|
Rev |
Date |
Originator |
Checker |
Approver |
Description |
|
A |
9/07/03 |
JM |
AWZ |
- |
Draft |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 2003
Mott Connell Ltd
40th floor, Hopewell Centre
183 Queen’s Road East
Wanchai
Hong Kong
Tel: 852 2828 5757
Fax: 852 2828 1823
awatker@mottconnell.com.hk
|
Rev |
Date |
Originator |
Checker |
Approver |
Description |
|
A |
9/07/03 |
JM |
AWZ |
- |
Draft |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chapters
2 Site Locations Proposed for
Planting 3
2.2 Planting Location Options 3
2.2.1 Planting Location Option 1
within the Country Park 3
2.2.2 Planting Location Option 2
within the Country Park 3
2.2.3 Planting Location Option 3
within the Country Park 3
3.4 Understand Natural Succession 4
3.5 Avoid Invasive and Exotic
Species 4
3.6 Sources of Plant Material 5
4 Preparation of the Site for
Planting 9
5 Planting the Riparian Buffer 10
6 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND
AUDIT 11
Figure 1.1 Location Plan
Figure 1.2 Existing Stream Course Alignment
Due to the considerable range of
adaptive diversity that is demonstrated by amphibians and reptiles, no concise
or specific compendium on approved methods
The Compensatory
Planting Plan will compensate for the loss of approximately 250 trees (generally common exotic species), and the net loss of stream habitat.
Riparian vegetation in the Study Area is broadly similar to that of
the surrounding habitat, comprising secondary woodland, plantation,
cultivation (abandoned cultivation) orand shrubland. SHowever, stream
habitats are of particular value due to the fauna present, either utilizing the
riparian zone (terrestrial and aquatic species) or within the stream itself. The Ngong Ping stream is seasonal, and
generally of lower ecological value than otherthe permanent streams in on Lantau with reliable
discharge, upon which fully aquatic fauna are dependent. A number of amphibian and reptile species rely on
the stream at Ngong Ping for breeding and feeding.
Whenever possible, action should be taken to avoid,
alleviate or minimize any adverse effects.
Although short-term detrimental effects may result from translocation
long-term positive effects for the affected population.
Whenever
possible, the
Compensatory Planting Plan will avoid, alleviate or minimize any adverse environmental impacts. The plan
aims to:
·
provide a new
stream habitat to provide suitable habitat for future value to fauna species; and
·
maintain
important values and stream function for fauna species (in particular amphibians).
The final details on the Compensatory
Planting will be
determined by discussions and agreement with AFCD and Green Groups. In particular the locations and plants species for compensatory planting will be subject to
approval by AFCD.; and
·manage uses to prevent damage to the values that
make the area special
The site is irregular shaped and the stream course
diversion location is almost adjoining neighboring private and government
properties. The compensatory planting
is restricted to the stream banks of the planting width of approximately x m on each side
of the streams.
=
The site is irregular shaped and
the stream course diversion location is almost adjoining neighboring private
and government properties. The locations for
planting are restricted by drainage and engineering requirements of the stream
channel as outlined in Section 1.8.1
of the Project Profile. The compensatory planting is
restricted to the stream banks of the planting buffers either side of the
proposed stream location, however these are restricted to relatively narrow widths (i.e. 1.5m). Grounds covers including grasses, shrubs, creepers and herbs are proposed in these areas to cover the gabion boxes and
provide habitat to amphibian and reptile species. It is
anticipated that suitable cover will provide suitable habitat for ground dwelling
species. It is noted that the limited space available and
the requirements for crossings and culverts would significantly diminish the
value of the ecology that would remain adjacent to the stream, compensation options has taken
these restrictions into account.
Areas of planting will surround the stream as shown
in Figure 5.4. As discussed in Section 3 trees, shrubs, herbs and ground covers are proposed.
