HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2009-04-02 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
April 2, 2009
7:30 p.m.
Final minutes
Members present: Diane Conneman, Andrew Goodell, James Hamilton, Eva Hoffmann, Tony
Ingraham, Nirav Patel, Kristine Shaw
Staff: Darby Kiley
Guests: Todd Bittner(CU Plantations Natural Areas Director), Toni DiTommaso (CU Crop and
Soil Science, Weed Ecology), Lindsey Milbrath(USDA-ARS)
Persons to be heard: None
Members' Concerns: Tony recently attended a forum on natural gas drilling and shared
information with the board. Gas drilling could be the biggest impact on this region since the
forests were cut over a century ago. We should determine how much land in the Town of Ithaca
is leased. One of the presenters expressed that there is a role for towns to plan.
Pale and Black Swallow-wort presentation:
Toni DiTommaso presented information on the biology and ecology of the two swallow-wort
species, and Todd Bittner discussed the management activities of Cornell.
Pale and black swallow-worts (SW) are in the periwinkle family. Pale SW is more common in
this area and is native to Ukraine and surrounding areas. Black SW is less common here but is
found in the Six Mile Creek area and is a native of Spain, France and surrounding areas. The
plants are very similar to one another except for the flowers. The seeds are wind and animal
dispersed and are polyembryonic, meaning that there could be multiple (up to 8) shoots from one
seed. Seeds survive about 2-3 years, especially in the top inch of soil. Black SW might also
produce rhizomes. Both species have a large root to shoot ratio (4:1 or even 6:1), which is why
pulling the plants is ineffective; it is difficult to get all of the roots, and remaining lateral buds
will produce new plants.
As for the ecological impacts of SW: there is reduced diversity (plant and animal); birds cannot
nest in the plants; succession may be altered; the plants are bad for monarch butterflies (if the
female lays eggs on the plant, the young caterpillars eat the leaves and die); soil communities are
impacted
Economic impacts include the following: Christmas tree growers have problems controlling; SW
will grow in no-till crop fields; the presence of SW depreciates land value; SW is likely toxic to
livestock
Todd Bittner discussed how they are still experimenting with control efforts and there is no
definitive method for eradication. He discussed that several herbicides (triclopyr and
glyphosates) are somewhat effective. In wooded areas, cutting the plants at peak flowering
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depletes the root reserves and when the plant regrows it will not reflower. To avoid using
herbicides in forested areas, multiple cuttings per year could be effective though that method is
labor and cost intensive. In old fields, SW is very resilient and methods including cutting and
herbicide application are being developed. Mowing is likely to be part of the management
strategy.
Lindsey Milbrath added that biocontrol is not likely going to be the only answer to swallow-wort
control.
The South Hill water tank property is an open and disturbed area, and Todd said that swallow-
wort is a concern because it is adjacent to Natural Areas property. He discussed that Japanese
knotweed is another issue in the town especially because it is located in roadside ditches. Every
time ditches are cleaned out, there is potential to spread knotweed, even the stems will root.
Knotweed responds well (i.e. dies) to herbicide injection into the stems. Prevention should be
stressed—don't move it to new locations with equipment.
Todd also mentioned that the wooly adelgid, an aphid that attacks hemlocks, has been found in
the area. Please report any sightings, or even any hemlocks that have not been infested.
It was also mentioned that Japanese stiltgrass, an annual, is found in the Six Mile Creek
watershed and on Ithaca College property. That can be controlled by cutting before it sets seed.
Todd offered to lead a field trip to the South Hill water tank and Natural Area. It is important
that town officials and staff also attend the field trip.
Chair and Coordinator Reports
Chair: With limited time, Diane will share information at another time.
Coordinator:
At the March 24 h Planning Board meeting, the final scoping document for Carrowmoor was
accepted, and PB accepted the Findings Statement and approved the Preliminary and Final Site
Plan for the IC A&E Center Wetlands Mitigation Plan.
Verizon Cell Tower: There is still more information needed.
Business: The minutes will be reviewed at the May meeting.
Regular Reports and Updates:
Environmental Review Committee: No report
Scenic Resources Committee: Tony reported that they met last week. The three identified
priority sites (East Shore, Pine Tree Road and Danby Road pull-off)were discussed for which
location will receive priority for a sign. That will probably be East Shore Park.
R. Fischer Award Committee: James reported that Rich Schoch is looking into tree options.
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Tompkins County EMC: Kristine will send out her report via email or share at the next meeting.
Sixmile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program: The stream was sampled on March 11 —a high
flow event. CSI has a new website.
City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission: Invasive eradication day will be held on April 12.
There will be a meeting held at Commonland Community to discuss enforcement and issues
associated with trespassing and swimming in the stream and reservoirs.
Comprehensive Plan: The residents' survey was discussed in detail. The Planning Department
will hire an intern to work on mapping of scenic views.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm
These draft Minutes generated by Darby Kiley.
Approved 5/7/09
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