scotland heights forest conservation report

Scotland Heights

THE PRELIMINARY FOREST CONSERVATION PLAN

FOR

Scotland Heights 6TH ELECTION DISTRICT

CHARLES COUNTY, MARYLANDTAX MAP 7 GRID 3 PARCEL 221

Liber 1390 Folio 452ResidentialZoned - RM

Owner/ApplicantScotland Heights Limited

PartnershipC/O Mr. Richard Seikaly, President

3143 N Street NWWashington, DC 20007

Telephone: 202/337-2212 Fax: 202/337-4187

Prepared By:ATCS, P.L.C.

Environmental PlanningLand Development EngineeringLand Planning, Land Surveying

Seven Post Office RDSuite G

Waldorf, Maryland 20602301/8870-4530 Fax 301/843-1262

[email protected] Certification

_____________________________________________________________________________________I hereby certify that the report shown hereon conforms with the approved Charles County Forest Conservation Ordinance, as amended on May 5, 1997, ordinance as

listed under #96-91

____________________________________________________________James W. Whitehead Date

Professional Land Surveyor, #10880Qualified DNR Professional 5/20/97

ATCS, P.L.C. Environmental Planners5/3/2023

05/03/23 Project Name

Preliminary and Final Forest Conservation

Table Of Contents Page

1. THE SITE....................................................................................................................................... 4

2. FOREST STAND DELINEATION METHODOLOGY...............................................................4

A. FOREST STAND ASSOCIATION.....................................................................................................5B. FOREST STAND CONDITIONS.......................................................................................................6

3. PRELIMINARY FOREST CONSERVATION PLAN..................................................................8

4. FOREST CONSERVATION WORKSHEET................................................................................8

5. THE FINAL FOREST CONSERVATION PLAN.........................................................................9

A. PROJECT PHASING...................................................................................................................... 9B. LONG TERM PROTECTION.........................................................................................................10C. STATE AND FEDERAL PERMITS.................................................................................................10

6. CONSTRUCTION TIME TABLE /FOREST PROTECTION PLAN........................................10

A. SHORT TERM (CONSTRUCTION)................................................................................................10B. LONG TERM......................................................................................................................... 12

7. REFORESTATION...................................................................................................................... 12

A. SPECIES SELECTION.................................................................................................................. 12B. PLANT STOCKING..................................................................................................................... 12C. SITE PREPARATION................................................................................................................... 13D. PLANTING TIMES...................................................................................................................... 14

8. PLANTING SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................14

A. ON-SITE INSPECTION................................................................................................................ 14B. SEEDLINGS/WHIPS.................................................................................................................... 14C. CONTAINER GROWN STOCK......................................................................................................14D. BALLED AND BURLAPPED TREES..............................................................................................15E. SOIL STABILIZATION................................................................................................................ 15F. PROTECTION DEVICES..............................................................................................................15

APPENDIX AA: FOREST CONSERVATION WORKSHEET.........................................................16

APPENDIX BB: FOREST CONSERVATION PROJECT PHASING..............................................17

APPENDIX CC: REFERENCES......................................................................................................... 18

Appendix DD: Previously Approved Submittals.....................................................................................18

ATCS, PLC Environmental Planner 3



1. The Site

The Scotland Heights Property fronts onto the north side of Berry Road (Maryland Route 225), west of the intersection of Berry Road and Sharpsville Road. The parcel (6th Election District Charles County, Maryland, Tax Map 7, Grid 4, Parcel 221) consists of approximately 88.5 acres. The property was previously mined for gravel. Field grasses now cover areas that were mined.

Sediment control basins are located to the north and south, along the edge of the field areas. The forested areas of the site are located around the perimeter and to the north within the limits of the 100-year floodplain. A 350-foot wide PEPCO transmission line right-of-way runs along the northern and western boundary of the site.

