Cal -- IPC News Protecting California’s Natural Areas from Wildland Weeds
Vol. 13, No. 2, Summer 2005 Quarterly newsletter of the California Invasive Plant Council
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Ivy (Hedera spp.) climbs in a Bidwell Park woodland Inside: in Chico, site of this year’s Cal-IPC Symposium, October 6-8. As part of our role in a growing partner- Nursery partnership ...... 4 ship with the horticultural community, Cal-IPC is High schoolers tackle carnation spurge....6 pursuing funding for genetic studies of escaped Hedera Sesbania control on Dry Creek...... 7 species in California in order to determine problem species and support potential nursery actions. Weed research at UC Riverside ...... 12 (Photo: Steve Green, Friends of Bidwell Park) ...plus the 2005 Symposium! From the Director’s Desk
Mapping the Lay of the Land Last issue, we ran a Red Alert article on Japanese knotweed (Polygunum cuspidatum). Field California biologists were finding what they believe to be new infestations in Humboldt County. Invasive Plant Because the plant is rated by the California Department of Food & Agriculture on the list of Council noxious weeds, historical maps of the remaining populations are available, and these 1442-A Walnut Street, #462 Berkeley, CA 94709 locations can be added—if indeed they are new— and monitored. (510) 843-3902 fax (510) 217-3500 Such cases point out the importance of mapping. Observations at a particular place and time www.cal-ipc.org are invaluable for tracking the dynamic geographic phenomenon of weeds. Was this here [email protected] before? How fast is it spreading? How and where is it spreading? These questions can only be A California 501(c)3 nonprofit organization answered by careful observation over time, and the way to share the information gleaned
Protecting California’s natural areas such observations is through maps. from wildland weeds through research, restoration, and education. Our strategies for controlling them weeds need to fully incorporate what we know about the
Staff lay of the land. Outlier populations, leading edges, protected native habitat “sweet spots”— Doug Johnson, Executive Director our approaches can maximize effectiveness by being spatially adept at understanding the [email protected] ecological behavior of weed populations. Elizabeth Brusati, Project Manager [email protected] Regional efforts are making strides at mapping weeds. In northern California, Modoc, Gina Skurka, Project Intern [email protected] Siskiyou, Shasta and Lassen counties are coordinating to aggregate their geographic data. In southern California, groups have assembled data on Arundo donax over most watersheds. Board of Directors Steve Schoenig, President (2005) New GPS software, like the Weed Information Management System (WIMS), are adding California Dept. of Food & Agriculture power to field data collection. Alison Stanton, Vice-President (2005) BMP Ecosciences Cal-IPC’s Mapping Committee is applying for funds to coordinate efforts statewide. The Carri Pirosko, Secretary (2005) California Dept. of Food & Agriculture lack of statewide maps of most weeds is a sizable gap in our ability to address invasive plants Jennifer Erskine-Ogden, Treasurer (2005) at a landscape scale. As the revision of our inventory of California weeds nears completion, U.C. Davis we will initiate surveying counties to determine distribution at a coarse level for each of the Joe DiTomaso, Past-President (2004) U.C. Davis Weed Science Program listed plants. Maps will help us envision ways to link our projects across the landscape—and Jon Fox (2005) to show the need for a higher level of resources to accomplish weed work at a greater scale. California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo Mark Newhouser (2005) Sonoma Ecology Center Dan Gluesenkamp (2005) Audubon Canyon Ranch Bobbi Simpson (2005) National Park Service - Exotic Plant Management Team Jason Giessow (2005) Santa Margarita/San Luis Rey Weed Management Area Wendy West (2005) U.C. Cooperative Extension, El Dorado County David Chang (2006) Santa Barbara Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Joanna Clines (2006) Sierra National Forest Christy Brigham (2006) Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Bob Case (2006) California Native Plant Society Affiliations for identification purposes only. Last year of term noted. Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 - Volume 13, Number 2 Editors: Doug Johnson and Elizabeth Brusati
Cal-IPC News is published quarterly by the California Invasive Plant Council. Articles may be reprinted with permission. Submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit all work. Salmon Hole, Upper Bidwell Park, Chico (Steve Green photo) 2 Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 Wildland Weed NewsNewsNewsNewsNews Register Now for the 2005 Cal-IPC Symposium in Chico! New Brochures Early registration ends September 1. See details on page 10. Got Weedy Items? Donate to our 2nd Annual Auction Available: Like last year, we’ll have a raffle and auction at our Thursday evening awards banquet at the Symposium, and we need your donated items to make it go! We already have a Scotch Biological Pollution broom tea cup set and 1907 pampas grass post cards from a generous donor—do you have Describes impacts of invasive a tool, book, piece of clothing or craftwork, bottle of wine, weekend retreat—OK, so this is plants for a general audience. a broad, eclectic definition of weedy items! Please contact the organizers Wendy West and Great for visitors’ centers or public Gina Skurka at [email protected] and [email protected]. Thank you! events.
