Guidelines for Right-of-way Management. Within the first three years the CCA is implemented, high-priority populations found in ROW will be identified and the following management guidelines will be put in place for those high-priority populations. Easements or ROW within Federal lands and authority will be considered high-priority and will require cooperative management among landholders. The decision to label additional populations as high-priority will be coordinated among Parties and will take into account multiple factors including, but not limited to, the density of Georgia aster stems and the location of the population. All Parties who manage Georgia aster in road ROW agree to the following management guidelines: No mowing May 15 -November 15. The beginning of May is when non-native invasive plants have the maximum amount of biomass above ground and the least amount of below ground biomass. Mowing should occur as close to that time as possible to keep non-native invasive plants suppressed. Georgia aster will be starting to grow by then, but should be short enough that a mower would not significantly impact the plants. No broadcast spraying of herbicides, no fertilizers. Spot herbicide treatment can be used as needed with protection of Georgia aster plants to prohibit off- target impacts. Mowing from November 16 - May 14 is allowed and, in most cases, should be done at least every other year. Mowing should be avoided when the soil is wet, as compaction and rutting will occur. The standard mowing height is usually four inches; ideally, the mower should be set at a level to avoid scalping the ground and damaging rare plants. Clippings from winter mowing should be left on site so any Georgia aster seeds produced will have the opportunity to germinate within the population. Exceptions should be made if only non-native invasive plants are reproducing. Prior to entering the site, operators of mowers and equipment should strive to clean equipment to remove any accumulated vegetative debris that contains non-native invasive plant seeds. The management guidelines listed above will be completed where feasible and when not in conflict with road projects or drivers safety. All Parties who manage Georgia aster in powerline ROW agree to the following management guidelines: No mowing May 15 -November 15. The beginning of May is when non-native invasive plants have the maximum amount of biomass above ground and the least amount of below ground biomass. Mowing should occur as close to tha...