The area to the north of this right-of-way (6th Election District, Charles County, Maryland, Tax Map 7, Grid 3, Parcel 369)) consists of approximately 20.2 acres of mostly forested, 100-year floodplain and includes a portion of the Mattawoman Interceptor sanitary sewer right-of-way which runs east and west along the center of the property.

2. Forest Stand Delineation Methodology

The Forest Stand Delineation was prepared by Greenhorne & O’Mara, Inc, August 15, 1994 and was approved under PZDA 01-10. Soils mapping investigation of the property was completed by Independent Engineers and Consultants.

The Forest Points, within the report, were delineated based on the requirements identified in the State of Maryland Forest Conservation Manual procedures issued 12/31/91. Five stands were identified based on a total of 14 sampling points on the site. (See the attached drawing Boundary Survey and Site Restraints). A minimum of two (2) sampling points per stand was taken to determine the forest structure. The on-site forests within the 100-year floodplain were walked and identified as Stand #6.

The report characterizes the dominant species composition by type for the entire property. This composition is based, on a fixed Forest Plot Sample method. A method that follows the strict guidelines set forth by the State of Maryland, Department of Natural Resources Forest Conservation Manual.

A. Forest Stand Association



Preliminary and Final Forest ConservationThe report is based using the total 88.5 acres. Three (3) distinct forest stand associations were identified:

1. Tulip Poplar Association2. River Birch - Sycamore Association 3. Willow Oak – Loblolly Pine Association

The Tulip Poplar forest association is located within the flatter, higher “edge” areas of the existing forests. The River Birch – Sycamore forest association is located within the northern forested areas of the site and within the 100-year floodplain of the Mattawoman Creek as well as those sloping areas which drain toward the creek floodplain. The Willow Oak – Loblolly Pine forest stand association is located within the steeply sloping areas in the southern section of the site along Maryland Route 225. The differences between the stands are generally one of age and size of plant material and not the type of plant material present and seem to reflect past clearing practices.

The overall health of the forest stands is good. Based on field observation, it appears that much of the forested area has been disturbed at one time. Some sections have been selectively cleared and many areas have been completely cleared as evidenced by the even-age of many portions of the stands.

No rare, threatened or endangered species were observed on-site. A letter was received from The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Program further concluded that no known Federal or State threatened, or endangered plant or wildlife species are present on this project site. The report also concluded that no historic sites were observed on-site and none are indicated on the Charles County Historic Sites Inventory Map.

Portions of the forest stands are contained within the Resource Protection Zone (RPZ). This zone is associated with the Mattawoman Creek stream system located north of the site and an intermittent perennial stream and wetland system, which was identified along the southwestern portion of the site.

Grading for the improvements to Berry Road has disturbed the isolated intermittent perennial stream system in the southwestern portion of the site. Numerous drainage channels run into the Mattawoman Creek floodplain in the northern portion of the property. These drainage channels do not meet the stream identification criteria set forth in the Charles County Resource Protection Ordinance. These were the only tow (2) drainage areas which show signs of an underground water source and are subsequently identified as intermittent perennial stream channels.




B. Forest Stand Conditions

Stand #1 Willow Oak Loblolly Pine Association (5.9 acres)

Stand Condition

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) size class 18” - 29.9” (DBH) is the dominant species within the stand. Co-dominant species size class 6” - 9.9“ (DBH) of red maple (Acer rubrum), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and sweetgum were found throughout the stand.

Intermediate and understory species include willow oak (Quercus phellos), sassafras (Sassafras albidum), American holly (Ilex opacca), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), river birch (Betula nigra), sweetgum, tulip poplar and red maple.

Eight specimen trees were found within this stand and are identified on the attached Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan. The condition of these trees ranges from fair to good. Most of these larger trees show evidence of dieback, some disease and insect damage. The younger trees within the stand show no outward signs of disease or insect damage.

The shrub layer is composed primarily of seedlings of mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana), tulip poplar, sweetgum, river birch, red maple and sassafras. Herbaceous growth is dominated by poison ivy (Toxicondendron radicans), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans).