To help the National Park Service fight The Coastal Environment Motor Vehicle Don’t Plant a Pest! invasive species and preserve threatened Mitigation (AB 658, Kuehl) would allow Southern California natural resources, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) coastal counties to charge a DMV vehicle Adapted from original Bay introduced legislation—S. 1288, The registration fee, whose proceeds would be Area version, with invasives and Natural Resource Protection Cooperative applied to local environmental projects that wildland-safe alternatives for Agreement Act— to authorize the Secretary of address problems tied to roads, including California south of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements invasive plants. (www.leginfo.ca.gov) Tehachapis. with watershed councils, non-profits organiza- Researcher Bill Bruckart at USDA is tions, private landowners and county and Trees in California conducting studies on a rust fungus state governments to protect, maintain and Recommended alternatives to 18 (tentatively identified as Puccinia acroptili) restore natural plant species and water invasive tree species in that attacks Russian knapweed, investigating resources in and around national park lands. California. The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Daniel Akaka its potential as a biocontrol agent. He needs (D-HI). (Medford News) samples from infected plants. Infestations have been found in Santa Barbara. For more Central Coast In April, House Resources Chair Richard information, contact him at (310)619-2846 For San Luis Obispo and Santa Pombo (R-Stockton) requested a report from or [email protected]. Barbara counties. Available soon. the Government Accountability Office to identify lessons learned from a review of Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona For orders or samples, www.cal- events related to the infestation of the nation’s signed an Executive Order creating an ipc.org or 510.843.3902 forests by several major invasive insects and Arizona Invasive Species Advisory Council. diseases (i.e. the cause of Sudden Oak Death, The EO requires state agencies to evaluate Asian long-horned beetle, and emerald ash their authorities and programs for invasive 2nd Annual Cal-IPC borer). The report will focus on federal efforts, species. (www.governor.state.az.us/press/ but will also include state and local govern- March05/040105~SDOC0731.pdf) Photo Contest ment agencies. (National Invasive Species More from Arizona… Arizona’s national Council newsletter, www.invasivespecies.gov) Give us your best shots! forests will soon be providing a smorgasbord Two bills sponsored by the California Native for weevils, flies, moths, beetles and sheep. Categories: Plant Society are moving through the The feast is part of a U.S. Forest Service plan Weed Impacts legislature without opposition. SB 502 to treat 25 species of weeds on 135,000 Weed Workers in Action (Kehoe) removes bias against native plants in acres of the Coconino, Kaibab and Prescott Landscape (big infestations) current statutes dealing with maintaining fire forests in northern Arizona over the next ten Specimens (single plants) breaks around structures and local weed years. Bull thistle and Dalmatian toadflax Before/After Projects make up 90% of the weeds that infest abatement actions. These laws now suggest Humorous Weeds that native plants are the problem. AB 1466 187,500 acres in Arizona. (Associated Press) (Laird) authorizes the state to enter into a Deadline September 1 The May 22 issue of Parade Magazine (a cooperative program with the federal st nd rd national Sunday newspaper insert) featured Prizes for 1 , 2 , and 3 places in each government and other Colorado Basin states a cover article on invasive species titled category. Winners will be chosen by the Cal- to undertake the removal of tamarisk from the “When Poison is Pretty.” Cal-IPC provided IPC board and displayed at the Symposium. basin and reestablish native plants. information on the iceplant on the front Digital photos preferred. Send entries to (www.leginfo.ca.gov) cover.
Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 3 Feature Don’t Sell a Pest A New Partnership to Prevent Plant Invasions through Horticulture
Sarah Connick and Mike Gerel, Sustainable Conservation
Cal-IPC is working with Sustainable Conserva- plants carried per wholesaler was 3.2, or 5.5 tion and representatives from the horticultural including varieties. Of the 13 plants having community to develop voluntary measures that varieties, each was sold by an average of 4.5 will address ongoing introduction of known nurseries. One wholesaler carried 14 invasive invasive plants. The partnership also hope to plants. Cal-IPC also reported on a 2003 retail improve screening for new plant introductions so nursery survey conducted by University of that future invasions can be avoided. This article California Cooperative Extension Master is adapted from a paper delivered at the 2004 Gardeners in San Mateo and Santa Clara Cal-IPC Symposium. counties. The Master Gardeners surveyed 23 nurseries looking for 25 invasive plants The horticulture industry has been an included in the 1999 Cal-IPC list, and found important pathway for invasive plant 23 on sale (Table 2B). introductions in the United States, and a number of plants known to be invasive in California’s Horticulture Industry California are widely available through Horticulture is the third largest agricul- nurseries and garden centers in the state. tural industry in California, after dairy and While substantial headway has been made in grapes. In 2001, it accounted for $13.2 the development of techniques for controlling billion in sales, and provided approximately and eradicating invasive plants, relatively little 169,000 jobs. Approximately 27% of attention has been given to the development Vinca major (periwinkle), a popular California’s nursery plant production takes of effective strategies for preventing new and ground cover, invades Garrapata State place in San Diego County, and California continuing invasions. After researching the Park. Photo: Bob Case produces 21% of the nursery plants sold structure of the industry and efforts of others nationwide (Hoy & Rodriguez 2003). On working in this area, Sustainable Conservation the consumption side, California is the largest has established a multi-stakeholder partner- be invasive through wholesale and retail trade. nursery retailing state in the country, and sales ship to develop and foster the implementation To better understand the situation, Sustain- have been trending upward. of strategies for preventing new and continu- able Conservation and Cal-IPC compiled California’s horticulture industry is ing introductions of invasive plants through information on the availability of known diverse and highly fragmented. At the the horticultural community in order to invasive plants through the review of catalogs wholesale level, plant material flows from a protect California’s natural resources. and availability listings for 25 California- wide variety of seed and live plant propagators based wholesale nurseries. The nurseries were and growers to a wide range of retailers (Figure Invasive Plants and the Horticulture Trade selected to provide a representative cross- 3). The three main types of retail outlets are The horticultural industry has been an section of the industry based on size, specialty, in-store retail, mail order, and landscape important pathway for the introduction of and location. Cal-IPC identified 52 plants contractors. End customers vary widely from many known invasive plants. Reichard from the approximately 100 in its List of homeowners to commercial establishments (1997) determined that 85% of invasive Exotic Pest Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern and governmental purchasers, all of which woody plants in the United States were in California (Cal-IPC 1999) that have