An additional area is between the Ngong Ping Public Transport Interchange and Terminal sites (outside the construction
boundary). The area will be supplemented by compensatory
planting. In this area about 50 to 100 seedlings are proposed
to improve the existing habitats
(i.e. shrubland/plantation).Compensatory planting is also
planned downstream of the Stream Diversion. 1 ha of planting is proposed to improve the existing
habitats. The final location will be agreed with AFCD before implementation. In
addition, planting is proposed to improve streams in the North Lantau Country
Park and will be discussed with AFCD.
This option comprises the planting of 600 trees in the Country Park
surrounding stream/ riparian vegetation shown in Figure 5.1. The
species to be planted will aim to attract native fauna species to the area. The
exact details of location and species will be agreed with AFCD prior to implementation.
This option comprises the planting of 400 trees in the Country Park surrounding stream/
riparian vegetation shown in Figure 5.2. Also approximately 100 tree
seedlings to be planted near the Ngong Ping. The species to be planted will aim to attract
native fauna species to the area. The exact details of location and species
will be agreed with AFCD prior to implementation.
This option comprises the planting of 750 trees in
the Country Park surrounding stream/ riparian vegetation shown in Figure 5.3. The species to be planted will aim to attract native fauna
species to the area. The exact details of location and species will be agreed
with AFCD prior to implementation.
The number of trees for the options correspond to
the total number of trees at the Theme Village Site and will compensate for the stream diversion and
Theme Village developments.
Native trees are important elements of the Hong
Kong ecosystem. Compared with exotic species, native trees have significantly
higher ecological value in providing food and shelter for local wildlife.
To conserve the
biodiversity in Hong Kong, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) dedicates to
promote use of native tree species in habitat restoration, landscaping and
gardening. The KFBG Native Tree Nursery has propagated over 100,000 seedlings
of 160 native tree species and our seedlings are widely planted on Hong Kong hillsides.
monoculture The compensation planting will avoid monoculture plantation
which may provide ineffective is reported to
be weak in soil and water protection, poor in nutrient recycling
and enrichment, low in biodiversity and susceptible to pest attack.
It then
discusses 7 main flaws in vegetation restoration. The most important of these
are the overwhelming use of introduced species such as Eucalyptus spp. and the
ignorance of "diversity" in restoration projects. Traditionally,
coverage is the only criterion used to measure the success of reforestation
projects, which is somewhat misleading. This section puts forward several other
criteria. Firstly, the soil and water protection capability should be
determined by measuring the changes in stream flow in dry and wet seasons and
the sediment level in watercourses. Secondly, the changes in biodiversity,
especially species richness, should be monitored. The third criterion is to
monitor the changes in ecosystem function such as nutrient flow and productivity.
Visit a streambank near you to see what has proven
well suited to this environment. The more natural the buffer vegetation, the
more natural it will look and the better it will do its job. Natives
species are anticipated to may also
require less care than non-native plants and will be suited to provide appropriate habitat for . Besides,
native plants and native birds, butterflies, and wildlife are well
matched. The enclosed plant list describes trees, shrubs,
groundcovers, and vines native to the Upper Connecticut River Valley of New
Hampshire and Vermont, their soil and light preference, rooting traits, bank
stabilizing properties, and ornamental and wildlife value. Your county district
conservationist or extension agent may have further recommendations.
The
interest in restoring forest on degraded hillsides in Hong Kong for
biodiversity conservation has been growing since the beginning of the last
decade. Based on the
results of previous field researches, this paper attempts to generalise the
barriers to natural forest regeneration on Hong Kong? degraded hillsides. In
addition, this paper reviews the results of 8 planting trials conducted by
different researchers on various scales in the last ten years using a total of
57 native tree and shrub*[1]species with respect to early survival and growth.