The stand is in good health with a high (18) forest structure value. The stand posses a diverse understory canopy which provides a good source of food and shelter for wildlife. Part of the stand consists of an intermittent perennial stream that has been blocked by the grading for the Berry Road improvements. The remaining portion of the stream shows well-incised banks, with a silt and gravel bottom. Frogs, turtles and signs of deer were observed in various parts of this stand. The size of the stand, perimeter disturbances from mining and the widening of Maryland Route 228 (which includes a grading easement into the stand) have lessened the value as a major habitat area.

Environmental Features



Preliminary and Final Forest ConservationThe stand is associated, in part, with an intermittent perennial stream. Grading and construction have altered the natural drainage channel of this stream for the widening of Maryland Route 228.

The majority of this stand is located in Sandy Land, steep (SaE) soils that is designated as a hydric soil. Sandy Land falls into the SCS woodland subclass 3s, indicating moderate productivity. The remainder of the stand contains Gravelly Land (GvE) falls into the SCS woodland subclass 4f, indicating low productivity due to low available moisture capacity.

The stand contains no additional sensitive environmental features (100-year floodplain, critical habitats) or valued cultural features. Adjacent land uses include the right-of-way for Maryland Route 228, the PEPCO right-of-way and sub-station, and lower priority on-site forests that abut the mined areas of the site.

This stand has been identified as a high priority save area. This classification is based, in part, on the strong forest value, intermittent perennial stream, adjoining forested properties, steep slopes, non-tidal wetlands and diversity of vegetation. Stand #2 Tulip Poplar Association (7.0 acres)

Stand Condition

The stand is fairly young and even-aged. It is located along the flatter, perimeter areas of existing on-site forests. It appears to have recent disturbances, most likely in connection with the gravel mining operations.

Tulip poplar size class 18” - 29.9” (DBH) and sweetgum size class 10” – 17.9” (DBH) are the dominant species within the stand. Sweetgum is the co-dominant species size class 6” - 9.9“ (DBH).

Intermediate and understory species include sweet cherry (Prunus avium), hawthorn species (Crataegous ssp.), sweetgum, flowering dogwood, mockernut hickory and sassafras. Portions of the perimeter of this stand contain mimosa (Albiza julibrissin), tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana). The herbaceous layer contains greenbrier species (Smilax ssp.), blackberry and raspberry species (Rubus ssp.), Japanese honeysuckle and poison ivy.

Two specimen trees were found within this stand and are identified on the attached Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan. The condition of these trees ranges from fair to good.





This stand is located in a variety of soil types. These soils Gravelly Land (GvE), Sandy Land (SaE), Sassafras sandy loam (ShB2), Beltsville silt loams (B1B2, B1C2, B1C3) and Rumford gravelly sandy loam (RgB2) has a wide variety of woodland subclass ratings and available moisture capacity. Within these soils exist areas of possible hydric and/or soils with K values 0.35, however, these forested areas are very small and isolated and have little environmental impact by themselves.

The stand contains no additional sensitive environmental features (100-year floodplain, critical habitats) or valued cultural features. The stand is located along the perimeter of a majority of the existing on-site forests and is generally located adjacent to gravel mining areas that are now fallow fields.

The forest structure value of this stand is good, due in part to the strong canopy and herbaceous coverage. The small size of the trees, even-age of the stand, the amount of invasive and exotic species limits the importance of wildlife habitat. This stand has been identified as a low priority save area.

Stand #3 River Birch - Sycamore Association (2.4 acres)

Stand Condition

Tulip poplar, sweetgum and river birch size class 10” - 17.9” (DBH) are the dominant species within the stand. Co-dominant species size class 6” - 9.9” (DBH) includes American sycamore (Platanus americana), tulip poplar, sweetgum and river birch.

Intermediate and understory species include musclewood, red maple, sweetgum and American sycamore. The shrub layer consists almost entirely of spicebush (Lindera benzoin).

