FRIENDSHIP FOREST. FOREST RESOURCES INVENTORY and MANAGEMENT PLAN. December 15, 2012

Transcription

1 FRIENDSHIP FOREST FOREST RESOURCES INVENTORY and MANAGEMENT PLAN December 15, 2012 Prepared for: City of Clarkston 3921 Church Street Clarkston, GA Prepared by: Chris Barneycastle Barneycastle Forestry Services, Inc Colony Oaks Drive Snellville, GA 30078

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction.3 Goals and Objectives for Inventory and Management Plan...3 Description of Property..3 Inventory Objectives and Methodology.6 Inventory Results 6 General Management Objectives and Recommendations.. 11 Management Recommendations for Areas Conclusion...16 Appendix A: Listing of Trees and Understory Vegetation Appendix B: Listing of Trees and Shrubs Important to Wildlife Acknowledgements

3 Introduction Friendship Forest is acres of stands of trees, open areas, streams and trails located at 4380 East Ponce de Leon Avenue in the City of Clarkston. The property was formerly a high use DeKalb County park and was donated to the City of Clarkston in The City of Clarkston received an Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission and retained Barneycastle Forestry Services, Inc. to inventory the resources on the property and prepare a management plan for the property. Goals and Objectives for Inventory and Management Plan The Clarkston City Council will be forming an ad hoc committee to determine the future plans for the Friendship Forest. This resources inventory and management plan will provide information that will assist the ad hoc committee in planning for the future of the forest. At the present time, the primary goal for the forest is for it to be a passive use area; therefore, the primary goal of this management plan is to keep the forested portions in a natural state with a minimal amount of disturbance, preservation of native species of plants, eradication of nonnative invasive species of plants, preservation of riparian corridors, and enhancement of wildlife habitat. Description of Property This acre tract is mostly forested with a mixture of various pine and hardwood species of trees. Many of the trees are mature with large diameters (greater than 30 inches diameter at breast height) and towering heights (excess of 60 feet). The topography is moderately rolling except for the eastern portion of the property, which has some rather steep topography. The highest elevation on the property is 1038 feet and the lowest is 959 feet. The south fork of Peachtree Creek, which is a relatively large perennial stream, flows through the northwest portion of the property. There is a small intermittent tributary stream on the property that flows into the creek (see Figure 3). The property appears to have been idle with little maintenance for many years as evidenced by some of the abandoned fields having been grown over with volunteer vines, shrubs, grasses, and forbs, many of which are nonnative invasive species. There are an abundance of old abandoned trails throughout the property, some of which are paved (see Figure 4). A paved road is located in the eastern portion of the property and extends from the entrance on Ponce de Leon Avenue for about ¼ mile into the property. There are signs of some management activities as evidenced by planted sapling trees in the large open area in the center of the property. The trees were planted by the Friends of Friendship Forest. This area (and others) has also been bushhogged to allow access to the south fork of Peachtree Creek and other areas. There are several species of nonnative invasive species of plants growing on the property and the predominant nonnative species are Chinese privet and English ivy. Figure 1 is an aerial photograph depicting the boundaries and the land types of the property. Figure 2 is a topographical map of the property with 2 foot contours. 3

4 Figure 1 - Friendship Forest Land Types Figure 2 Topographic Map with 2 foot Contours 4

5 Figure 3 Aerial Photograph with Stream Corridors (25 feet either side of streams) Figure 4 Aerial Photograph Depicting Trails and Roads 5

