Streambed Alteration Agreement to Eradicate Invasive Non-Native Plant Species from within Santiago Creek

Streambed Alteration Agreement to Eradicate Invasive Non-Native Plant Species from within Santiago Creek

The Operator proposes to alter the streambed to eradicate invasive non-native plant species from within Santiago Creek, a tributary to the Santa Ana river, and all of the tributaries to Santiago Creek, in Orange County, CA. Removal work will begin upstream, and proceed downstream to the Santa Ana River mainstem. Methods of removal shall include both manual and mechanical means. Removal of vegetation by manual methods, which shall include removal by chainsaws and/or loppers, shall occur in sensitive areas where native vegetation is present or in areas which can not be accessed using heavy equipment. Removal by mechanical methods may consist of the use of a tractor and stump grinder only in areas where no native species could by threatened and where the non-native invasive plan species are the primary species in the area. Once the non-native invasive plant species are removed, they will be chipped and left on-site in the form of mulch. Monitoring of the cut stumps and resprouts shall take place on a monthly basis and periodic spraying will take place as needed to ensure non-native invasive plant eradication. In some instances, replanting of stripped or exposed areas will be necessary. In such cases, only vegetation native to the area shall be planted.

Orange