Virginia creeper and poison ivy dominate the herbaceous layer. Scattered throughout the stand are patches of Japanese honeysuckle, partridgeberry, Jack-in-the Pulpit, jewelweed, assorted ferns, and seedlings of southern red oak (Quercus falcate), red maple and musclewood.


The stand is located in the gently sloping, northern sections of the site adjacent to the 100-year floodplain. It consists of three soil types:

Gravelly Land (GvE) woodland subclass 4f low productivity Bibb silt loam (Bo) woodland subclass 2w high productivity,

moderately susceptible to erosion (K value 0.35), hydric soil



Preliminary and Final Forest Conservation Iuka sandy loam (Im) woodland subclass 1o very high

productivity, moderately susceptible to erosion (K value 0.35).

The stand contains no additional sensitive environmental features (100-year floodplain, critical habitats) or valued cultural features. Adjacent land uses include forested areas within the floodplain and/or steep slopes.

The stand is in good health, with a high (17) forest structure value. However, there appears to have been previous clearing with limited vegetation size and diversity that lessens the value as wildlife habitat. This stand has been identified as a medium priority save area.

Stand #4 River Birch – Sycamore Association (12.1 acres)

Stand Condition

The stand contains evidence of deer and squirrels taking advantage of the plentiful food sources and nesting sites. A red fox was observed in the stand. A portion of the stand is associated with an intermittent perennial stream and most of the stand is located within steeply sloped areas over 15%.

Tulip poplar, sweetgum, willow oak and southern red oak size class 18” - 29.9” (DBH) are the dominant species in this stand. Co-dominant species of sweetgum, American sycamore, river birch and southern red oak size class 6” – 9.9” and 10” – 17.9”(DBH) are located throughout the stand.

Intermediate and understory species include red maple, sassafras, river birch, musclewood, sweetgum and tulip poplar size class 2” – 5.9” (DBH). The shrub layer consists mostly of spicebush with saplings of red maple, musclewood, tulip poplar and willow oak.

Poison ivy and Virginia creeper dominate the herbaceous layer with scattered areas of Japanese honeysuckle, greenbrier species and assorted ferns.

Six (6) specimen trees were found within this stand and are identified on the attached Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan. The condition of these trees ranges from fair to good. Some trees show signs of crown dieback, disease and insect damage. It appears that the dominant trees in this stand were negatively impacted by previous disturbances associated with the gravel mining and construction of sediment control basins.





This stand is located primarily in Gravelly Land (GvE) that has low woodland productivity, SCS subclass 4f. Rumford gravelly sandy loam soils in the northeastern portion of the stand are moderately productive. The stand is associated with steep slopes ( 15% and 25%). Drainage ditches are prevalent throughout the stand, but only one intermittent perennial stream was identified based on the criteria set forth in the Charles County Forest Conservation Ordinance.

Within these soils exist areas of possible hydric and/or soils with K values 0.35, however, these forested areas are very small and isolated and have little environmental impact by themselves.

The stand contains no additional sensitive environmental features (100-year floodplain, critical habitats) or valued cultural features. Adjacent land uses include on-site forested 100-year floodplain, PEPCO right-of-way and on-site low and medium priority forests.

This stand has been identified as a high priority save area. This classification is based on the strong forest value, high incidence of observed wildlife, steeply sloped areas and the adjacent Mattawoman Creek 100-year floodplain.


Stand Condition

The stand is fairly young and even-aged. It appears to have been recently cleared.

Tulip poplar and sweetgum size class 6” - 9.9” (DBH). Sweetgum, tulip poplar, willow oak, sassafras, southern red oak and river birch are the co-dominant species size class 2” - 5.9“ (DBH).

Intermediate and understory species include red maple, tulip poplar, sweetgum, river birch and American sycamore. The shrub layer contains saplings of dogwood, red maple, sweetgum and willow oak. The herbaceous layer contains poison ivy with selective areas of spicebush, Virginia creeper, Japanese honeysuckle Indiana strawberry and assorted ferns.


