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Stoffel Property Riparian
Planting Project, Spring 2003.
In Spring of 2003, TCCCA participated in its first riparian buffer
planting project. Bill and Carol Stoffel own property in South
Londonderry Township, Lebanon County, through which the Conewago Creek
flows. The historic problem with the Stoffels’ creek front property was
that it was choked with multi-flora rose, which prevented a diverse,
mature forested area from developing. By the summer of 2002, Bill had
had enough, and cleared one side of the creek of all multi-flora and
other existing vegetation. Bill wanted to replant the area with other
kinds of vegetation, and came to TCCCA for help. TCCCA put Bill in touch
with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, which has a riparian planting
program for landowners.
CBF and Bill
soon developed an agreement whereby a 35 foot riparian buffer was
planted along a 1,320 foot section of the stream. Grass seed was planted
in the fall of 2002 by Milton Hershey School Environmental Center staff in order to
establish a cover to prevent the multi-flora rose and other aggressive
invasive species from reestablishing.
In April 2003, TCCCA volunteers completed
the project by planting approximately 200 native trees and shrubs in the
buffer area, and sowing several pounds of additional grass seed.
In order to determine the best maintenance techniques for establishing the
buffer plantings and preventing another influx of multi-flora, Bill has
agreed to use different techniques in different plots along the stream. In
some areas, maintenance mowing will be used. In other areas, spot spraying
will be permitted. For some, a combination of these techniques will be
allowed. Still others will be left alone to nature’s devices. CBF will
monitor the growth of the plots over a five-year period. TCCCA will
provide Bill with support for these maintenance efforts.
The Stoffels, TCCCA, and CBF are excited about the partnership that has
allowed something good to happen for the Conewago, and that promises to
yield important information regarding future efforts to improve watersheds
all across the Chesapeake Bay drainage.
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