Vegetation Management and Maintenance Plan - Watsonville ...

4.2.5 Remedial Planting
The density of plant species in the wetland and riparian areas were formulated to allow for
expected mortality rates so that supplemental planting can be kept to a minimum. Even with over
planting, some sites may require supplemental planting, due to unforeseen events or factors, such
as vandalism. Remedial planting needs should be assessed during the annual monitoring.
Typically, remedial planting should occur if plant survival rates are less than 80%. The number
of replacement plants, the species, and the propagule or container size should be determined by
the monitor and stated in the annual monitoring reports. Substitute species may be used, if the
original species consistently performs poorly and suitable alternative species perform well.
However, substitute species should be consistent with the goals and objectives and be compatible
with the criteria for success. The City is responsible for contracting with a native plant nursery (or
similar facility) for the production of the required plants.
Supplemental plant installation should occur in the fall, after the annual site monitoring. This
schedule may be amended, if the necessary plants are not available, are low in quality, or
conditions are deemed unsuitable for replanting. It is desirable to replant as soon as possible to
minimize the extension of the establishment period maintenance.
4.2.6 Plant Installation Techniques
Once replacement plantings are available, they should be installed in the same manner as the
original planting. However, the dead plant material from the original planting must first be
removed. By the time the new plants are ready to install, the dead plant material may have
decomposed. Each reused planting hole should be re-excavated to the specified dimensions and
prepared to receive the replacement plant. If necessary, a root protector can be installed in the
planting hole. The replacement plant should be carefully removed from its container to avoid any
root damage and then should be placed in the planting hole. The planting hole is then back filled
with the original soil and a water basin of appropriate dimension constructed. If used, a foliage
protector can be fitted over the replacement plant. The final step is to apply a three-inch layer of
clean mulch.
4.2.7 Restriction of Pesticides in Aquatic Areas
No pesticides (e.g., insecticides, herbicides or rodenticides) are to be used within or immediately
adjacent to aquatic and wetland areas. Only chemicals approved by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) for use in aquatic environments may be used within 50 feet of the wetlands.
The application of pesticides shall be directly supervised by a person with a Qualified
Applicators Certificate (QAC) from the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
This person should have sufficient experience in wetlands and riparian habitat.
4.2.8 Annual Report Required by CDFG and USACE
Under the requirements of the City’s permits with regulatory agencies (i.e., USACE and CDFG),
the status of City’s compliance with these permits/agreements should be reported in a yearly
monitoring report (for a period of 5 years after planting). The yearly reports are to be submitted to
the USACE and CDFG by December 31 of each monitoring year.
Vegetation Management and Maintenance Manual
Draft 42 July 27, 2007