Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Weed Control To deter further establishment of weedy undesirable species weeds shall be controlled with shortlived herbicides that are safe for use near open water and wetlands (e.g. glyphosate herbicides, such as ®Rodeo). Do not spray herbicides that can move through the soil or that last very long topically.; Herbicides shall be used on weeds in dry weather after growth has begun but before plants begin to bud. Spraying is better for managing large monoculture patches of weeds.; All materials used shall meet or exceed applicable federal, state, county and local laws and regulations. The use of herbicide shall follow directions given on the herbicide label and shall be applied only by a licensed applicator, licensed in Forestry, Right-of-Way and/or Aquatic application categories by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. All herbicides must be applied as per manufacturer’s instructions unless applicator receives different instructions, in writing, from the Project Manager.; B. Herbaceous Plant Removal As an alternative to herbicides, some weeds can also be controlled through use of a weed whacker close to the ground or through manual pulling at the root. Attention should be paid to limit the removal of weeds to the weed itself and minimize disturbance of adjacent, desirable plants.; Weeds shall be cut or pulled from April through May when weeds have grown but prior to budding/seeding. Immediately replant bare areas, as applicable, left behind from weed removal to avoid weeds reseeding and establishing in the area again.; 1) Physical Removal - In areas where invasive weeds have moved in, care shall be taken to remove them as quickly and efficiently as possible.; 2) Herbicide Application – The requirements listed in the Weed Control Section apply for herbicide application for Herbaceous Woody Plant Removal.; C. Woody Plant Removal Woody species (e.g. cottonwoods, maples, willow, locusts, and elms) shall be controlled annually through use of either an industrial grade weed whacker or by manual pulling from the root. These species will resprout from a cut, so a compound root killer shall be applied to cuts before the cut saps up.; 1) Physical Removal - Removal of woody vegetation shall be completed by workers competent in identification of plant materials. No woody plant material was designed to be in the bioretention systems.; Removal of woody vegetation shall be conducted in such a manner as to leave no lasting effect on surrounding vegetation or soils. This would mean that removal shall be done by hand, when possible. This would include but not be limited to hand tools, gas-powdered chain saws, gas-powered clearing saws, bow saws and loppers.; D. Replanting Bioretention system side-slopes and bottom areas that require replanting shall be replanted with the plants listed in Section 2 via deep-cell plugs or seed. Replanting shall occur a minimum of seven (7) days after herbicide treatment and after cutting in order to avoid contact with the herbicide.
