Arundo Elimination at Soquel Creek, 3535 Main Street, Soquel (Partners in Restoration Permit Coordination Program)

Arundo Elimination at Soquel Creek, 3535 Main Street, Soquel (Partners in Restoration Permit Coordination Program)

The goal of the project is to eradicate a 10' x 40' stand of exotic Arundo. Eradication of the Arundo stand at this site will require work over at least two construction seasons under the Permit Coordination Program. During the first year, the Arundo will be treated with the "cut stump" method. The "cut stump" eradication method has an approximate 80-90% success rate of killing Arundo upon the first visit, if done properly, and minimizes soil disturbance. It requires the physical cutting of the Arundo stalks within inches of the ground. The stand will be systematically hand cut using chainsaws and then herbicide will be painted (Rodeo glyphosate) to the cut stumps within minutes of the cut. Following work during this first year, a temporary erosion control mix (i.e., barley) will be applied to the site to ensure stability during the winter months. Next year, if re-growth of Arundo occurs, a repeat cutting and herbicide application will be done to address any remaining Arundo. All Arundo removed from the site during both years will be disposed of at a licensed disposal site. Following successful eradication of the Arundo, the site will be replanted with native shrubs. Techniques used for this restoration will emphasize environmentally sensitive alternatives including hand labor, and painting of herbicide. The California Department of Fish and Game is executing a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement number 1600-2006-0351-3 pursuant to Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code to the project operator, Karen Christensen / Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District.

Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Watsonville

Santa Cruz