The Gravelly Land (GvE) soil has a low woodland subclass 4f rating and low available moisture capacity making this a marginal area for woodland



Preliminary and Final Forest Conservationhabitat. Scattered portions of the stand are located in areas with steep slopes ( 15%).

The stand contains no additional sensitive environmental features (100-year floodplain, critical habitats) or valued cultural features. The stand is located within the northern portion of the site, adjacent to the PEPCO right-of-way, existing on-site forests, and previous gravel mining areas that are now fields.

The stand is in good health with a good (14) forest structure value. Due to the small tree sizes and young even-aged of the stand, amount of invasive cover in some areas limits the importance of wildlife habitat. This stand has been identified as a low priority save area.


Stand Condition

In addition to the forest stands described above, a simplified delineation was performed for the area of the site within the 100-year floodplain associated with the Mattawoman Creek. This area is located along the northern portion of the project site. No forested 100 year floodplain areas are proposed to be disturbed, except for a sewer easement which will connect the site sewer system to the existing Mattawoman Interceptor Sewer.

Southern red oak, American sycamore, sweetgum, and river birch size class 10” - 17.9” (DBH) are the dominant species. Southern red oak, sweetgum and tulip poplar are the co-dominant species size class 2” - 5.9“ (DBH).

Intermediate and understory species include red maple, tulip poplar, sweetgum, river birch and American sycamore. The shrub layer contains saplings of dogwood, red maple, sweetgum and willow oak. The herbaceous layer contains poison ivy with selective areas of spicebush, Virginia creeper, Japanese honeysuckle Indiana strawberry and assorted ferns.


The Gravelly Land (GvE) soil has a low woodland subclass 4f rating and low available moisture capacity making this a marginal area for woodland habitat. Scattered portions of the stand are located in areas with steep slopes ( 15%).



Preliminary and Final Forest ConservationThe stand contains no additional sensitive environmental features (100-year floodplain, critical habitats) or valued cultural features. The stand is located within the northern portion of the site, adjacent to the PEPCO right-of-way, existing on-site forests, and previous gravel mining areas that are now fields.

The stand is in good health with a good (14) forest structure value. Due to the small tree sizes and young even-aged of the stand, amount of invasive cover in some areas limits the importance of wildlife habitat.This stand has been identified as a low priority save area.

3. Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan

The Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan was prepared by Greenhorne & O’Mara, Inc. This plan was, Approved by Charles County Environmental Division, on March 17, 1994. (# FC 93-P116-39)

4. Forest Conservation Worksheet

The Forest Conservation Worksheet, prepared by ATCS, PLC, is in the Appendix AA.

5. The Final Forest Conservation Plan

The Final Forest Conservation areas shown for the Second Phase of Construction are similar with the previously Approved Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan. The site contains a Medium Density of 68 Residential Single Family Detached Lots. This project is on 38.90 acres or 20.36 % of the total project. There are on-site areas available for part of the Reforestation Replanting Requirement. The remaining area will be obtained off-site. (See Appendix BB)

A. Project Phasing

The total net tract area of the proposed subdivision is 191.1 acres. The project is divided into two construction phases.

The First Construction Phase represents 28.36% of the Approved Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan, and results in a net tract area of 54.2 acres.



