Sonoma Valley Invasive Weed Control

Abstract:

To control and eradicate invasive weed species that threaten native plants and natural habitats on 540 acres of SLT lands and do outreach to private landowners in the Sonoma Creek watershed that have conservation easements held by Sonoma Land Trust.  Targeted weeds are various brooms, himalayan blackberry, vinca, star thistle, and other high priority weeds identified on the specific properties.

Purpose: Sonoma Land Trust’s mission is to provide permanent protection of Sonoma County land, its scenic beauty and its biotic resources, offering stewardship, education, and advice for the preservation and enhancement of agricultural, natural, scenic, and open lands. The need for this project is well established. Invasive plant control is an unfortunate but necessary component of responsible land stewardship. The negative impacts of non-native species have been identified as a major threat to our environment, second only to habitat destruction. Not only do invasives outcompete native species they disrupt ecological processes, consume otherwise productive agricultural land and can permanently change our natural landscapes, putting our natural heritage at stake. Furthermore, invasive species encroachment is implicated in the listing of 42% of all species protected by the Endangered Species Act. Controlling invasives is a costly and time intensive endeavor. A study by Pimentel (2000) estimated the annual cost of damage caused by exotic species and their control in the US to be over $130 Billion/ year. Compared to other threats to biological diversity, invasive non-native plants present a complex problem that is difficult to manage and has long-lasting effects. Even when exotics are no longer actively introduced, these plants continue to spread and invade new areas. Our goal is to implement property specific invasive plant control plans on our property in the Sonoma Creek watershed (3 properties totaling 540 acres) in order to restore ecosystem function and enhance native upland and riparian habitats. These properties have been acquired by SLT in order to protect and enhance the significant natural resources found there. These include important riparian habitat in steelhead streams, oak woodlands, and native grasslands. Controlling invasive weeds on our property also slows and prevents their spread to adjacent property, further protecting the areas natural resources. These control efforts will compliment significant native riparian planting and stream enhancement projects on these lands.

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Watersed Management Strategies:

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