The goal of this project is to restore woodland structure and promote oak regeneration within the wooded communities of Ryerson Conservation Area (Work Site).  The work of this project includes all labor, materials and equipment to remove 100% of non-native  trees and shrubs and cottonwoods (DBH < 12 inches, larger cottonwoods shall be girdled), 60% of select mesic species including sugar maple, elm and cherry (DBH < 12 inches) across 42 acres.  Clearing areas are located within a dedicated Illinois State Nature Preserve.  Special care must be taken to not adversely impact this ecologically sensitive area.  Work shall include mechanical and hand cutting (chain saws, hand saws, tracked skid-loaders etc.), girdling, brush disposal via brush pile burning or chipping, and selective wick herbicide application to cut stumps and follow-up wick foliar application of non-oak resprouts.  The use of Forestry mowers will not be allowed in the worksite.

The Work shall be performed at the following Work Site:

Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area

Riverwoods, Illinois