Preliminary and Final Forest ConservationThe Second Construction Phase represents 20.36% of the Approved Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan or a net tract area of 38.9 acres. (See Appendix BB)

The remaining Construction Phases represent 51.28% of the Approved Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan or a net tract area of 98.0 acres. (See Appendix BB)

In the First Construction Phase, the total required Forest Conservation is 21.86 acres. This is calculated by taking the percentage of land in the first phase from the entire site total. This percentage is 28.36% of the total forest conservation area for the entire site, (.2836 x 77.1). The Final Forest Conservation Plan shows retention of 11.06 acres of existing trees to be saved on-site. (See Appendix BB)

In addition, an area of 3.94 acres will be reforested on-site. The remaining 6.86 acres will be reforested off-site. Because this acreage will not be located on-site, a special off-site planting penalty is imposed. This penalty is figured by doubling the required planting rate. More simply stated, a ratio of two to one replacements is implied. This is calculated as (6.86 ac. x 2) or 13.72 acres. This will complete the Final Forest Conservation obligation for the First Phase of construction. In the event that extra land is purchased, the extra area of land will be credited to the Second Phase of this development. (see Appendix BB)

The Second Construction Phase consists of 38.90 acres of the Net Tract Area. This represents 20.36% of the total Hunter’s Brooke 191.1 acreage. The required acreage for the forest conservation for the second phase is 15.69 acres. This is calculated by taking the percentage of land in the second phase from the entire site total. This percentage is 20.36% of the total forest conservation area for the entire site, (.2036 x 77.1).

The Final Forest Conservation areas consist of 98.0 acres of the Net Tract Area. This represents 51.28% of the total Hunter’s Brooke 191.1 acreage. The required acreage for the forest conservation for the final phase is 39.54 acres. This is calculated by taking the percentage of land in the second phase from the entire site total. This percentage is 51.28% of the total forest conservation area for the entire site, (.5128 x 77.1).

The proposed off-site Forest Conservation reforestation areas will be located in Charles County. The Charles County Environmental Division will approve these off-site reforestation sites. The Forest Conservation signs and fencing will be in accordance with the Charles County Forest Conservation Ordinance.



Preliminary and Final Forest ConservationB. Long Term Protection

Long term protection for both on-site and off-site reforestation area, are described in Forest Conservation Easement.

C. State and Federal Permits

All necessary approvals from State and Federal Agencies will be obtained prior to the issuance of any County Site Development Permit, or the Site will be redesigned as necessary.

6. Construction Time Table /Forest Protection Plan

A. Short Term (Construction)

Prior to the start of any construction, the boundary of the Forest Conservation Easement will be delineated. The forest area to be saved will be delineated by tying blue flagging surveyors tape to existing trees and/or field stakes in the field. The installation of Forest Retention Warning Signs will also be installed in accordance with the approved plan.

The flagged surveyors tape will be affixed to the primary trunks of the trees, (2”) two inches or larger in diameter at breast height (DBH). If the boundary is devoid of existing trees, 2”x 2” x 4’ high wooden stakes at 40’ centers along the proposed Limit of Disturbance (LOD) line will be installed. The same blue surveyors tape as used to mark the saved trees will be used to delineate the edge of the Forest Conservation Easement Boundary in the areas devoid of trees.

Forest Retention Warning Signs will be installed every 120’ along the entire Forest Conservation Boundary line. At least one of these signs will appear for each developed subdivision lot. Special attention will be placed on adding additional warning signs for each lot that abuts this proposed Forest Conservation Easement area. In addition, at least two flags will be used for each lot abutting the Forest Conservation Boundary.

The Forest Retention Warning Signs will be similar to the type shown in Appendix J, of the 1991 Forest Conservation Manual, or a type may be approved by the Project Planner of the Charles County Environmental Division. The locations of the Forest Retention Warning Signs for construction are shown on the Final Forest Conservation Plan.

Prior to the start of construction, the Forest Protection Fencing (or approved modified silt fencing), as shown in Appendix J, of the 1991



Preliminary and Final Forest ConservationForest Conservation Manual, (figure J-8), will be installed. This fencing installation is at the edge of the line where the site ground disturbance ends and no ground disturbance begins. This is shown on the plans as the LOD Line. This special fencing only occurs in the areas that are within 40’ feet of a proposed Forest Conservation Easement. These areas are shown on the Final Forest Conservation Plan.