The performances of these seedlings were evaluated under the criteria of the
Framework Species Method of reforestation that was developed in North
Queensland Wet Tropics. Seedling
performances are highly variable between species and sites. In general, a
higher number of the native tree species showing early successional characters
performed better on the exposed and eroded hillsides, such as Schefflera octophylla, Mallotus paniculatus, and Zanthoxylum avicennae. While other
early successional species performed badly, such as Sapium discolor. However, some
late successional species also performed very well on the exposed hillsides,
e.g. Cyclobalanopsis neglecta, C. edithiae, and Syzygium hancei. Other late successional species
performed very badly, such as Pygeum topengii. Only one of
the 8 planting trials, also the latest one, used native shrub species. The
preliminary results indicated that shrubs were doing very well even in very
poor soil and on 55 degree cut slope surfaces. This suggests that the focus on
planting tree seedlings for afforestation may have been misplaced in Hong Kong.
The succession pathway from shrubland to forest should be given more
consideration and the first step of forest restoration projects may start with
shrubs, followed by reinforcement with trees at a later stage. A list of
potential Framework Species for restoring native, species-rich forest is
prepared on the basis of this review
A mixture of plants have been selected to
provide more diverse habitat and a prolonged and varied leaf fall to meet the
energy and pupation needs of aquatic insects.
It will also help avoid trouble with pests that attack specific plants. Deciduous plants will be selected as the leaf
litter is important for trapping nitrogen.
Species will be selected for multiple use such
as erosion control, attraction of fauna (i.e. nuts, fruit, browse, and nesting)
and aesthetics including seasonal foliage color, flowers, fruits, and branching
habit. Generally, native perennials provide blooms that attract butterflies
while berry-bearing shrubs attract birds.
Seedling performances are highly variable between
species and sites. Hau
B., So K., (2002) (Department of Ecology and
Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong,
and the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden) found that:
In general, a higher number of the native tree
species showing early successional characters performed better on the exposed
and eroded hillsides, such as Schefflera
octophylla, Mallotus paniculatus,
and Zanthoxylum avicennae. While
other early successional species performed badly, such as Sapium discolor. However, some late successional species also
performed very well on the exposed hillsides, e.g. Cyclobalanopsis neglecta, C.
edithiae, and Syzygium hancei.
Other late successional species performed very badly, such as Pygeum topengii. Only one of the 8
planting trials, also the latest one, used native shrub species. The
preliminary results indicated that shrubs were doing very well even in very
poor soil and on 55 degree cut slope surfaces. This suggests that the focus on
planting tree seedlings for afforestation may have been misplaced in Hong Kong.
The succession pathway from shrubland to forest should be given more
consideration and the first step of forest restoration projects may start with
shrubs, followed by reinforcement with trees at a later stage.
Plant communities naturally change over time, and while you
may set the stage, nature
will take care of putting on the show. Pioneer species adapted to bare soils and
lots of light are gradually replaced by longer-lived species that can grow and
reproduce under more shaded and protected conditions. If you plantE early successional
species to stabilize an eroding streambank, expect that longer-lived plants
will eventually take over.
Where conifers tend to follow riparian hardwoods,
generally north of Route 2 in the northern Connecticut River Valley, plant
conifers among blocks of pioneer species to speed the transition.
Exotic (and some invasive species) are commonly used in tree planting in Hong Kong, including species listed by the Invasive Species Specialist Group of IUCN (i.e. "One Hundred of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species" identified by the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of IUCN (http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/)).
Some exotic plants that are
· Mikania micrantha (Mikania);
· lpomoea carica (Morning Glory);
· Lantana camara (Lantana);
· Panicum maximum (Guinea Grass);
· Eupatorium catarium;
· Passiflora foetida (Passion Flower);
· Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paper-bark Tree);
· Acacia auriculiformis (Earleaf Acacia).
Plants will be planted from nursery-grown
tubestock. Potted seedlings available
from Kadoorie Farm or AFCD is recommended.
Table 1.1 provides a list
from Kadoorie Farm for native species available for purchase for revegetation
projects.
