NR 154.04(29)(a)2.2. Accelerated recovery. Used in areas not suited for natural recovery. Native vegetation is established by seeding and planting. This method shall be used in areas where dense turf grasses have been maintained for several years. This may also be used in limited situations where one or more layers of natural vegetative cover have been removed if approved by the department. NR 154.04(29)(b)(b) Eligible costs. Costs eligible for cost-sharing reimbursement include: NR 154.04(29)(b)1.1. Costs for shoreline habitat restoration when existing shoreline vegetation lacks the structure or complexity to support habitat functions for littoral and riparian areas. NR 154.04(29)(c)(c) Ineligible costs. Costs ineligible for cost-sharing reimbursement include: NR 154.04(29)(c)2.2. Cost for plants, seed, mulch or other materials not approved by the department. NR 154.04(29)(c)3.3. Costs for shoreline erosion control materials such as riprap or biologs unless approved by the department. NR 154.04(29)(c)4.4. Cost for materials for stairs, walkways, paths or other access structures. NR 154.04(29)(d)(d) Design, construction and maintenance. A cost-share grant under ch. NR 153 may not reimburse any costs related to shoreline habitat restoration for developed areas unless all the following conditions are met: NR 154.04(29)(d)1.1. No violations of county and local shoreland zoning requirements are present on the entire property. NR 154.04(29)(d)2.2. Runoff from roofs, driveways or other hard surfaces on the property is maintained in sheet flow with no channels or gullies, to the greatest extent possible using downspout runoff spreaders, directing runoff to flat or gently sloping grassy areas and minor landscaping to temporarily pond or spread out runoff or other means. NR 154.04(29)(d)4.4. If fertilizer use is desired outside the buffer area, zero-phosphorus types are used unless soil tests specifically indicate a need for phosphorus and the project sponsor approves its use. NR 154.04(29)(d)5.5. No changes in land use or management may occur that cause increased pollution to surface water from sources that were controlled prior to the installation of a shoreline habitat restoration practice. NR 154.04(29)(d)6.6. The buffer created by shoreline habitat restoration extends the entire length of the lot along the shoreline except that a viewing and access corridor is allowed. The corridor is not eligible for cost sharing. Corridors may not exceed 30 feet in width and may encompass no greater than 30% of the property for lots less than 100 feet wide. The restoration area design may include the provision of water access, the enhancement of desirable views, the screening of unwanted views and consideration of privacy. Where buildings are set back 50 feet or more, the buffer shall extend at least 35 feet inland from the ordinary high water mark. Where buildings are set back less than 50 feet, a no touch zone where no vegetation is removed or land is disturbed shall extend to within 15 feet of the structure. NR 154.04(29)(d)7.7. Shallow water areas that are capable of supporting aquatic vegetation waterward of the ordinary high water mark shall be managed so that vegetation, land or other habitat features are not disturbed after the buffer is established. Areas waterward of the viewing and access corridor are exempt from this condition. NR 154.04(29)(d)8.8. An evaluation of existing vegetation on the site is necessary prior to the selection of plant materials and restoration method. The natural vegetation that occurs in the region or vicinity of the restoration site shall be considered in developing restoration plans. NR 154.04(29)(d)9.9. In order to restore the functional values of the vegetative buffer, it shall consist of 3 layers: a ground cover, a shrub layer and a tree canopy. Vegetation in all 3 layers shall be vigorous, diverse and structurally complex. The only exception to this requirement may be where natural conditions in the region lack these characteristics. NR 154.04(29)(d)10.10. Vegetation shall be adapted to the local soils, climate and the surrounding vegetation. Only species approved by the project sponsor may be planted. Native species are required, and invasive species such as reed canary grass and purple loosestrife are prohibited. NR 154.04(29)(d)11.11. The project sponsor shall identify the most appropriate recovery methods for each individual site. NR 154.04(29)(d)12.a.a. Comply with local NRCS planting recommendations to determine recommended planting dates for ground covers, shrubs and trees. NR 154.04(29)(d)12.b.b. Exposure of bare soil shall be kept to an absolute minimum by using methods such as black plastic covers to remove competing weeds. All exposed soils shall be mulched. A temporary seeding is required on sites where permanent ground cover will not be established until the following year. A temporary or companion seeding is required on any exposed slopes exceeding 12%. Mulching and netting or erosion control matting is required on slopes exceeding 20%. NR 154.04(29)(d)12.c.c. Zero-phosphorus start-up fertilization is permitted. Phosphorus application is only permitted where soil tests indicate deficiencies. NR 154.04(29)(d)12.d.d. Herbicides approved for use near water may be used only where essential, and with the approval of the project sponsor. NR 154.04(29)(d)12.e.e. Heavy equipment is prohibited, except where specifically approved by the project sponsor, to prevent soil compaction. If heavy equipment is used, tree roots shall be protected by not driving over the root zone.