Low Impact Development Manual for Michigan - OSEH - University ...

Black River Heritage Trail and Waterfront Development
Source: Erin Fuller, Van Buren Conservation District
8. Vegetation selection
Zone 1 and 2 vegetation should consist of native
streamside species on soils of Hydrologic Groups
C and D and native upland species on soils of
Hydrologic Groups A and B.
Deciduous species are important in Zone 2
due to the production of carbon leachate from
leaf litter, which drives bacterial processes that
remove nitrogen and sequester nutrients in growth
processes. In warmer climates, evergreens are also
important due to the potential for nutrient uptake
during the winter months. In both cases, a variety
of species is important to meet the habitat needs of
insects important to the aquatic food chain.
Zone 3 vegetation should consist of perennial
grasses and forbs.
Species recommendations for restoring riparian
buffers depend on the geographic location of the
buffer. Suggested species lists can be developed
in collaboration with appropriate state and
federal forestry agencies, the Natural Resources
Conservation Service, and the USDA Fish and
Wildlife Service. Species lists should include trees,
shrubs, grasses, legumes, and forbs, as well as site
preparation techniques. Please refer to the plant list
in Appendix B for a recommended list of native
trees and shrubs.
The choice of planting stock (seeds, container
seedling, bare-root seedlings, plugs, etc.) is often
determined by cost. Larger plants usually cost
more, though will generally establish more rapidly.
Many factors threaten the long-term viability of riparian
plant protection or establishment. With proper foresight,
these problems can be minimized. The following items
should be considered during the planning stage:
• Deer control
° Look for signs of high deer densities,
including an overgrazed understory with a
browse line five to six feet above the ground.
° Select plants that deer do not prefer (e.g.,
paper birch, beech, common elderberry)
° Apply homemade deer repellants
° Install tree shelters
• Tree shelters
° Tree shelters, such as plastic tubes that fit
over newly planted trees, are extremely
successful in protecting seedlings. They may
be secured with a wooden stake and netting
may be placed over top of the tree tube.
They are recommended for riparian plantings
where deer or human intrusion may be a
problem. Tree shelters should be removed
two to three years after the saplings emerge.
° Tree shelters protect trees from accidental
strikes from mowing or trimming.
° Tree shelters create favorable microclimate
for seedlings.
° Tree shelters should be inspected at least four
times per year. The following maintenance
should be performed as necessary:
– Repair broken stakes
– Tighten stake lines
– Straighten leaning tubes
– Clean debris from tube
– Remove netting as tree grows
– Remove when tree trunk is approximately
two inches wide
• Stream buffer fencing
° Farm animals may cause great damage to
stream banks. Consider permanent fencing
such as high-tensile smooth wire fencing or
barbed fencing.
LID Manual for Michigan – Chapter 7 Page 274