To conserve the biodiversity in
Hong Kong, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) dedicates to promote use of
native tree species in habitat restoration, landscaping and gardening. The KFBG
Native Tree Nursery has propagated over 100,000 seedlings of 160 native tree
species and our seedlings are widely planted on Hong Kong hillsides.
KFBG set up a native tree nursery in October
1997, with the aim of promoting the planting of more native tree species in
Hong Kong. The seeds of about forty native species have been collected. Apart
from making native tree seedlings available to developers and researchers, KFBG
will determine, experimentally, which native tree species are the most suitable
for reforestation in Hong Kong. Rare and endangered plants arewill also be propagated
for conservation. Germinated seedlings are now being transplanted into growth
containers. In a few months time, we will know the exact number of seedlings
available in our nursery, and the seedlings will be available for planting out
in the field in the summer of 1999.
Table 3331.11: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic
Garden Native Trees Stock List
|
Family |
|
Species |
|
|
Aceraceae |
槭樹科 |
Acer
sino-oblongum |
濱海槭 |
|
|
|
Acer tutcheri |
嶺南槭 |
|
Actinidiaceae |
彌猴桃科 |
Saurauia tristyla |
水冬哥 |
|
Alangiaceae |
八角楓科 |
Alangium chinense |
八角楓 |
|
Anacardiaceae |
漆樹科 |
Choerospondias axillaris |
酸棗 |
|
|
|
Rhus succedanea |
野漆 |
|
Apocynaceae |
夾竹桃科 |
Cerbera manghas |
海芒果 |
|
Aquifoliaceae |
冬青科 |
Ilex cinerea |
灰冬青 |
|
|
|
Ilex graciliflora |
細花冬青 |
|
|
|
Ilex rotunda |
鐵冬青 |
|
|
|
Ilex rotunda var. microcarpa |
微果冬青 |
|
|
|
Ilex viridis |
亮葉冬青 |
|
Araliaceae |
五加科 |
Schefflera octophylla |
鴨腳木 |
|
Bignoniaceae |
紫葳科 |
Oroxylum indicum |
木蝴蝶 |
|
Boraginaceae |
紫草科 |
Cordia dichotoma |
破布木 |
|
Burseraceae |
橄欖 |
Canarium album |
橄欖(白欖) |
|
|
|
Canarium tramdenum |
烏欖 |
|
Caprifoliaceae |
忍冬科 |
Viburnm odoratissimum |
珊瑚樹 |
|
Clusiaceae |
金絲桃科 |
Calophyllum membranaceum |
胡桐(薄葉紅厚殼) |
|
|
|
Cratoxylum cochinchinense |
黃牛木 |
|
|
|
Garcinia multiflora |
多花山竹子 |
|
|
|
Garcinia oblongifolia |
黃牙果 |
|
Daphniphylliaceae |
交讓木科 |
Daphniphyllum oldhamii |
虎皮楠 |
|
Ebenaceae |
柿科 |
Diospyros morrisiana |
羅浮柿 |
|
|
|
Diospyros tsangii |
延平柿 |
|
Elaeocarpaceae |
杜英科 |
Elaeocarpus chinensis |
華杜英 |
|
|
|
Elaeocarpus dubius |
顯脈杜英 |
|
|
|
Elaeocarpus sp. |
|
|
|
|
Elaeocarpus sylvestris |
