Title
Controlled Burn and Stewardship of John Humphrey Woods
History
In 2011 the Village established its Basin and Best Practices Management Plan report. The report contains bids and evaluations on Village ponds and areas that require stewardship to ensure the proper functionality and aesthetics of said areas. Since the compilation of the report, the Village has worked with contractors to perform the required services. The selected companies were chosen based on proposal pricing and expertise in the area of ecological restoration. Pizzo & Associates, Ltd is one of the companies that were awarded basin and restoration work. Pizzo has proven to be extremely knowledgeable in this area of work and have provided exemplary service to the Village on the high profile pond and natural area projects.
A quote was requested from Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. for the Stewardship of John Humphrey Woods. The work includes the control of invasive, woody and herbaceous flora through cultural methods, physical removal or the application of appropriate herbicides. The native plants will take advantage of the competitive release created by mowing, the timely application of herbicide or physical removal of the non-native plants. We will target the invasive trees and brush such as Red Mulberry, Callery Pear, Reed Canary Grass, Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, and Brambles. Control methods will be basal bark application, frilling, girdling and direct application of herbicide. Target species will be treated and left as habitat. Invasive species control over a two month period for the cost of $7,016.00.
A quote was requested from Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. for the prescribed burn of John Humphrey Woods in the amount of $6550.00. The burn that was scheduled for last year was unable to be performed due to weather conditions. The vendor still has current permits for the Village’s burn work. The prescribed burn would include implementation of a controlled burn in natural areas. Pizzo will use fire as a tool to clear debris, recycle nutrients and stimulate native plant and animal species. The fire crew is comprised of S130/S190 trained crew leaders knowledgeable in the fuel types present. The fire crew will create needed firebreaks and place noticeable signage prior to the burn. Seeds will be harvested prior to the burn to allow for post burn dispersal. The areas to be burned will contain unburned refuge for animal species. The burn is planned to be completed this coming fall. Due to the unpredictability of the weather, it may be necessary to postpone the burn to the next burn season. It is possible that local conditions could cause the burn unit to burn poorly when all conditions are within parameters. The Parks Department Staff will notify neighbors and coordinate with the Recreation Department to avoid disrupting the preschool function of the Franklin Loebe Center.
On April 18, 2016, this item was reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Committee, recommended for approval, and referred to the Village Board of Trustees for consideration.
Financial Impact
Funding for the stewardship in the amount of $7,016.00 is available in the Parks Grounds account 283-4003-443500.
Funding for the prescribed burn in the amount of $6,550.00 is available in the Parks Grounds account 283-4003-443500.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve the proposal from Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. for the spring stewardship at John Humphrey Woods at a cost not to exceed $7,016.00;
And
Approve the proposal from Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. for the fall prescribed burn at John Humphrey Woods at a cost not to exceed $ 6,550.00.