NR 120.14(19)(b)6.c.c. An evaluation of existing vegetation on the site is necessary prior to the selection of plant materials and restoration method. The natural vegetation that occurs in the region or vicinity of the restoration site shall be considered in developing restoration plans. NR 120.14(19)(b)6.d.d. In order to restore the functional values of the vegetative buffer, it shall consist of 3 layers: a ground cover, a shrub layer and a tree canopy. Vegetation in all 3 layers shall be vigorous, diverse and structurally complex. The only exception to this requirement shall be where natural conditions in the region lack these characteristics. NR 120.14(19)(b)6.e.e. Vegetation shall be adapted to the local soils, climate and the surrounding vegetation. Only species approved by the project sponsor may be planted. Native species are required, and certain invasive species such as reed canary grass and purple loosestrife are prohibited. NR 120.14(19)(b)6.f.f. The project sponsor shall identify the most appropriate recovery methods for each individual site. NR 120.14(19)(b)7.a.a. Refer to compliance with local NRCS planting recommendations to determine recommended planting dates for ground covers, shrubs and trees. NR 120.14(19)(b)7.b.b. Exposure of bare soil shall be kept to an absolute minimum by using methods such as black plastic covers to remove competing weeds. All exposed soils shall be mulched. A temporary seeding is required on sites where permanent ground cover will not be established until the following year. A temporary or companion seeding is required on any exposed slopes exceeding 12%. Mulching and netting or erosion control matting is required on slopes exceeding 20%. NR 120.14(19)(b)7.c.c. Zero-phosphorus start-up fertilization is permitted. Phosphorus application is only permitted where soil tests indicate deficiencies. NR 120.14(19)(b)7.d.d. Herbicides approved for use near water may be used only where essential, and with the approval of the project sponsor. NR 120.14(19)(b)7.e.e. Heavy equipment is prohibited, except where specifically approved by the project sponsor, to prevent soil compaction. If heavy equipment is used, tree roots shall be protected by not driving over the root zone. NR 120.14(19)(b)8.8. The following conditions apply to practice operation and maintenance: NR 120.14(19)(b)8.a.a. All buffer areas are to be managed as zones where vegetation removal and land-disturbing activity are prohibited after buffer establishment. NR 120.14(19)(b)8.c.c. Herbicides are prohibited except as approved by the project sponsor, where this is the best method to control undesirable invasive species. NR 120.14(19)(b)8.d.d. Burning to clear or maintain buffer areas shall be approved by the project sponsor, and is limited to regions where prairies are the natural habitat. NR 120.14(19)(b)8.e.e. Cutting of trees or shrubs may be done only to prevent safety hazards, or to remove undesirable competitive species, and shall be approved by the project sponsor. NR 120.14(19)(b)8.f.f. The forest floor duff layer and leaf litter shall remain intact to provide a continuous ground cover and meet the habitat functions of this practice. NR 120.14(19)(b)8.g.g. Lawn mowing is permitted in the viewing and access corridors. Elsewhere, mowing is prohibited except in established prairie buffer areas, and in accordance with a mowing plan approved by the project sponsor. In viewing and access corridors, mowing is allowed to a minimum height of 10 inches, and only as needed to reduce competition from undesirable species. Mowing may occur only between August 1 and September 1 to avoid disturbance of nesting birds and allow regrowth before winter. NR 120.14(19)(b)8.h.h. Vehicles, boats, docks or other equipment storage shall be excluded from the restoration area to prevent soil compaction and damage to the buffer vegetation. Boats and docks may be temporarily stored during non-growing seasons as long as vegetative cover is unaffected. NR 120.14(19)(b)8.i.i. The access corridor may not channel runoff to the waterbody and shall be located to avoid areas of high runoff or erodible soils. Grass or other cover that will hold the soil is required for the access corridor. NR 120.14(19)(b)8.j.j. Except for areas waterward of the access corridor, areas waterward of the buffer shall be managed as zones where vegetation removal and land-disturbing activity are prohibited after buffer establishment. NR 120.14(19)(c)(c) Standards. UW Extension Publication GWQ014, Shoreline Plants and Landscaping, DNR Publication PUBL-WM-228, Home on the Range — Restoring and Maintaining Grasslands for Wildlife, which is incorporated by reference for this chapter, or similar publications as approved by the project sponsor. NR 120.14 NoteNote: Copies of these publications may be inspected at the offices of the department, 101 S. Webster Street, Madison; the Secretary of State, 30 W. Mifflin, Madison; and the Legislative Reference Bureau, One E. Main Street, Suite 200, Madison.
NR 120.14(20)(a)(a) Description. Barnyard runoff management is the use of structural measures to contain, divert, retard, treat, collect, convey, store or otherwise control the discharge of surface runoff from outdoor areas of concentrated livestock activity. Measures include, gutters, downspouts and diversions to intercept and redirect runoff around the barnyard, feeding area or farmstead. This practice shall be implemented using one or more of the standards in par. (c). NR 120.14(20)(b)1.a.a. The operator intentionally aggravated a pollution discharge for the purpose of receiving cost-sharing. NR 120.14(20)(b)1.b.b. The discharge could be prevented through improved management practices at significantly lower costs than for a barnyard runoff system.