Technical Notes - Vermont NRCS

This page contains Technical Notes, by discipline, created by Vermont NRCS. 

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Agronomy

Technical Note 1:  The Line Transect Method for Estimating Crop Residue Cover  (PDF; 306 KB)

The line transect method has been proven effective in estimating the percent of the ground surface covered by plant residue at any time during the year. Estimates of percent cover are used for determining the impact of residue on sheet and rill erosion.

Technical Note 2:  Using RUSLE2 For The Design And Predicted Effectiveness Of Vegetative Filter Strips For Sediment (PDF; 445 KB) (National Technical Note 2)

The VFS design procedures outlined in the technical note are to be used for the design of conservation practice 393 for the purpose to remove suspended solids (sediment) from runoff.

Biology

Technical Note 1:  Vernal Pools in Conservation Planning (PDF; 688 KB)

It is particularly important for conservation planners to recognize these wetlands during the resource inventory phase of the planning process. By doing so, the planner can help landowners understand the importance of vernal pools and help them protect these habitats and the surrounding uplands.

Technical Note 2:  Using Micro and Macrotopography in Wetland Restoration (PDF; 308 KB)

It is particularly important for conservation planners to recognize these wetlands during the resource inventory phase of the planning process. By doing so, the planner can help landowners understand the importance of vernal pools and help them protect these habitats and the surrounding uplands.

Forestry

Technical Note 1:  Stems Per Acre Line Plot  (PDF; 667 KB)

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service developed the sampling method described below to monitor a broad range of riparian forest buffers. This method is designed to collect information about natural regeneration as well as survival of planted trees. The sampling method can be used for plantings with a variety of buffer management practices including mowed sites, overgrown sites and sites with or without tree shelters.

Technical Note 2:  Vermont Trees and Shrubs For Conservation  (XLS; 212 KB)

This technical note is intended to be used by conservation planners and other resource professionals. The tech note contains a general list of trees and shrubs that may be used on conservation projects in Vermont for a variety of purposes. There are also some species that are uncommon or are not readily available for purchase. The species included that are considered uncommon or rare in the state should not be planted without consulting with the VT Fish and Wildlife Department's State Botanist. Some species were included due to their common nature (e.g. hobblebush) and wildlife values. In these cases the information contained here may be used to inform the planning process and provide information to the landowner. 

Plant Materials

Technical Note 1:  Grass Seeding Mixes for Wildlife (PDF; 37 KB)

This technical note was developed by NRCS Biologists in New York and the at the Big Flats Plant Materials Center.

Technical Note 2:  List of Vermont Plants Important to Bees (PDF; 55 KB)

This technical note was developed by VT NRCS as part of the Agency-wide effort to improve habitat for native bees. The annual value of crops pollinated by wild, native bees in the US is estimated at $3 billion. Native bees have declined due to habitat loss and careless use of pesticides. This technical note provides a list of plants known to be important to bees organized by plant type (woody and herbaceous) and by flowering period. The list may be used as a reference for plantings or for management of habitats in Vermont.

Last Modified: September 24, 2009

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