The objective of this project is to control several species of invasive woody plants in multiple treatment areas, thereby reducing the presence of these species, restore a barrens structure to the landscape thereby creating an environment that favors the presence of native oak barrens vegetation. Specifically at Waterloo RA the main objective is to reduce large trees and surrounding dense brush to allow mowing, herbicide and prescribed fire to further control woody encroachment. At Island Lake Recreation Area the main objective is to remove large stands of mature pine in several treatment areas and some previously girdled stands of black locust in others to create a barrens structure. At Fort Custer the objective is to remove a large stand of black locust that was girdled and herbicided approximately five years prior and connect prairie remnants. This work may be accomplished by a combination of whole-tree chipping, firewood and/or log removal with chipping of tops. Mowing with a hydro-ax, large forestry mower, or other heavy-duty brush cutter and/or other methods will also be necessary.