6 Inventory - Objectives and Methodology An inventory of the 15 acres was conducted to determine location, size, and species of trees (naturally regenerated) and other vegetation on the property. This inventory provided useful information to understand the current condition of the property and for preparation of management recommendations. A stand table was developed listing the size, species and number of trees for the property. A listing of understory plants (primarily shrubs and vines), including nonnative invasive species, were also identified and inventoried for the property. To determine the number, size, and species of trees per acre for the tract, 15 sample plots were randomly and evenly established over the property. The sample plots were 1/10 acre in size and were circular (37.3 foot radius). The total number of trees (4 inches in diameter and greater) for each size class and species was multiplied by 10 (to produce the total population of trees) and then divided by the total number of sample plots to yield the per acre number of trees. This data is listed in Table 1. Some species of trees were found on the property, but not in the sample plot. These trees are indicated in the notes for the stand table and are noted in the area description. Understory species of trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses and forbs were tallied in the sample plot and outside the sample plot as well. Some of the understory species are nonnative invasive species, which are listed in Appendix A - Listing of Trees and Understory Vegetation. An inventory of specimen size trees (30 inches DBH and greater) was performed. These trees have been flagged and located. The location of the trees is depicted in Figure 7. The listing of the specimen trees is found in Table 2. Inventory Results As indicated in the Table 1, the predominant species of trees on the property is sweetgum followed by loblolly pine, yellow poplar, water oak, and southern red oak. Other species of trees growing on the property include black cherry, box elder, silver maple, magnolia, blackgum, red mulberry, Bradford pear, green ash, and hackberry. The ground cover on the forested portions of the property is primarily forest duff with a number of understory species of plants growing on the property. The primary understory species in the forested portions are Chinese privet, English ivy, bamboo, poison ivy, honeysuckle, greenbrier, Virginia creeper, and elaeagnus. Species of plants in the open areas include various types of grasses, privet, honeysuckle, dogfennel, goldenrod, lespedeza, elderberry, switchcane, nepalese browntop, and multi-flora rose. Unfortunately, many of these plants are nonnative invasive species. Figure 8 is an aerial photograph depicting the location of the predominant nonnative invasive species of plants. Figure 4 shows the breakdown of tree species by percentages. Sweetgum comprises 39 percent of all tree species 4 inches and greater in diameter, followed by loblolly pine at 22 percent, and yellow poplar at 15 percent. While sweetgum, loblolly pine, and yellow poplar comprise 76 percent of the tree species, the remaining 24 percent is comprised of 11 different species. While in an ideal situation, no single species should comprise more than 10 percent of an urban forest, the species make up of the Friendship Forest property is moderately diverse. Table 1 also shows that the property has approximately 112 trees per acre (4 inches in diameter and greater). This is a relatively healthy density of trees per acre for the property. The average diameter of the trees is 16 inches. Figure 5 shows a distribution of the diameters of the trees. 16 inches is a relatively large tree diameter, which means the trees are fairly mature. 6

7 Friendship Forest -- Species % Sweetgum 9% 5% Loblolly pine 10% 39% Yellow poplar 15% Water oak 22% Southern red oak Other species Figure 5 Chart Depicting Percentages of Species Composition of Friendship Forest Trees 7

8 TABLE 1 - STAND TABLE FOR FRIENDSHIP FOREST Number of Trees per Acre by Diameter Class and Species DBH Sweetgum Loblolly pine Yellow poplar Water oak Southern red oak Other species 4" " " " " " " " " " " " " " 1 36" 1 Total Total All Species per Acre -112 Other tree species (naturally regenerated) located on property: Black cherry, Box elder, Silver maple, Magnolia, Blackgum, Red mulberry, Bradford Pear, Green ash, and Hackberry. Friendship Forest - Per Acre DBH Distribution " 11-20" 21-30" 31+ Figure 6 Chart Showing Per Acre Diameter Distribution for Friendship Forest Trees 8

