Our Approach
For this award winning project, Straughan coordinated the establishment of an off-site Woodland Conservation Bank for Prince George’s County Department of Transportation. Straughan completed a Forest Stand Delineation (FSD) and Type II Tree Conservation Plan (TCP II) for the 54 acre parcel. After evaluating field conditions, based on the preponderance of naturally occurring seedlings, Straughan recommended the field undergo natural regeneration rather than plant new trees. Straughan developed a custom methodology with GIS technology to determine if the naturally occurring seedlings would meet the afforestation requirements.
Straughan also recommended the innovative approach of using goats to remove invasive species (including Japanese honeysuckle, garlic mustard, Oriental bittersweet, English ivy, and Canada thistle). Goats are a low-impact, environmentally-sensitive treatment option for invasive species management. Straughan coordinated with state and local agencies and the site was ultimately approved as a Woodland Conservation Bank.