have different needs. introduced for landscape trade, and estimated potential horticultural value, treating There are 2,930 wholesale nursery that there is the potential for more than 1000 horticultural varieties separately. producers in California (CDFA 2003), which new invasive plants to be introduced through Cal-IPC found that 32 of the 52 plants accounted for $3.1 billion in sales in 2001 this pathway (Reichard 2001). Stanton were carried by at least one wholesaler (Figure (Hoy & Rodriguez 2003). The wholesale side (2002) determined that 53% of California’s 1). Thirteen of those 32 invasive plants also of this industry operates on low profit most invasive plants have horticultural origins. had varieties that were sold by at least one of margins, with high competitive rivalry, and While there are numerous individual the 25 growers surveyed. Cal-IPC found that has low bargaining power relative to retailers. reports of invasive plants sold at stores, little 18 of the 25 growers carried at least one Although the industry has experienced a comprehensive data have been available to invasive plant and 22 carried at least one significant amount of consolidation in recent understand fully the number of species and invasive plant or an invasive plant variety years, some sources say it is stabilizing, and it extent of the availability of plants known to (Figure 2A). The average number of invasive remains highly fragmented. Wholesale
4 Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 Figure 1. Cal-IPC-listed invasive products they sell. ecological impacts, as long as the listing would Landscape firms are also impor- not have a detrimental impact on agriculture. plants available from CA wholesale tant retail outlets for plants. While no Eleven new plants were added to the list in nurseries data are available for California, 2003. At the local level, there has been (from 2004 Cal-IPC Survey) Americans spend approximately increasing interest in ordinances banning the $11.2 billion on landscape construc- sale of specific plant species. Scientific name Common name tion and installation, and approxi- Despite the attractiveness of regulation as Arctotheca calendula cape weed mately $10.7 billion on landscape a strong tool for controlling business practices, Arundo donax giant reed maintenance annually (First Research it is not clear that regulation alone is the most Cirsium vulgare bull thistle 2003). Landscape contractors effective tool for preventing new and Cortaderia selloana pampas grass constitute an estimated 7-14% of continuing introductions of invasive plants Cotoneaster lacteus Parney’s cotoneaster national nursery and grower sales (Wortman 2004). The issue of plant Cotoneaster pannosa cotoneaster (ANLA 2004). invasiveness is complex and differs widely Cytisus scoparius Scotch broom Catalog sales account for $3.1 according to plant species and geography. As Eichhornia crassipes water hyacinth billion in annual sales value nationally a result, several organizations have sought Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian olive (MGA 2003). Although catalogue nonregulatory means for preventing plant Ficus carica edible fig sales represent a relatively small invasions. Invasive plant councils across the Foeniculum vulgare fennel volume, they have the potential to country are identifying and inventorying Hedera helix English ivy play a significant role in the introduc- invasive plants to raise awareness of problems Helichrysum petiolare licorice plant tion of invasive plants because of the in their areas. Cal-IPC and other organiza- Hypericum perforatum St. John’s wort distributed nature of the business. tions have developed and disseminated Ilex aquifolium English holly educational brochures on alternatives to Iris pseudacorus yellow flag iris Existing Prevention Efforts invasive plants. Lupinus arboreus bush lupine There is no comprehensive In 2001, industry, academic, and Mentha pulegium pennyroyal framework for regulating all pathways nonprofit organizations concerned about Myoporum laetum myoporum of invasive plant introductions, or for invasive plants of horticultural origin came Myriophyllum aquaticum parrot’s feather regulating all types of invasive plants together to develop voluntary codes of Olea europaea European olive sold through the horticultural trade. conduct for nurseries, landscape architects, Pennisetum setaceum fountain grass Federal authority for invasive plant botanic gardens, and garden clubs. Since Retama monosperma bridal broom regulation and control is fragmented then, 35 organizations have voluntarily signed Ricinus communis castor bean across many agencies, and emphasizes the St. Louis Declaration Codes of Conduct Robinia pseudoacacia black locus control of plants that have an adverse (Center for Plant Conservation 2001). The Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow tree impact on agriculture, as opposed to Codes represent a significant step forward in Schinus molle Peruvianpepper ecosystems. The U.S. Department of ...continued page 14 Schinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper Agriculture has Sesbania punicea red sesbania banned a small Spartium junceum Spanish broom number of highly Figure 2. Cal-IPC-listed plants most widely Tamarix ramosissima saltcedar invasive plants from available in the nursery trade Vinca major periwinkle importation and trade nationally. At A. Wholesalers (25 surveyed): the state level, the No. of Wholesalers growers face several pressing issues in addition California Department of Hedera helix (English ivy) 7 to concerns about invasive plants, including Food and Agriculture Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass) 5 pathogen control and increased regulation of maintains a list of noxious Cotoneaster lacteus (cotoneaster) 5 runoff water quality. weeds, and is responsible Schinus molle (Peruvian pepper tree) 5 On the retail side, California’s horticul- for establishing appropriate tural industry accounted for $10.1 billion in levels of regulatory action. Varietals: sales in 2001 (Hoy & Rodriguez 2003). Thus, the listing of a plant Pennisetum setaceum var. (fountain grass) 12 There are many plant retailers in California; as a noxious weed does not Hedera helix var. (English ivy) 9 however, the greatest volume of plant sales is necessarily translate directly Cortaderia selloana var. (pampas grass) 7 concentrated in the big chain stores. The into a statewide sales ban. Vinca major var. (periwinkle) 7 hardware/home center market share has Until recently, this list grown rapidly in recent years, and the focused on plants that have B. Retailers (23 surveyed): relatively high bargaining power of the big an adverse impact on No. of Retailers chains allows these retailers to put pressure on agriculture. In 1993, Hedera helix (English ivy) 23 margin and volume. At the same time that however, the listing Pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass) 21 these retail outlets handle large volumes of authority was revised to Vinca major (periwinkle) 21 plants, plants are only one of many types of include plants that have Helichrysum petiolare (licorice plant) 17
Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 5 carnation spurge. Students typically come in From the Field groups of 30-50 and spend an hour learning about the impacts of invasive species and High School Students Take On taking a short hike in the canyon. They then alternate between hand pulling carnation spurge (wearing gloves and long sleeves) and Carnation Spurge planting native plants. Volunteers in NPS’ native plant nursery grow all plants for the By Christy Brigham, Santa Monica National Recreation Area project from seed or stock collected locally. Since the project started, 2,836 students have A new invader has established a foothold acres of disturbed areas at Solstice Canyon in visited the canyon to work on restoring in the coastal bluffs near Malibu, California. the Santa Monica Mountains National spurge-infested areas. More than 6,000 Euphorbia terracina (Geraldton carnation Recreation Area. This park is owned and native shrubs and grasses have been planted spurge or false caper) is known from only two managed by the National Park Service and has and a five-acre area has been restored. locations in the United States—Southern a long history of invasive species battles. Prior The success of this project has depended California and Pennsylvania. This species is to acquisition by NPS, several local groups, on numerous partners. The Los Angeles originally from Mediterranean Europe and is such as the California Native Plant Society, County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office an aggressive invader of shrublands in spent countless hours working in the canyon assisted by performing carnation spurge Australia. to remove invasive species like periwinkle control in some large areas in preparation for Carnation spurge is related to leafy (Vinca major) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). planting by the high school students. spurge (Euphorbia esula) but lacks that species’ When NPS received the site in 1993, they Mountains Restoration Trust, a local non- vigorous rhizome. Carnation spurge in the realized that carnation spurge was a major profit conservation group, partnered with Malibu area invades any area of disturbance, problem in the canyon. NPS on several restoration projects in Solstice large or small. It can be found in fire fuel Solstice Canyon is an important site for Canyon, including the EcoHelpers program. modification zones surrounding houses, lots restoration because it contains large areas of The Los Angeles County Weed Management that have been graded for construction, and intact coastal sage scrub, riparian communities Area also donated time and materials to the on gopher mounds in undisturbed coastal and chaparral. Its plant communities include project. sage scrub. Once seeds are exposed to light, 23% of all species native to the Santa Monica This is the final year for EcoHelpers in they germinate and grow rapidly. Within a Mountains, as well as rare plants such as alders Solstice Canyon. We have run out of large single year, plants can form large shrubs three (Alnums rhombifolia) and Plummer’s baccharis areas appropriate for hand pulling and to five feet tall. The species forms dense (Baccharis plummerae). The canyon also planting by school groups. The remaining monocultures that exclude all native vegeta- provides habitat for endangered southern small infestations of carnation spurge in the tion and provide little habitat value due to steelhead trout and is popular with recreation canyon will be treated by park staff and their toxic milky sap. Plants are prolific area visitors. trained volunteers. EcoHelpers will continue seeders and fruits explosively dehisce, Since 2002, NPS has worked with local at a different park site, Zuma Canyon, where throwing seeds far and wide. school groups to remove carnation spurge and students will focus on converting a weedy fuel Carnation spurge now dominates several restore disturbed areas by planting native modification zone into a native grassland. vegetation. The program, called EcoHelpers, brings high school groups— Contact the author at [email protected]. typically science classes—on one-day field trips to the canyon to learn about invasive species and help restore areas infested with
High school students digging out Euphor- bia terracina at Solstice Canyon. (Photos by Randy Philips, NPS)
6 Cal-IPC News Spring 2005 distance, formulations and application Controlling Red Sesbania in methods) as approved by the US and California EPA and NOAA fisheries, as well as Dry Creek worker training and biological monitoring. Dry Creek Red sesbania removal began in late summer and fall 2004, starting at the By Peter Buck, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency upstream extent of Dry Creek and its Shannon Lucas, May & Associates tributaries and continuing downstream. The The Sacramento Area Flood Control Creek to flow into the Sacramento River. Of primary method of removal was “cut-and- Agency, in partnership with Sacramento approximately 44 miles of creek within the paint,” i.e. cutting the shrub (with hand or County, Placer County, the City of Sacra- project area, pre-treatment mapping in power tools) near the base and immediately mento, and the City of Roseville, is conduct- Summer 2004 identified 26 miles (60%) that painting the remaining stump with herbicide ing a three-year project to remove the invasive were infested with red sesbania. (generally Aquamaster). Some younger, smaller riparian weed red sesbania The eradication project aims to restore sesbania plants were pulled out by hand. (Sesbania punicea) from Dry Biomass was then hauled by Creek and its tributaries in hand, or “yarded” using ropes Placer and Sacramento Coun- or cables, into piles outside of ties. The project is funded by a the Dry Creek floodplain, Proposition 13 Flood Protection then chipped and mulched. Corridor Program grant Year 1 work also included provided by the Dept. of Water a public awareness campaign. Resources. During Year 1 A brochure was prepared to (2004), we removed 80% of educate the public about red the mature red sesbania plants. sesbania, its harmful effects to In 2005, the remaining mature riparian communities, and the plants will be removed and Dry Creek project. This follow-up treatments will be brochure, along with a red conducted for resprouting sesbania fact sheet prepared stumps and emerging seedlings. by the Sacramento Weed Red sesbania is a vigor- Warriors, was sent to land- ously-growing riparian plant owners along Dry Creek prior native to South America. It to our removal work. In an thrives in the California Central effort to prevent further introductions of red sesbania Valley and spreads rapidly Cutting red sesbania along Dry Creek (Photo by Peter Buck) down waterways via floating from landscaped areas along pods that contain seeds that may be viable for natural processes within Dry Creek, improve Dry Creek, approximately 30 nurseries within many years. Since its initial detection in Dry floodwater conveyance, and contribute to the the vicinity of the Dry Creek watershed were Creek, red sesbania has become an aggressive elimination of this invasive plant regionally contacted by phone to ask whether they and dominant species on stream banks and in- and statewide. Given that the species spreads stocked red sesbania plants. A follow-up letter channel islands, altering river flow patterns, by water flow, major elements of the project was sent to these nurseries describing the displacing native riparian vegetation, limiting include identifying and eliminating upstream control project, as well as sesbania brochures shoreline access, and increasing erosion. In sources in order to contain the weed species, and Cal-IPC’s “Don’t Plant a Pest” brochure. heavily infested portions of the Dry Creek identifying new populations downstream Year 2 activities will include two or three watershed, red sesbania often comprises more following project completion, and monitoring follow-up treatments of resprouting sesbania than 50% of the biomass of emergent and follow-up of treated areas to avoid stumps and removal and/or treatment of new vegetation along the shoreline and on islands, reinfestation of the creek by seeds remaining seedlings beginning in March 2005, and causing canopy closures with a virtual after the initial removal efforts. removal of the remaining mature red sesbania biological “desert” underneath. Complex food The project area supports valley elder- plants in summer and fall 2005. Treatments webs that are maintained by a diversity of berry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus in Years 2 and 3 will include a combination of native wetland plants and aquatic habitats dimorphus), a federally-listed threatened herbicide application and green flaming, a become simplified or excluded. In addition, invertebrate, and its host plant blue elderberry new technique that damages new growth via the foliage and seeds of red sesbania are (Sambucus mexicanus). Dry Creek and its focused, intense heat without posing a fire poisonous. tributaries also support several anadromous hazard to surrounding vegetation. Future The Dry Creek watershed covers fish species, including fall run Chinook goals include continued follow-up treatment approximately 101 square miles in Placer and salmon and federally protected steelhead. of new seedlings, public volunteer opportuni- Sacramento Counties. Dry Creek flows Measures employed by this project to protect ties, and continuing awareness outreach. through cities and unincorporated areas north these species and their habitat include Contact the authors at [email protected] and of Sacramento and eventually joins Steelhead herbicide restrictions (regarding timing, [email protected]. Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 5 Board Report What’s the plan? The Cal-IPC board’s vision for 2005 and beyond