Prior to the start of construction, the applicant will schedule a Pre-Construction Meeting with the Charles County Environmental Planner (301/ 645-0540), to address the implementation of the proposed Forest Conservation Plan.

The installation of the blue surveyors tape Flagging, the Forest Conservation Warning Signs, and any additional required fencing will be inspected at this meeting.

Following the Completion of the construction, the applicant will

arrange a Post-Construction Meeting with the Charles County Environmental Planner (301/ 645-0540), to address the implementation of the Forest Conservation Plan.

Compliance with observing the LOD line will be inspected. The

Approval to remove the Forest Protection Fencing will be granted, at the discretion of the Charles County Environmental Planner.

The Forest Conservation Flagging and Forest Conservation Warning

Signs located on the subdivision lots will remain and be maintained until a Post Construction Inspection has taken place on the initial project for which the permit was issued.

At all other locations on-site, the Forest Conservation Flagging and

Forest Conservation Warning Signs will remain for a period of two (2) years after the recordation of the Final Plat.

B. LONG TERM

Forest Conservation Easements will be used to enclose and protect all Proposed Reforestation and Tree Save Areas. This measure of additional protection will be incorporated as Long Term Protection Devices. Additional Restrictions and the allowable uses of these restricted areas are further detailed in these environmental easement documents.

7. Reforestation

A. Species Selection



Preliminary and Final Forest ConservationSpecies native to the physiographic region of the State shall be used unless a planting plan utilizing landscaping techniques specifies cultivars or alternatives as approved by the approving authority. Alternatively, plant selection may be established under an approved Forest Stewardship Plan or other forest management plan.

Locally acclimated and genetic stock is preferred for hardiness and disease resistance, as well as to conserve existing local genetic stock.

Selection may be based on the forest association for the planting site, using the information collected in the Forest Stand Delineation of through adjacent forest communities. Forest associations have been described by Brush et al (1980) and by Eyre (Society of American Foresters, 1980).

B. Plant Stocking

Minimum densities at planting and at the release of the 2-year maintenance and monitoring agreement for types of stock are shown in Figure A. When planting a combination of sizes and stock types, these requirements may be pro-rated. These densities and spacing calculations do not imply that plants should be installed in a grid pattern. Plants grouped in clusters, random or associated patterns may irritate natural forest establishment.

Suggestions for mixing stock and sizes include:

Plant larger stock around the perimeter in order to protect interior smaller stock.

Mix stock sizes when no mechanized equipment is proposed for use on-site.

Mix stock sizes when seedlings are thoroughly mulched. Use smaller stock for under story trees and larger stock for overstory

in random patterns. Use larger stock and maintenance in areas to be affected by human

activity.

C. Site Preparation

Proper installation in undisturbed soils may not require extensive site preparation. When soils have been compacted or organic or topsoil layers have been removed by grading, treatment will be necessary. Reserve topsoil should be replaced in the planting area. If supplemental fill is required, it may be mixed with the reserved topsoil. Nutrient, organic matter, soil texture and other analyses may be required to evaluate soil amendments or treatments. Additional information may be found in references on planting and soils.




Prevailing soil moisture conditions and changes in hydrology should also be evaluated for the proposed planting techniques. The proposed grading plan, prior site analyses as well as on-site assessment will be important to this evaluation.

In disturbed soils, a planting field should be prepared for each plant. A planting field with a radius of 5 times the diameter of the root ball is recommended for nursery stock.

In areas of steep slopes or erodible soils, soil disturbance should be limited to a planting field with a radius of 2.5 times the diameter of the root ball for nursery stock.

Disturbed soils shall be treated by evenly incorporating composted organic material, and other amendments, as determined by a soils analysis, within the top 12 inches. If fill material is used at the planting site, it shall be clean and topped with a minimum of 12 inches of organic topsoil. Stockpiling of native top soils should not compost or damage the remaining seed bank.