山杜英 |
|
|
|
Sloanea sinensis |
(香港猴歡喜) |
|
Euphorbiaceae |
大戟科 |
Antidesma bunius |
五月茶 |
|
|
|
Aporosa dioica |
銀柴 |
|
|
|
Bischofia javanica |
秋楓 |
|
|
|
Bridelia tomentosa |
逼迫仔 |
|
|
|
Endospermum chinense |
黃桐 |
|
|
|
Macaranga tanarius |
血桐 |
|
|
|
Mallotus paniculatus |
白楸 |
|
|
|
Phyllanthus emblica 餘甘子 |
|
|
|
|
Sapium discolor 山烏 |
|
|
|
|
Sapium sebiferum 烏 |
|
|
Fabaceae |
蝶形花科 |
Adenanthera pavonina var. microsperma |
海紅豆 |
|
|
|
Archidendron lucidum |
亮葉猴耳環 |
|
|
|
Gleditisia australis |
小果皂莢 |
|
|
|
Gleditisia fera |
華南皂莢 |
|
|
|
Ormosia emarginata |
凹葉紅豆 |
|
|
|
Ormosia pachycarpa |
茸莢紅豆 |
|
|
|
Ormosia semicastrata |
軟莢紅豆 |
|
Fagaceae |
殼斗科 |
Castanopsis concinna |
華南錐(毛葉栲栗) |
|
|
|
Castanopsis fabri |
羅浮錐(白椽) |
|
|
|
Castanopsis fissa |
黧蒴 |
|
|
|
Cyclobalanopsis blakei |
櫟子青剛 |
|
|
|
Cyclobalanopsis championii |
嶺南青剛 |
|
|
|
Cyclobalanopsis edithiae |
厚葉青剛 |
|
|
|
Cyclonalanopsis hui |
雷公青剛 |
|
|
|
Cyclobalanopsis litseoides |
木薑子青剛 |
|
|
|
Cyclobalanopsis myrsinifolia |
細葉青剛 |
|
|
|
Cyclobalanopsis neglecta |
竹葉青剛 |
|
|
|
Cyclobalanopsis sp. |
|
|
|
|
Lithocarpus corneus |
煙斗柯(石柯) |
|
|
|
Lithocarpus glaber |
柯(石櫟) |
|
|
|
Lithocarpus hancei |
硬殼柯 |
|
|
|
Lithocarpus harlandii |
港柯(夏蘭椆) |
|
|
|
Lithocarpus konishii |
油葉柯 |
|
|
|
Lithocarpus litseifolius |
木薑葉柯(多穗柯) |
|
Grossulariaceae |
鼠剌科 |
Itea chinensis |
鼠剌 |
|
Hamamelidaceae |
金縷梅科 |
Altingia gracilipes |
細柄蕈木 |
|
|
|
Liquidambar formosana |
楓香 |
|
Ixonanthaceae |
黏木科 |
Ixoanthes reticulata |
黏木 |
|
Juglandaceae |
胡桃科 |
Engelhardtia roxburghiana |
黃杞 |
|
Lauraceae |
樟科 |
Beilschmiedia tsangii |
懷德楠 |
|
|
|
Cinnamomum camphora |
樟樹 |
|
|
|
Cryptocarya concinna |
黃果厚殼桂 |
|
|
|
Litsea cubeba |
山蒼樹 |
|
|
|
Litsea glutinosa |
潺槁樹 |
|
|
|
Machilus breviflora |
短序潤楠(短花楠) |
|
|
|
Machilus chekiangensis |
浙江潤楠 |
|
|
|
Machilus paohoi |
刨花潤楠 |
|
|
|
Machilus robusta |
粗壯潤楠 |
|
|
|
Machilus salicina |
柳葉潤楠 |
|
|
|
Machilus thunbergii |
紅楠 |
|
|
|
Machilus velutina |
絨毛潤楠(絨楠) |
|
|
|
Neolitsea kwangsiensis |
廣西新木薑 |
|
|
|
Neolitsea phanerophleibia |
顯脈新木薑 |
|
|
|
Neolitsea chuii |
鴨公樹 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Malvaceae |
錦葵科 |
Hibiscus tiliaceus |
黃槿 |
|
|
|
Thespesia populnea |
恒春黃槿 |
|
Melastomataceae |
野牡丹科 |
Memecylon ligustrifolium |
谷木 |
|
Moraceae |
桑科 |
Artocarpus hypargyreus |
白桂木 |
|
|
|
Artocarpus styracifolius |
二色婆羅蜜 |
|
|
|
Ficus hispida |
對葉榕 |
|
|
|
