for action at any time of the year. Tasks should be performed by trained ecological technicians and licensed herbicide applicators. These recommendations for restoration take into consideration the long term health of the East Point Audubon Sanctuary. Once invasive plants have been managed in a particular area, the restoration of native species should begin. LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 14 OF 26 LANDSMAN PROPERTY PAGE 15 OF 26 690 SEASHORE AVENUE 690 SEASHORE AVENUE PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 PEAKS ISLAND, PORTLAND, ME 01/31/25 Page 11