HomeMy WebLinkAboutNarrativeProposed Removal of Invasive Plants from Wetlands at 16 Dennis Drive, Uncasville, CT 06382 starting April 12, 2025 Proposed Activities
Alteration: The full extent of any alteration will involve the selective removal of plants that are
deemed invasive to the area and which are seen to inhibit the grown of native, wetland plant species. Noted invasives include Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), and Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). Additionally, nearby observations have been made of Hoary Mugwort (Artemisia
sterlleriana) and Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) though these have not spread into the
wetland and immediate uplands as of yet. Noted native species being impacted by invasives, especially multiflora rose, have been the Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) and Northern Spicebush (Lindera benzoin). Having spoken with a colleague that is an expert in wetland restoration, I have been advised to remove all multiflora rose from the area. Though he has
suggested that painting of glyphosate may be justified to expedite eradication, I have been
informed also that repeated targeted cutting will also provide the desired result though with admittedly more time and effort. As such, I propose only to perform such targeted cuttings of the above listed invasive species in the wetland area as well as to monitor any spread of Mugwort and Tree-of-heaven and protect against its establishment in the wetland. I will take all
precautions to tread lightly resulting in a minimal footprint in the wetland soil, which consists of
sufficient cobble and boulder substrate as to enable walking without total disruption. All activities will be conducted by foot and using only manual tools, namely stem clippers and loppers. Cuts will be made as close to the ground on all targeted shrubs and vines and will be repeated approximately monthly from April through September for as many years as is required
to not observe additional growth, likely 3-5 years. At such a time, no additional action will be
taken and all native plant growth will be allowed to continue unaltered. Though they do not directly contact the most impacted wetlands, neighboring properties are: 12 Dennis Drive (Lot 36) owned by William Umana, and
11 Dennis Drive (Lot 34) owned by Anthony and Megan LaFleur