Blackie Spit Park: Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Plan - City of Surrey

potentially result in a higher wildlife diversity within the area than if, for example, the grassland lay
between the woodlot and the shrubs. The irregular configuration of the patches of shrubs will also
create a physical complexity and increased edge, further enhancing its value to wildlife.
3.1 Initial Enhancement Requirements
Dune zone
• In disturbed areas of bare sand, plant native large-head sedge (Carex macrocephala), depending
on availability of a source of plant material (commercial; transplants; collected seed; etc.). Plant
estimated 50 m 2 at 0.5 m spacing.
• Remove any broom, blackberry or other woody species becoming established.
• Remove all trails and restore habitats along trails passing through the dune and grass/forb
habitats, except for the trail along the north side (next to MU13) that connects the multi use trail
with the west parking lot.
Grass/forb zone
• Remove broom, blackberry, and any tree species. Leave only scattered small shrubs that may
occur.
Seral Shrub
• Remove broom, knotweed, and blackberry by cutting and shallow rototilling.
• If necessary, mow/cut areas twice annually for two years to retard the growth of blackberries
and other species.
• Between years, plant a winter crop such as fall rye or winter wheat to provide nutrients, and
compete with the invasive species.
• In the spring of the third year,
• Rototill the cover crop into the soil (5-8 cm deep), preferably while it is still < 30 cm tall.
• Seed with a pasture mix of low-growing grasses and clover such as a modified version of
the DF&WT’s set-aside mix, or other mix suited to the local conditions.
• In the fall, plant native shrubs and small trees as indicated below,
Shrub/tree planting specifications
Plant 0.1 ha at a 2 m spacing between plants, for a total of 250 plants. Plant in late fall. Newly
planted shrubs and trees will need watering for at least the first two summers, until established. If
success is less than 80% after two years, replace unsuccessful plants.
Plant the following species in the proportions indicated:
Douglas maple (Acer glabrum var. douglasii) 5% (12)
Choke cherry (Prunus virginiana) 5% (12)
Saskatoon 10% (25)
Red-osier dogwood 20% (50)
Nootka rose (Rosa nutkana) 30% (75)
Snowberry 30% (75)
Blackie Spit Park: Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Plan – Management Unit 10 53