9 TABLE 2 - LISTING OF SPECIMEN TREES ON FRIENDSHIP FOREST PROPERTY Tree # Species DBH Condition/Description 1 Pecan 35" Good condition. 2 Water oak 34" Dead limbs. Recent limb failures. 3 Southern red oak 42" Large dead branch at 20'. Other small dead branches. 4 Water oak 32" 2 co-dominant stems at 20'. Major decay in smaller stem. Poor condition. 5 Water oak 43" Large dead stubs. Large dead limbs. 6 Southern red oak 43" 2 co-dominant stems at 10'. Small dead limbs. 7 Water oak 31" Most crown weight on south side. Scaffold limbs over adjacent driveway. 8 Water oak 38" 2 co-dominant stems at 4'. Large dead limbs. Next to road. 9 Water oak 35" 2 co-dominant stems at 15'. Fungal conks on stem at 25'. 10 Sweetgum 34" 3 co-dominant stems at 30-40'. Ivy to 35'. Old limb failures. 11 Southern red oak 32" 2 co-dominant stems at 10'. Uneven crown. 12 Sweetgum 31" 2 co-dominant stems at 30'. 13 Southern red oak 33" Ivy into crown. Large dead limbs. 14 Water oak 38" Large dead limbs. Large stubs. 15 Water oak 31" Ivy into crown. 16 Southern red oak 32" Ivy into crown. 17 Southern red oak 33" Top broken out. Weight of crown on west side. 18 Southern red oak 31" Weight of crown on west side. 19 Water oak 36" Near boundary. Small dead limbs. 20 Southern red oak 33" Weight of crown on road side. Some large dead limbs. 21 Yellow poplar 50" 2 co-dominant stems at 6'. Positioned on edge of creek. 22 Water oak 34" Many dead limbs. 30 % dieback. Positioned on edge of creek. 23 Water oak 37" Small dead limbs. 24 Water oak 35" 2 co-dominant stems at 10'. Small dead limbs. 25 Yellow poplar 35" 2 co-dominant stems at 30'. 26 Sweetgum 34" 2 co-dominant stems at 6'. 27 Yellow poplar 36" Good condition. 28 Sweetgum 44" 22 co-dominant stems at 4'. 29 Water oak 56" 3 co-dominant stems at 3'. Notes - DBH is diameter at breast height measured at 4.5 feet above ground. Diameter for Tree #29 was measured at 2 feet above ground. 9

10 Figure 7 Aerial Photograph Depicting Approximate Location of Specimen Trees Figure 8 Aerial Photograph Depicting Areas of Predominant Non-Native Invasive Species of Plants 10

11 General Management Objectives and Recommendations The general objectives for the Friendship Forest property is to keep the forested portions in a natural state with a minimal amount of disturbance, preservation of native species of plants, eradication of nonnative invasive species of plants, preservation of riparian corridors, and enhancement of wildlife habitat. Potential future plans for Friendship Forest include restoration of an education facility, parking lot improvements, a community garden, a butterfly/bird garden, and an overlook with seating. The purpose of this inventory and management plan is protection, improvement, and conservation of the natural resources on the property. The first order of business for the property is eradication of some of the nonnative invasive species of plants. Chinese privet, listed as a Category 1 invasive by the Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council (GA- EPPC), is the most problematic nonnative invasive on the property since it is so widespread and is aggressive. Privet is an evergreen plant and is shade tolerant; therefore it has shaded out native plants that would normally grow in these areas. If the privet and other nonnative invasive species of vegetation are not controlled, the succession of native tree and understory species will be severely impeded. Methods of control for non-native invasive species can be found in the USDA Forest Service publication entitled Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests A Field Guide for Identification and Control. The publication can be obtained on-line at Hand pulling and cut and treat are probably the most feasible methods for Friendship Forest. These methods are discussed on pages of the publication. Since the inventory results indicate that 3 species of trees comprise 76 percent of the total tree species on the property, it is recommended that other tree species be planted throughout the property. A list of recommended tree species is found in Appendix B. Proper planting guidelines are and other tree planting information is available in a Georgia Forestry Commission publication entitled Community Tree Planting and Establishment Guidelines, which can be obtained at Since wildlife habitat is a primary objective for the forest, most of the recommended species are beneficial to wildlife, especially birds. There are a large number of standing and downed dead trees throughout the property. The standing snags, which are mostly pines, make excellent sources of nesting for woodpeckers and the brown-headed nuthatch, and the dead snags on the ground make good habitat for various forms of wildlife including birds, small mammals and reptiles. Some of the dead trees and ones with substantial defects on the forest have been marked as potentially hazardous. A hazardous tree is one that has the size, a target, and failure potential to do damage or injury if it fails. To date, 5 trees have been marked with pink flagging tape as potentially hazardous. These 5 trees are located near the paved road, which constitutes a target. As the forest is used by more citizens, additional trees may be deemed to be hazardous. It is recommended that the 5 trees marked with pink flagging tape be removed since they are large in size, have high failure potential, and are located in the most trafficked portions of the property. Several of the specimen trees growing on the property have large dead limbs that should be pruned. Ideally, the trees should be pruned by a certified arborist; however, the dead limbs can be removed by city employees if they are pruned correctly. The pruning should be performed in accordance with ANSI 300 pruning standards. Information on the ANSI standards and tree pruning can be found at In addition, several of the specimen trees have English ivy growing into the crowns of the trees. The ivy can suppress and weigh down the crowns of these trees and can eventually cause them to decline or fail. The ivy can be temporarily controlled by simply severing each vine at ground level. 11

