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Volunteers, heavy equipment and herbicide raised after tough invasive‑plant workday
Summary
After a challenging multiflora‑rose removal day, committee members recommended better tools, disposal coordination and discussed a stump‑cut herbicide treatment requiring a licensed applicator and fall timing to improve effectiveness.
Committee members reviewed lessons from a recent field workday to clear multiflora rose and other invasive shrubs, noting the effort required and safety equipment needed for volunteers.
"the number of seeds that a 1 plant can produce and the, you know, viability of the seeds, it's, it's, like, 20 years, you know, up to 20 years for the seeds," Sam Grama said, arguing the infestation will continue to spread if not treated strategically. Members described needing long‑handled loppers, possible electric chainsaws and, for larger piles, coordination with the highway department and the Vermont composting facility for disposal.
Discussion moved to management approaches: repeated brush‑hogging and follow‑up visits versus a stump‑cut herbicide application requiring a licensed applicator and careful timing in fall to maximize uptake. Members recommended coordination with the county forester and suggested a fall workday coupled with disposal logistics if mechanical removal is used.
Next steps: the chair will contact the county forester (Brandon/Ethan mentioned by members) about applicability and licensing; members also suggested exploring whether committee members could be licensed as applicators or if contracted assistance is preferable.
