Delivery of Conservation Measures with a focus on Rhododendron ponticum control with peatland restoration within the Cloghernagore Bog, Glenveagh National Park SAC Fawnboy Bog/Lough Nacung SAC CA036

Description

The Site Specific Conservation Objectives for Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh National Park SAC 002047 notes the presence of Rhododendron in the attribute/target lists for peatland habitats such as Dry and Wet Heaths and Blanket Bog. In the instance of Fawnboy Bog, Lough Nacung SAC 000140, the presence of Rhododendron is not specified however the attribute Vegetation composition: non-native species is listed for dry and wet heath and blanket bog in the conservation objectives. The relevant attribute/target category Vegetation composition: non-native species has a stated target of less than 1percent cover of non-native species. The most recent Article 17 reporting states that the conservation status for the above habitats is unfavourable and bad To ensure a complete and comprehensive understanding as to the extent of the existing Rhododendron infestation of Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh National Park SAC 002047 and Fawnboy Bog,Lough Nacung SAC 000140 it is proposed to extend the surveying and mapping of Rhododendron infestation that have not been surveyed to date. The area not yet surveyed for Rhododendron infestation is circa 100 hectares. The proposed Rhododendron control will take place within the Cloghernagore Bog and Glenveagh National Park SAC 002047 and Fawnboy Bog,Lough Nacung SAC 000140. This will involve the treatment and retreatment of previously cleared areas of blanket bog, heath and other habitats. The total area infested with Rhododendron to be treated is circa 400 hectares. Trained work crews will undertake Rhododendron treatment within the target areas. Areas affected by slight to moderate Rhododendron infestation will be prioritised for initial treatment in accordance with the recommendations in Higgins 2008, which states that unchecked proliferation of Rhododendron in areas of slight to moderate infestation has a greater ecological impact than in areas where Rhododendron is already dominant. The treatment methods will follow best practice guidance in prioritising usage of the stem treatment method to treat target plants. This entails direct application of a dilute solution of glyphosate to a fresh scar near the base stem. The scar will be made with either a hatchet or a chainsaw. The glyphosate solution will have a maximum concentration of 7:1 water to glyphosate. However, where smaller plants less than 1.5 metres in height predominate, a solution concentration of as low as 20:1 may be used. To mitigate ecological risk, Rhododendron treatment will only be undertaken via stem or stump treatment i.e. foliar spraying will not occur. All field operatives will be required to have undertaken certified QQI Level 5 training in the preparation and handheld application of herbicides. Preparation of herbicide solution will be undertaken at a specific off-site bunded facility. Field operatives will have undertaken a minimum of 2 days field training in best practice i.e. stem treatment methods for treatment and control of Rhododendron and will be subject to ongoing supervision by an experienced project coordinator. Access to treatment sites will only be undertaken on foot. Access routes will be optimally selected to avoid trampling of sensitive habitats or riparian zones. Rhododendron leaf matter and brash will be prevented from entering watercourses by maintenance of a set-back distance appropriate to the sensitivity of the receptor i.e. Rhododendron located within 1 metre of running watercourses will not be treated. The successful contractor is expected to carry out the survey and mapping of water extraction points within the proposed target area of c.2000 hectares see Appendix I. See CfT Documents for further information