12 Since the boundaries of the property are not marked or well defined, a survey of the property is recommended and the property boundaries should be well marked. Future plans may include fencing around the entire property. It is recommended that trees on all areas be inspected on an annual basis by a certified arborist or registered forester to check for insect, disease or other problems. Since the property will eventually be used by the public, a hazard tree evaluation should be performed on the larger trees that are near areas of public use. During the annual inspection, trees can be monitored for potentially devastating problems such as southern pine beetle infestations. A southern pine beetle outbreak can literally result in the death of most of the pine trees in a very short period of time if left unchecked. Management Recommendations for Areas 1-8 Area 1 Open Area This area is approximately.4 acres in size and is located at the entrance to the forest. There is a paved road and gravel parking area at the entrance. This area is surrounded by large hardwood trees and has a very prominent Pecan in the center of the area. There is some trash at the entrance, which should be cleaned up. Since the entrance to Friendship Forest is the most visible portion of the forest to the general public, it is recommended that this area be well maintained. Also, the beauty of the entrance area could be enhanced by planting some annual flowers and native trees and shrubs. The City may want to consult with a landscape architect or certified landscape contractor for advice. Area 2 Mixed/Pine Hardwoods This is the largest area on the property and is approximately 7.2 acres is size. The area is heavily wooded and is comprised of mature loblolly pines and hardwoods. The predominant hardwood species in Area 2 include water oak, southern red oak and sweetgum. Other species of trees growing in this area include blackgum, black cherry, magnolia, red mulberry, green ash, white oak, and red maple. Most of the specimen trees are located in Area 2. The understory species of plants growing in this area is comprised predominantly of Chinese privet and English ivy. The privet and ivy are the most dense in the areas near the boundaries of the property. While the privet provides somewhat of a buffer along the boundaries of the property, control of the privet should be considered since the privet will continue to spread throughout the area. If the privet is left along the boundaries as a buffer, it is highly recommended the privet be controlled in the central portions of the area. Other understory species include multi-flora rose, greenbrier, wild grape, honeysuckle, switch cane, bamboo, elaeagnus, wisteria, Christmas fern, and wild yam. 12

