C4.7: Conserve and Restore Native Plant Communities – Above Green

(4-6 points)

INTENT

Contribute to regional diversity of flora and provide habitat for native wildlife by conserving existing native plant communities and installing vegetation that contributes to plant communities native to the ecoregion.

REQUIREMENTS

Conserve existing native plant communities and/or restore native plant communities that, according to the SITES Native Plant Communities Calculator, equal a native plant community score of at least:
- 20 percent total native plant community score 4 points
- 40 percent total native plant community score 5 points
- 60 percent total native plant community score 6 points
Conserve a percentage of the site’s existing native plant communities in Vegetation and Soil Protection Zones (VSPZs) (see Pre-Design P2.3: Designate and communicate VSPZs).
- The requirements apply to existing native plant communities, as identified in the site assessment (see Pre-Design P2.2: Conduct a pre-design site assessment), in which evidence of human disturbance is minimal and exotic and invasiveplants make up less than 10 percent of the total area of existing native plant communities.
- Make conservation calculations by surface area. Each area conserved must be contiguous and a minimum of 2,000 square feet (185.81 square meters).
Restore a percentage of the site’s final vegetated area with native plant communities.
- Make restoration calculations by surface area of vegetated area, using estimated vegetated cover within 10 years of installation. Each area restored must be contiguous and a minimum of 2,000 square feet (185.81 square meters).
Ensure the section of the site assessment (see Pre-Design P2.2: Conduct a pre-design site assessment) is complete and indicates the original area and characteristics of existing native plant communities on site.
Ensure the section of the site maintenance plan (see O+M P8.1: Plan for sustainable site maintenance) is complete and describes the ongoing management activities to protect the integrity of VSPZs.

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

Native plants can express multiple styles of design.
On sites with existing native plant communities, design the site to minimize damage to existing healthy native plant communities, especially those areas that provide opportunities for wildlife habitat connectivity.