Ficus microcarpa |
細葉榕 |
|
|
|
Ficus sp. |
榕 |
|
|
|
Ficus superba |
黃葛樹 |
|
|
|
Ficus variegata var. chlorocarpa |
青果榕 |
|
Myricaceae |
楊梅科 |
Myrica rubra |
楊梅 |
|
Myrsinaceae |
紫金牛科 |
Myrsine seguinii |
密花樹 |
|
Myrtaceae |
桃金娘科 |
Cleistocalyx operculatus |
水翁 |
|
|
|
Syzygium championii |
灶地烏骨木 |
|
|
|
Syzygium hancei |
韓氏蒲桃(紅車) |
|
|
|
Syzygium handelii |
貴州蒲桃 |
|
|
|
Syzygium levinei |
山蒲桃(白車) |
|
Oleaceae
|
木犀科 |
Chionanthus ramiflorus |
枝花李欖 |
|
|
|
Fraxinus griffithii |
光臘樹(白臘樹) |
|
|
|
Ligustrum amamianum |
日本女貞 |
|
|
|
Osmanthus matsumuranus |
牛矢果 |
|
Proteaceae |
山龍眼科 |
Helicia cochinchinensis |
越南山龍眼 |
|
|
|
Helicia kwangtungensis |
廣東山龍眼 |
|
|
|
Helicia reticulate |
網脈山龍眼 |
|
Rosaceae |
薔薇科 |
Eriobotrya fragrans |
香花枇杷 |
|
|
|
Photinia benthamiana |
閩粵石楠 |
|
|
|
Photinia raupingensis |
饒平石楠 |
|
|
|
Pygeum topengii |
臀果木 |
|
|
|
Pyrus calleryana |
豆梨(麻子梨) |
|
Rubiaceae |
茜草科 |
Antirhea chinensis |
毛茶 |
|
|
|
Diplospora dubia |
狗骨柴 |
|
Rutaceae |
芸香科 |
Acronychia pedunculata |
山油柑 |
|
|
|
Melicope pteleifolia |
三椏苦 |
|
|
|
Tetradium glabrifolum |
楝葉吳茱萸 |
|
|
|
Zanthoxylum avicennae |
欓花椒 |
|
|
|
Zanthoxylum myriacanthum |
大葉臭花椒 |
|
Sabiaceae |
清風藤科 |
Meliosma thorellii |
山檨葉泡花樹 |
|
Sapindaceae |
無患子科 |
Sapindus mukorossi |
無患子 |
|
Sapotaceae |
山欖科 |
Sarcosperma laurinum |
肉實樹 |
|
|
|
Sinosideroxylon wightianum |
革葉鐵欖(鐵欖) |
|
Staphyleaceae |
省沽油科 |
Turpinia montana |
山香圓 |
|
Sterculiaceae |
梧桐科 |
Heritiera littoralis |
銀葉樹 |
|
|
|
Reevesia thyrsoidea |
梭羅樹 |
|
|
|
Sterculia lanceolata |
假蘋婆 |
|
Styracaceae |
安息香科 |
Redherodendron kwangtungense |
廣東木瓜紅 |
|
|
|
Styrax odoratissimus |
芬芳安息香 |
|
|
|
Styrax suberifoliu |
栓葉安息香 (紅皮) |
|
Symplocaceae |
|
Symplocos cochinchinensis var. laurina |
黃牛奶樹 |
|
Theaceae |
山茶科 |
Adinandra millettii |
黃瑞木 |
|
|
|
Anneslea fragrans var. hainanensis |
海南紅楣 |
|
|
|
Gordonia axillaries |
大頭茶 |
|
|
|
Schima superba |
木何樹 |
|
|
|
Ternstroemia gymnanthera |
厚皮香 |
|
|
|
Ternstroemia luteoflora |
尖萼厚皮香 |
|
|
|
Tutcheria microcarpa |
小果石筆木 |
|
Thymelaeaceae |
瑞香科 |
Aquilaria sinensis |
牙香樹 |
|
Ulmaceae |
榆科 |
Celtis tetrandra subsp. sinensis |
朴樹 |
|
Verbenaceae |
馬鞭草科 |
Vitex quinata |
山牡荊 |
The species selected for ccompensatory planting will be determined by
discussions and agreement with AFCD and Green Groups (such as Kadoorie Farm). Appropriate species will be
selected for to improve the potential value to ecology in the area.