In April, Cal-IPC board members and staff met on Catalina Island comprehensive weed management manual that is updated regularly. to discuss short- and long-range strategy for the organization. Staying Our first workshop, scheduled for Oct.5 in Chico before the 2005 in tent cabins generously donated by the Catalina Island Conservancy, Symposium, will focus on control techniques. Future workshops may we spent a weekend discussing which of many projects to pursue, also include project planning, mapping and monitoring, weed deciding how planned projects fit with current top priorities, and identification, and restoration topics. identifying possible funding sources. In outlining plans for the next two years, we focused on expanding our information resources, 2. Continue work aimed at addressing the horticultural pathway continuing our promising work with nursery partners, ramping up our Cal-IPC is a central participant in the Partnership to Prevent advocacy for weed programs at the state and federal levels, and Invasive Plant Introductions through Horticulture with Sustainable providing new avenues for Cal-IPC members to play an active role. Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, and members of the horticul- tural community (see article page 4). Together, we are working to 1. Completing revision of the Invasive Plant Inventory and expand- identify which invasive plants to target and what actions will work best ing our other weed information resources to prevent introductions of invasive plants through the trade. Cal-IPC’s weed list committee has finished draft assessments of In conjunction with the partnership, Cal-IPC will be developing a approximately 300 plants for the 2005 revision of our California statewide program to educate nursery owners, other horticultural Invasive Plant Inventory. All plant assessments are available on our professionals, and consumers on non-invasive alternatives. We are website, and we encourage you to check the analysis and provide coordinating with local weed workers around the state to produce additional information for plants with which you are familiar. We will “Don’t Plant a Pest!” brochures for additional regions of California (see incorporate comments received by the end of August into a printed page 3 for newly released versions). We will also be coordinating with draft that will be distributed to attendees at the October Symposium county groups, like those in Alameda and Marin counties, that are for its last review. The final print version will be ready in early 2006. beginning to work with local retail nurseries to sell only wildland-safe Because of the lack of regional data, the inventory assesses weeds at plants. a statewide level, and does not account for regional variations. Thus, an immediate next step is to collect regional mapping data to establish where each weed is in the state. We envision a county-based survey to establish the first coarse-level mapping of weeds throughout the state, and have applied for funding to coordinate a statewide weed mapping data committee. In an effort to develop a more detailed statewide map of a single species as a pilot project, we are partnering with Team Arundo del Norte and the Santa Margarita/ San Luis Rey Weed Management Area in San Diego County to map the statewide distribution of Arundo donax. In the future, we hope to develop an interactive web portal where users can submit geographic information on new invasions or range expansions, providing up-to-date distribu- tion maps. Such features will require a significant upgrade to our website capacity. 2005 Cal-IPC Board of Directors, staff, and retreat host. Standing, from left: Dan Gluesenkamp, We decided to offer Integrated Pest Bobbi Simpson, Christy Brigham, Steve Schoenig, Carri Pirosko, Doug Johnson, Jenn Erskine Management (IPM) field workshops, with Ogden, Gina Skurka, Alison Stanton, David Chang, Jon Fox, Bob Case. Sitting, from left: John the eventual goal of also publishing a Knapp (Catalina Island Conservancy), Mark Newhouser, Joe DiTomaso, Elizabeth Brusati, Wendy West, Jason Giessow.
8 Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 3. Ramp up advocacy for weed programs In 2005, Cal-IPC has taken a lead role in: organizing Day at the Capitol (at which the heads of the Resources Agency and the Dept. of Food & Agriculture spoke, and attendees made 80 legislative visits); coordinating California’s largest delegation to National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week in DC; mobilizing local events for California Invasive Weeds Awareness Week; and hosting a bus tour for Sacramento legislative staff to view local weed control projects. These efforts represent a significant increase in outreach capacity, and we plan to continue on this trajectory. Through the many legislative visits made on Day at the Capitol in March (see the Spring issue Cal-IPC News), we have maintained contact with several offices to explore potential funding avenues for Weed Management Areas and invasive plant control projects. While the state’s continuing budget problems make obtaining funding difficult, we will continue to raise the profile of the invasive plant issue among legislative staffers, especially those from urban areas who may be Board member Joanna Clines pulls some tocalote on Catalina Island. less aware of the issue. Economic impacts of invasive plants is one of the best ways to convince decision makers that the issue is serious. We plan to develop outreach committee is developing a speakers’ bureau that will be outreach materials that draw on a compilation of existing published available for making presentations to groups in their area that request research on economic impacts. To assist with this effort, Cal-IPC will information on invasive plants. We are designing short PowerPoint host an intern from the Biological Invasions graduate program at UC slide presentations with speaker’s notes for several audiences, including Davis this summer who will prepare a literature review and write a draft garden clubs and general college classes. report. We are also supporting the development of a decision-analysis model weighing control costs versus known impacts of a particular 4. Provide avenues for Cal-IPC members to play an active role weed to agriculture, recreation, and natural ecosystems. We are a member-driven organization, and all of the above Educating the public is an important aspect of advocacy. We have programs depend in large part on participation from our knowledge- found many groups—classes, garden clubs, homeowners’ associations, able, committed members. Below are listed some productive avenues etc.—interested in having a presentation on invasive plants. Our for active involvement that Cal-IPC members.