13 Friendship Forest Resources Inventory and Management Plan Since the paved road and several trails are located in Area 2, consideration should be given to removal of hazardous trees in this area. Also, the specimen trees with large dead limbs should be pruned to prevent the limbs from failing and possibly causing injury to pedestrians. Area 3 Open Area This is the largest open area on the property (approximately 2 acres). The area is comprised of a variety of species of sapling trees (2 4 inches in diameter) and a variety of understory species of plants. Several of the trees are up to 6 inches in diameter. The tree species include red maple, silver maple, box elder, green ash, sweetgum, black willow, loblolly pine, and Bradford pear. There are several trees that have been planted in the north portion of this area that include sycamore, eastern hornbeam, river birch, persimmon, blackgum, swamp chestnut oak, crabapple, and paw paw. The predominant understory species in this area are honeysuckle, Nepalese browntop, and blackberry. The Nepalese browntop is very dense in certain portions of Area 3. Other understory species include elaeagnus, wild yam, Virginia creeper, multi-flora rose, blackberry, goldenrod, broomsedge, virgins bower, and poison ivy. This area has excellent potential for wildlife habitat and a variety of bird species have been seen in the area. Recommendations include control of the Nepalese browntop and honeysuckle and planting of species of trees and shrubs that are beneficial to wildlife, especially bird species. Area 4 Mature Pine This area is comprised of mature loblolly pines and is approximately 2.5 acres in size. The pines are 6070 years old and are in good condition. There are some mature hardwood species growing in this area that include sweetgum, and yellow poplar. The hardwood species of trees in the understory include sweetgum, yellow poplar, blackgum, sourwood, magnolia, and red mulberry. Understory plant species include privet, 13

14 Friendship Forest Resources Inventory and Management Plan honeysuckle, sumac, blackberry, English ivy, greenbrier, and poison ivy. The Chinese privet in the area is fairly dense. Recommendations for this area include control of privet and monitoring for southern pine beetle activity. Area 5 Open Area This area is the smallest area on the property and is about.2 acres in size. The area appears to have been a gravel parking lot in the past. The area has recently been planted with rye grass by the Friends of Friendship Forest to serve as a food plot for deer. Area 6 Open Area This area is approximately.8 acres in size and is comprised of a variety of species of sapling trees and understory species of plants. The area is very dense and is referred to as The Thicket on the Conceptual Master Plan. Species of trees include yellow poplar, black willow, sweetgum, box elder, water oak, and elderberry. The primary understory species in this area are honeysuckle and blackberry. Other understory species include Nepalese browntop, goldenrod, clumpgrass, frost aster, swamp sunflower, dog fennel and poke weed. This area has excellent potential for wildlife habitat and a variety of bird species have been seen in the area. Recommendations include control of the honeysuckle and planting of species of trees and shrubs that are beneficial to wildlife, especially bird species. 14

15 Friendship Forest Resources Inventory and Management Plan Area 7 Bottomland Hardwoods This area is approximately 1.1 acres in size and is heavily wooded with mature hardwoods. The primary species of hardwoods include water oak, yellow poplar, sweetgum and southern red oak. Other species of trees growing in Area 7 include sycamore, black cherry, magnolia, and mimosa. Understory species of plants include Chinese privet, kudzu, greenbrier, elaeagnus, switchcane, wild grape, English ivy, partridge pea, and Christmas fern. Several specimen trees are located in Area 8. The most prominent feature of Area 7 is the beautiful stream coursing through this wooded portion of the property. The south fork of Peachtree Creek is a relatively large stream and this portion of the creek is very clear and clean. There is some trash in the stream that should be cleaned up. Area 8 Mixed Pine/Hardwoods This area is the most remote area of the forest and is approximately.9 acres in size. Most of the trees are mature and many are inches in diameter. Several specimen trees are located in Area 8. The predominant species of trees in Area 8 are loblolly pine, yellow poplar, sweetgum and water oak. Unfortunately, Chinese privet is the predominant understory species of plant in the understory and is very dense in some portions of the area. Other understory species of plants include greenbrier, and wild grape. The primary recommendation for Area 8 is control of the privet, which will allow other native species of plants to grow. Also, there is an abundance of trash in this area that should be removed. 15

16 Conclusion The forest resources inventory shows that the 15 acre Friendship Forest property has well stocked stands of trees comprised of a moderate diversity of native species. Fortunately, there is only one nonnative species of tree (Bradford pear) growing on the property; however, there are several non-native species of shrubs and vines growing on the property. Unfortunately, the Chinese privet is very dense in many portions of the property; therefore, efforts should be made to eradicate this as well as other nonnative species of shrub. Once the nonnative invasive species of plants are eradicated, the native species of plants will have more opportunity to thrive. The present stand of trees on the property are, for the most part, in good condition; however, the trees should be monitored to insure any insect or disease infestations are controlled before they are able to become widespread. Since one of the primary objectives for the property is wildlife habitat, especially for birds, the planting of new species of trees and shrubs will not only improve wildlife habitat, but will also increase the species diversity on the property. The Friendship Forest is a nice natural area of forest and open lands that with proper care and management will continue to provide aesthetic, environmental, recreational, and wildlife benefits for the City of Clarkston community and future generations. 16