Prior to the commencement of planting, exotic/
invasive species will be removed by hand.
Chemical control of weeds cannot be implemented due to the location
within a water gathering ground. The
surface soil should not be compacted by machinery, but rather a scarified soil
surface. Mitigation measures according
to the water quality section shall be implemented to reduce sediment and
erosion impacts.
Tree and shrub species shall be planted on the
riparian zone. ground Ground covers will be planted surrounding the
stream diversion. 1-3' apart. The shrub spacing
recommended is approximately 30cm apart, small trees 50cm apart, larger trees
1m apart. This spacing will result in a dense buffer at maturity, assuming that
all plants survive. Wider spacing could
still provide water quality protection but would allow more view.
For
rooted plants in plastic tube or pot the plastic material shall be removed (and
discarded according to the waste management section of the Project Profile),
any large damaged roots shall be pruned before planting. The plant should be sSet plant in a hole
2-3 times as wide but only as deep as the root ball. The pPlant
should be planting at
the same depth it was growing in the container or before transplanting.
The hole should be fFilled- in the hole gently
but firmly with the original soil, followed by watering to settle the soil.
Mulching limits surface erosion, suppresses
weeds, and retains soil moisture. It is recommended that Use organic mulches such as leaf humus, wood chips,
pine mulch, or other shredded bark is used to surround the planted seedlings. Avoid redwood
or cedar, since they are toxic to some seedlings and their chemistry interferes
with buffer function. Stockpile fresh wood chips for at least 6 months before
using, to avoid introducing disease and other troubles. Straw is commonly used
but can introduce undesirable seeds.
It is also recommended that the Environmental Specialist
conducts regular field surveys and sampling of impacted flora and fauna species
using the site and its surrounding during construction.
In general, the performance of monitoring and audit
from an ecological prospective will need to be integrated with the overall
monitoring and audit plan for the project as a whole. The commencement and
program of the engineering works, which is currently unknown, would once
established enable the ecological monitoring program to be prepared based on
seasonality factors.
Success of the
compensation planting should be assessed by a follow-up survey (during maintenance). Maintenance will include an inspection of Inspect
plantings after
rainstorms and every 2 weeks for the first 2 months; then
once/month for 6 months, then every 6 months for 2 years. The
inspection should identify Look for stressed or failed plants,
invasive species, browsing or trampling by fauna (i.e. cattle),
ineffective erosion control,. debris accumulation, and encroachments.
The need to replant if the buffer is subjected
to flood damage, drought, or ice damage before plants are fully
established. Also, Sspecies not
surviving should be replaced.
Maintenance should include wWatering during dry periods and during
the first two months after planting. regularly once a week through the first growing
season. Take care not to start gullies or erosion. Use only lime or wood ash to fertilize in the buffer zone.
Fencing is useful to control grazers, equipment,
onlookers, and vandals. To deter small mammals from girdling saplings,
surround individual plants with simple chicken wire or use below-ground
collars. Deer require robust fencing only until well-chosen plants are
established. Use temporary fences on flood plains; permanent fences can be used
elsewhere.
The vegetation should provide a
continuous cover in the future. Leave leaf litter and
undergrowth undisturbed in the streamside zone. Avoid using fertilizers (other than
lime or wood ash) or pesticides near the stream.
The replanting shall commence
Maintenance
Environmental Monitoring and Audit