Member Involvement
Comment on our plant assessments. Members are our eyes and ears local field trips, too (see page 10). And consider preparing a in the field, and most weeds do not have adequate published presentation or poster for next year. Full details at www.cal-ipc.org. information, making field observations key. Add additional literature citations or personal observations that will improve the accuracy and Plan to attend Invasive Weeds Day at the Capitol, March 2006. documentation of the inventory. We are currently taking comments Spend a day in Sacramento educating legislators and agency manaers for the updated list until August 30, but new observations are always about invasive plants in your county. We especially need participants welcome. Visit www.cal-ipc.org and follow the link in the center from the far northern and southern ends of the state. It’s a great column. opportunity to meet fellow weed workers from around the state and make a difference at the capitol. Contact [email protected]. Be a Cal-IPC weed mapping contact for your county. We will be surveying for all listed weeds in each of the state’s counties, and will Plan an event for California Invasive Weeds Awareness Week, July need individuals to serve as primary contacts for collecting informa- 2006. It’s never too early to brainstorm ideas! Our website has tion at a local level. Contact [email protected]. suggestions for organizing and publicizing activities for Weeds Week or similar events. Visit www.cal-ipc.org. Join the Cal-IPC speakers’ bureau. We will provide you with PowerPoint presentations, speaker’s notes, and brochures. When Submit an article to Cal-IPC News. Let your fellow weed workers someone from your area requests a talk, we will contact you. Or, even know about an innovative project, a new tool, an exciting event, etc. better, volunteer to give a talk to a group in your area. Contact Contact [email protected]. [email protected]. Join the California Weed Talk listserv. Sharing information is what Come to this year’s Cal-IPC Symposium in Chico. Over 300 weed it’s all about, and this is an easy way to do it. Visit www.cal-ipc.org for workers gather to share the latest on biology and management, with instructions on joining.
Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 9 The 14th Annual Cal-IPC Symposium PrPreevventionention RReinveinvention:ention: Protocols, Information, and Partnerships to Stop the Spread of Invasive Plants October 6-8, 2005, California State University, Chico Early registration: $210 by September 1
Join us for our 14th annual Symposium! Poster and Trade Exhibit Session The Cal-IPC Symposium is the ideal place to learn the latest in invasive plant biology, management, and policy issues from researchers and Special Lunchtime Speaker: practitioners working around the state. Invited speakers, contributed Joseph Silveira, Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge, “The papers, working groups, field trips, posters, and trade exhibits make the return of natural diversity to Great Valley wildlife habitats” Symposium the most comprehensive overview of wildland weed work in Working and Discussion Groups California. Cal-IPC Board committees will be running four Working Groups to The meeting venue is Bell Memorial Union on the campus of plan strategy and enlist support for their projects: California State University, Chico. Chico’s Bidwell Park, one of the largest Weed List municipal parks in the country, has one of the state’s most active local Horticulture weed control efforts (the park also played the part of Sherwood Forest for Mapping The Adventures of Robin Hood in 1938). Big Chico Creek runs through Outreach campus, and downtown Chico is right next store. The award-winning In addition, four Discussion Groups will invite attendees to share Sierra Nevada Brewery calls Chico home (as does the National Yo-Yo information on specific topics: Museum). Lassen Volcanic National Park is an hour away. Weeds in riparian areas, wetlands and sensitive habitats This year's theme addresses the crucial role of prevention in weed Trees and shrubs programs. Three sessions of invited speakers, including Jerry Asher from Weeds and fire management BLM in Oregon (retired) and Eric Lane from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, will describe aspects of successful programs that prevent Grasslands the spread of invasive weeds. Five contributed paper sessions and a poster session cover the full spectrum of wildland weed topics, from control Awards Banquet techniques to GIS mapping, ecosystem processes to DNA identification. Jake Sigg Award for Vision and Service Four Saturday field trips explore weed projects in the Sacramento River Golden Weed Wrench Award for Land Manager of the Year National Wildlife Refuge, Bidwell Park, the Sutter Buttes, and Stony and Catalyst Award for Inspiring Action Red Bank creeks. And eight working groups and discussion groups give Weedzilla Award for NPS Manager of the Year you the opportunity to go in depth on a topic with your fellow weed workers. Plus Red Alerts, legislative updates, our awards banquet, auction, DPR Continuing Education Credits sponsor exhibits, and photo contest... We have applied to the California Department of Pesticide Regula- tion for 2 hours of Law and Regulations credit, 12 hours general Invited Paper Sessions: credit for paper sessions, and 4 hours general credit for field trips. Protocols and Practices for Stopping Weed Movement Inventory and Prediction for Stopping Weed Spread Saturday Field Trips Partnerships for Early Detection and Rapid Response The Sacramento River As It Was: Ordbend Park and Llano Seco Ranch Contributed Paper Sessions: Peace Valley at the Sutter Buttes Control and Management Invasive Weed Control in Chico’s Renowned Bidwell Park GIS to DNA: New Tools Arundo and Tamarisk in the North: Stony and Red Bank Creeks Successful Programs and Partnerships Safe and Effective Use of Herbicides Full program, travel information, and Biology and Ecology of Weeds registration materials available at www.cal-ipc.org 10 Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 NEW THIS YEAR! Wildland Weed Field Course Wednesday, October 5, Chico
This one-day, hands-on field course focuses on control techniques. The course will benefit new weed workers and oldtimers alike by combining a comprehensive overview of field techniques with presentation of the latest cutting-edge technology.