D. Planting Times

Plants, which are not planted within a day after delivery to the site should be protected from desiccation through shading, watering, shielded from wind or other methods. Bare rootstock may be heeled in. Transplanted or delivered materials may be stored in tree banks if necessary in undisturbed areas.

8. Planting Specifications

A. On-site Inspection

Prior to planting, inspect planting stock. Plants not conforming to the American Standard For Nursery Stock specifications for size, form, vigor, or roots, or due to trunk wounds, insects and disease should be replaced. Planting material shall be at the rate and species indicated on the Project Cover Sheet drawing.

B. Seedlings/Whips

Planting small stock, such as seedlings and whips, can be accomplished using manual methods of planting. Equipment may include shovels, planting or dibble bars, and matstocks. For larger areas, planting machines are occasionally used, but may result initially in linear, plantation-like forests.




Extreme care should be taken to ensure plant roots retain moisture. While planting seedlings and whips, use a moist carrying container to further prevent desiccation. For greater protection, plant some seedlings with tree shelters.

Areas planted with seedlings or whips should be mulched after planting.

C. Container Grown Stock

Successful planting of container stock requires careful site preparation and inspection of the root system. Caution is recommended when selecting plants grown in a soils medium different from that of the planting site. The plant should be removed from the container and the roots gently and somewhat loosened. If the roots encircle the root ball, or a “J”-shaped or kinked roots are present, replace the plant.

After preparation of a planting field, backfill stockpiled soils. Rake soils evenly over the planting field and cover with 2 to 4 inches of mulch.

D. Balled and Burlapped Trees

Tree stock greater than 2” caliper is usually planted using tree spades. This is particularly useful when transplanting on-site or with local plant materials. For trees larger than 6” caliper, specialized equipment is recommended.

Balled and burlapped trees must be handled with care while planting. Do not pick up trees by the trunk or drop them, as this will tend to separate the trunk from the root ball. Prior to planting, root balls should be kept moist.

Water planting field to settle soil backfilled around trees once planted. Rake soils evenly over the planting field and cover with 2 to 4 inches of mulch.

E. Soil Stabilization

For areas of large-scale disturbance, stabilize soils with non-turf-building ground cover or engineering fabric.

F. Protection Devices

To prevent damage of planted areas, post all reforestation and Afforestation sites with appropriate signs and fences. Construction equipment should not enter planting areas.



Preliminary and Final Forest ConservationAppendix AA: Forest Conservation Worksheet

** Preliminary Forest Conservation PlanApproved on March 17, 1994,

(# FC 93-P116-39) This Plan was prepared by

ATCS, PLCWaldorf, Maryland

Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan#FC 93-P116-39




Appendix BB: Forest Conservation Project Phasing

Determining Forest Conservation for Project Phasing



Preliminary and Final Forest ConservationAppendix CC: References

Charles County, Planning Division, 1997. Amended #96-91, Department of Planning and Growth Management, Forest Conservation Ordinance.

Darr, L 1991. A Technical Manual for Woodland Conservation with Development in Prince George’s County. MNCPP&C Planning Department, Natural Resources Division.

Lyon, J.G. 1993. Practical Handbook of Wetland Identification and Delineation focusing on coastal and riverine wetlands and associated vegetation.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources 1991. Forest Conservation Manual, Natural Resources Article, Title 5, Forest and Parks, Subtitle 16. Forest Conservation, Code of Maryland Regulations.

Tiner, Jr. R.W. 1988. Field Guild to Non-Tidal Wetland Identification. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Annapolis, Maryland.

Appendix DD: Previously Approved Submittals

Forest Stand Delineation Plan, Approved on March 4, 1994, (#FC 93-P116-39) this study prepared by Natural Resource Inventory, Inc., Landscape Architects, La Plata, Maryland.

Preliminary Forest Conservation Plan, Approved on March 17, 1994, (# FC 93-P116-39) this study prepared by Greenhorne & O’Mara, Inc., Landscape Architects, Engineers, Waldorf, Maryland.
