When revegetation is required in response to violations of the vegetation standards set forth in
§ 185-15P, to address the removal of nonnative invasive species of vegetation, or as a mechanism to allow for development that may otherwise not be permissible due to the vegetation standards, including removal of vegetation in conjunction with a shoreline stabilization project, the revegetation must comply with the following requirements:
(1) The property owner must submit a revegetation plan, prepared with and signed by a qualified professional, that describes revegetation activities and maintenance. The plan must include a scaled site plan, depicting where vegetation was, or is to be removed; where existing vegetation is to remain; and where vegetation is to be planted, including a list of all vegetation to be planted.
(2) Revegetation must occur along the same segment of shoreline and in the same area where vegetation was removed and at a density comparable to the preexisting vegetation, except where a shoreline stabilization activity does not allow revegetation to occur in the same area and at a density comparable to the preexisting vegetation, in which case revegetation must occur along the same segment of shoreline and as close as possible to the area where vegetation was removed.
(3) If part of a permitted activity, revegetation shall occur before the expiration of the permit. If the activity or revegetation is not completed before the expiration of the permit, a new revegetation plan shall be submitted with any renewal or new permit application.
(4) Revegetation activities must meet the following requirements for trees and saplings:
(a) All trees and saplings removed must be replaced with native noninvasive species;
(b) Replacement vegetation must at a minimum consist of saplings;
(c) If more than three trees or saplings are planted, then at least three different species shall be used;
(d) No one species shall make up 50% or more of the number of trees and saplings planted;
(e) If revegetation is required for a shoreline stabilization project, and it is not possible to plant trees and saplings in the same area where trees or saplings were removed, then trees or sapling must be planted in a location that effectively reestablishes the screening between the shoreline and structures; and
(f) A survival rate of at least 80% of planted trees or saplings is required for a minimum five-year period.
(5) Revegetation activities must meet the following requirements for woody vegetation and other vegetation under three feet in height:
(a) All woody vegetation and vegetation under three feet in height must be replaced with native noninvasive species of woody vegetation and vegetation under three feet in height as applicable;
(b) Woody vegetation and vegetation under three feet in height shall be planted in quantities and variety sufficient to prevent erosion and provide for effective infiltration of stormwater;
(c) If more than three woody vegetation plants are to be planted, then at least three different species shall be planted;
(d) No one species shall make up 50% or more of the number of planted woody vegetation plants; and
(e) Survival of planted woody vegetation and vegetation under three feet in height must be sufficient to remain in compliance with the standards contained within this chapter for minimum of five years.
(6) Revegetation activities must meet the following requirements for ground vegetation and ground cover:
(a) All ground vegetation and ground cover removed must be replaced with native herbaceous vegetation, in quantities and variety sufficient to prevent erosion and provide for effective infiltration of stormwater;
(b) Where necessary due to a lack of sufficient ground cover, an area must be supplemented with a minimum four-inch depth of leaf mulch and/or bark mulch to prevent erosion and provide for effective infiltration of stormwater; and
(c) Survival and functionality of ground vegetation and ground cover must be sufficient to remain in compliance with the standards contained within this chapter for minimum of five years.