17 Appendix A: Listing of Trees and Understory Vegetation on Friendship Forest Property Common name (Scientific name, i.e. genus and species) Native Trees: Black willow Salix nigra Blackgum Nyssa sylvatica Boxelder Acer negundo Crabapple Malus spp. Dogwood Cornus florida Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Hornbeam Carpinus caroliniana Loblolly pine Pinus taeda Mulberry Morus spp. Northern red oak Quercus rubra Pawpaw Asimina triloba Red maple Acer rubrum River birch Betula nigra Southern red oak Quercus falcata Swamp chestnut oak Quercus prinus Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua Sycamore Plantanus occidentalis Water oak Quercus nigra White oak Quercus alba Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera Nonnative trees: Bradford pear Native Shrubs: Blackberry Hawthorne Nonnative Shrubs: Chinese privet Multi-flora rose Elaeagnus Sumac Native Vines: Greenbrier Poison ivy Virginia creeper Nonnative Vines: English ivy Japanese Honeysuckle Kudzu Wisteria Pyrus calleryana Rubrus spp. Crataegus spp. Ligustrum sinense Rosa multiflora Elaegnus pungens Rhus spp. Smilax spp. Toxicodendron radicans Parthenocissus quinquefolia Hendera helix Lonicera japonica Pueraria montana Wisteria sinensis 17

18 Appendix A: Listing of Trees and Understory Vegetation on Friendship Forest Property (continued) Common name (Scientific name, i.e. genus and species) Native Grasses and Forbs: Broomsedge Carex spp. Christmas fern Polystichum acrostichoides Dog fennel Eupatorium capillifolium False nettle Boehmeria cylindrica Frost aster Aster dumosus Goldenrod Solidago altissima Partridge pea Chamaecrista fasciculata Swamp sunflower Helianthus angustifolius Switchcane Arundinaria gigantea Virgins bower Clematis virginiana Nonnative Grasses and Forbs Bamboo Phyllostachys spp. Nepalese browntop Microstegium vimineum Wild yam Dioscorea spp. Note: spp. is abbreviation for species, which means a variety of species exists for the plant. Appendix B Listing of Recommended Trees and Shrubs for Planting at Friendship Forest Native Trees: American holly American beech Black cherry Crabapple Dogwood Elderberry Pawpaw Persimmon Sassafras Serviceberry Yaupon holly Wild plum Willow oak Native Shrubs: American beautyberry Blackberry Blueberry Elderberry Sparkleberry Viburnum Ilex opaca Fagus grandifolia Prunus serotina Malus spp. Cornus florida Sambucus canadensis Asimina triloba Diospyros virginiana Sassafras albidum Amelanchier arborea Ilex vomitoria Prunus americana Quercus phellos Callicarpa americana Rubrus spp. Vaccinium elliottii Sambucus canadensis Vaccinium arboreum Viburnum spp. Note: spp. is abbreviation for species, which means a variety of species exists for the plant. 18

19 Acknowledgements Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA s TARGET Center at (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-A, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC or call (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Barneycastle Forestry Services would like to express a special thanks to John Paul Schmidt, PhD, Post-doctoral associate, Odum School of Ecology/Marine Sciences, University of Georgia for his assistance with identification of many of the understory and ground cover plants on the GPLT properties. The topographic map (Figure 2) was provided by Catherine Fox, Fox Environmental, LLC, Decatur, GA. We also wish to express a special thanks to Dale Higdon for his many hours of volunteer assistance with the inventory. 19