Topics include: Instructors include: Fundamentals of program design Joe DiTomaso, UC Davis Mechanical methods Carri Pirosko, CA Dept. of Food & Agriculture Grazing, fire and biocontrols Dan Gluesenkamp, Audubon Canyon Ranch Herbicides Ken Moore, Wildlands Restoration Team Integrating methods Rob Wilson, Farm Advisor Lassen County Propagation and revegetation Mark Heath, Shelterbelt Builders, Inc. (affiliations for identification only)
Registration $85 with Symposium registration, $100 without Materials at www.cal-ipc.org
Upper Bidwell Park, site of one of this year’s field trips. (Photo by Steve Green, Friends of Bidwell Park) Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 11 Research Invasive Plants Research at UC Riverside
By Jodie S. Holt, Botany and Plant Sciences Department, University of California, Riverside ([email protected])
As a follow-up to the article, “Teaching lesser inputs from agriculture (as ammonium). increase native forbs in coastal sage scrub Weeds: California university invasive plant Concentrations of extractable soil N may be > stands for 5 years following Fusilade applica- programs” (Cal-IPC News Summer 2004), we 5 times greater in soils affected by atmospheric tion, and by Ph.D. candidate Robert Steers, wanted to highlight the abundant research deposition than in rural areas at a distance who applied Fusilade to creosote scrub to underway at UC Riverside on the biology, from urban sources. Weedy invasive plants control Mediterranean split grass and increase ecology, and management of invasive plants. such as red brome (Bromus madritensis) tend native forbs in the shrub understory. Still Several faculty members in the Department of to be more nitrophilous than many native another study is underway by Robin Botany and Plant Sciences have both plants, and can take up N and grow faster in Marushia, a Junior Specialist working with the undergraduate and graduate students in their response to elevated N. One important Allen and Holt labs, in weedy abandoned laboratories working on a wide range of weed consequence of N deposition is an increase in farmland in SW Riverside County, where species in a variety of ecosystems. This wildland fire frequency as vegetation becomes solarization to kill the seed bank proved the research ranges from very basic projects in converted to exotic annual grassland. Current most effective technique to assure successful ecology, genetics, and physiology to very research underway at Joshua Tree National establishment of native vegetation. practical projects in management of invasive Park shows that the exotic Mediterranean split species and conservation of native species. grass (Schismus barbatus) responded to N Norman C. Ellstrand, Professor of Genetics Here we highlight several of those labs and fertilization during a year of slightly above- and Director, Biotechnology Impacts Center the research of their students. Departmental average precipitation (2003/2004). Leela An area of interest in the Ellstrand lab is information, as well as links to all professors’ Rao, a Ph.D. student, is measuring vegetation gene flow and hybridization as factors in the homepages, at www.plantbiology.ucr.edu. response to N as part of her dissertation, and evolution of increased invasiveness. Hybrid- Drs. Andrzej Bytnerowicz and Mark Fenn of ization between species and subspecies has Edith Allen, Professor of Plant Ecology and the Forest Service Fire Lab in Riverside are been linked to the creation of invasive lineages Cooperative Extension Natural Resources measuring atmospheric N inputs across the in several systems. One such system is radish Specialist park. The decline of native biodiversity in (Raphanus) in California. In the mid-1800s, Anthropogenic N deposition and southern California may also be related to N two radish species, cultivated radish (R. invasive plant species. Experimental evidence deposition. Ph.D. candidate Robert Cox is sativus) and jointed charlock (R. from the Allen lab has been mounting over undertaking a survey of listed and sensitive raphanistrum), were introduced to California. the last 10 years that anthropogenic nitrogen plant species of western Riverside County and Since their arrival they have freely hybridized deposition is increasing the abundance of the Coachella Valley, and measuring the into a complex that has invaded almost the invasive plant species in coastal sage scrub and abundance of invasive species associated with entire geographic range of the state. While Mojave Desert vegetation. Plant-available N sightings of rare plants. These are being hybrid-derived radish has been successful in emissions in southern California originate correlated with the modeled map of N California, it is not clear that hybridization primarily from automobiles (as nitrate) with deposition created by Gail Tonnesen of UCR’s itself is the mechanism that is directly College of Engineering. responsible; rapid adaptive evolution may Restoration to control have played a role in the lineage’s ability to invasive plant species. As expand its range. Caroline Ridley, a Ph.D. native vegetation goes into student, is testing both hybridization and decline, restoration is an rapid local adaptation as complementary important tool for conserva- explanations for the evolution of invasiveness tion and for controlling in California wild radish. exotic species. Grass- Another Ph.D. student, Jutta Burger, specific herbicide (Fusilade) studies weedy rye (Secale sp.), a persistent has been used to control annual weed of the western US that is either brome grasses with good of hybrid or of cereal (S. cereale) rye origin. results, followed by seeding She is investigating the genetic correlates of with native coastal sage weediness of cereal rye in order to identify the scrub shrub species. possible origins of populations and to test for Additional studies are local adaptation in weedy populations along a Students working on artichoke thistle at Crystal Cove State Park underway by Robert Cox — Jared Stephens (undergraduate), Robin Marushia and latitudinal gradient. By understanding how who was able to reduce this species has spread so successfully she Ginger White (graduate students). (Photo by the author) exotic grass cover and
12 Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 hopes to better understand how genetics, underway to investigate genetic variation other colonizing plant species. Greenhouse especially hybridization, and local conditions within and among field patches of artichoke experiments have shown that lateral spread of interact to change introduced species into thistle, which will allow us to assess the giant reed rhizomes may be enhanced by major invaders. relative contributions of asexual and sexual nitrogen fertilization and is most likely to Janet Garcia is a new Ph.D. student at reproduction to spread in grasslands. Ran- occur in autumn, and biomass accumulation UCR who works between the Ellstrand and dom amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is highest under moderate shading. Results of Holt labs. Her dissertation project focuses on markers will be used in this analysis to this work are being used in experiments the genetic relatedness of artichoke thistle, distinguish clones from seed-derived plants. conducted by Dr. Virginia White to test Cynara cardunculus, an invader of coastal Using a combination of demographic and approaches for giant reed removal and grasslands, to the two conspecific crop environmental data we are also applying restoration of native riparian species in order varieties C. cardunculus var. scolymus (globe modeling approaches for scheduling the to prevent reinvasion. artichoke) and C. cardunculus var. altilis timing of control of this species. We have recently begun to address the (cardoon). She is interested in identifying the Several projects either underway or physiological basis for the recent rapid spread weedy type in California (putative var. recently completed in the Holt lab focus on of Brassica tournefortii, Sahara mustard, into sylvestris) and understanding its origin in invasion of riparian ecosystems by Arundo southwestern US deserts. This research is a relation to the two crops. donax (giant reed). Mike Rauterkus recently collaborative project with Dr. Matt Brooks of completed his M.S. Thesis, which the USGS in Henderson, NV. In this project, Jodie S. Holt, Professor of Plant Physiology Robin Marushia is assessing differences in and Chair, Department of Botany and Plant phenology (seasonal timing) between Sahara Sciences mustard populations from desert and non- Research in the Holt lab focuses on desert environments, and comparing patterns mechanisms and genetics of plant invasion in of phenology with those of other invasive particular habitats and how these mechanisms mustard species (B. geniculata, shortpod might be manipulated for successful manage- mustard, and B. nigra, black mustard) that ment. One current project focuses on the differ in range. She is also conducting field physiology and population ecology of experiments to assess differences in phenology artichoke thistle and the mechanisms by between Sahara mustard and native Mojave which it invades coastal grasslands. Dr. annuals and to measure the impacts of Sahara Virginia White recently completed her mustard on native plant density, growth, and dissertation on the environmental physiology fecundity at different levels of invasion. of artichoke thistle in which she studied traits These experiments will inform management contributing to invasiveness, sites most by defining priority levels of Sahara mustard suitable for establishment, and competitive density that are most likely to impact native interactions with native and exotic grasses. annual plant populations. New Ph.D. Robin Marushia’s recently finished M.S. student Melanie Stalder, who is interested in Thesis addressed patterns of seed dispersal chemical ecology and allelopathy, will study and seedling establishment in artichoke the impacts of Sahara mustard on the desert thistle, in which she demonstrated that in rhizosphere (underground ecosystem). field settings most seeds dispersed within 5 Graduate student Lauren Quinn deep meters of the parent plant, while in the Related Research at UCR in Arundo. (Photo by the author) absence of impediments created by vegeta- Several other departments at UCR focus tion, dispersed seeds may travel 40 meters or addressed physiological characteristics of giant on invasive species. The Center for Conserva- more. Another project, conducted by Dr. Ian reed in comparison to native riparian species, tion Biology (CCB) (www.ccb.ucr.edu) assists Gillespie as a Postdoctoral Researcher, focuses and the impacts of giant reed on environmen- in the conservation and restoration of species on demography of artichoke thistle in order to tal resources and conditions in riparian and ecosystems by facilitating the collection, understand the life history stages most habitats. Lauren Quinn, a current Ph.D. evaluation, and dissemination of scientific important to population growth and most student, has investigated the invasion information. The Center for Invasive Species vulnerable to control. behavior of giant reed. In research where Research (cnas.ucr.edu/centers/cisr.html) Dr. Rana Tayyar, Staff Research Associate, giant reed rhizomes were planted in three addresses pest and disease invasions by recently completed a field experiment at UCR (already invaded) southern California riparian fostering cooperation and coordination of to determine the effect of Roundup and ecosystems, establishment varied with research efforts among UC campuses, USDA, Transline herbicides on artichoke thistle environmental factors but occurred in all the California Department of Food and applied at early resprouting, late resprouting, locations, indicating that giant reed is able to Agriculture, and the agricultural industry. bolting and flowering stages. Both herbicides succeed in many habitat types. However, in a Finally, individual faculty in several other were most effective in controlling plants at the field experiment at UCR’s experiment station, departments on campus conduct research on late resprouting stage (100% mortality) and she found that plant community composi- invasive species. For more information, visit least effective at the flowering stage (48% tion, particularly the shrub component, the website of the UCR College of Natural mortality). Dr. Tayyar has another experiment reduced the invasion success of giant reed and and Agricultural Sciences (cnas.ucr.edu).
Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 13 Horticultural invasions continued... to assess the need for such an effort. The Figure 4. Organizations participating in the addressing horticulture as a pathway for group concluded that a California Partnership for Preventing Invasive invasive plant introductions, and provide a collaborative effort to solid foundation for developing practices Plant Introductions through Horticulture develop and foster throughout the horticultural community to implementation of prevent new and continuing introductions. American Nursery and Landscape Association strategies for preventing At the same time, however, they provide American Society of Landscape Architects, Northern CA Chapter invasive plant introduc- broad direction and significant additional California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers tions through nurseries is work is needed to translate them into action. California Department of Food and Agriculture needed in California. It California Invasive Plant Council identified several key California Landscape Contractors Association Preventing Horticultural Invasions challenges, especially the California State Floral Association Sustainable Conservation is a nonprofit critical importance of Home Depot organization, based in San Francisco, which bringing the right people Mail Order Gardening Association uses innovative partnerships to promote to the table with respect Monrovia Nursery voluntary conservation in the private sector. to both the constituency The Nature Conservancy In 2003-04, Sustainable Conservation an individual represents, UC Davis RIDNIS Program (Reducing the Introduction and conducted research on the horticulture and the commitment of Distribution of Non-native aquatic Invasive Species) industry and invasive plants. Based on our that person’s organization California Agricultural Commissioner and Sealers Association findings, we determined that an effective to the process. In Sustainable Conservation approach for developing and fostering the addition, the group saw UC Cooperative Extension, Master Gardeners Program implementation of strategies for preventing coming to agreement on UC Santa Cruz Arboretum introductions of invasive plants of horticul- the definition and tural origin in California would be through a determination of multi-stakeholder partnership that engages “invasiveness” as a significant hurdle to be representatives of the industry, consumer, Conservation convened the Steering Commit- crossed. Other key challenges included tee for this effort, which named itself the nonprofit, environmental, and academic consumer preferences for particular plants, the communities concerned with these issues. California Partnership for Preventing Invasive diversity of the audiences that this effort Plant Introductions through Horticulture or In June 2004, Sustainable Conservation needs to reach, and the need for high-quality convened a forum for stakeholders to share Cal-PPIPIH (Figure 4). The group adopted a scientific information. statement articulating its purpose: their perspectives on the nature of the In December 2004, Sustainable problem and challenges in addressing it, and “To develop and foster implementation of strategies for preventing new and continuing introductions of invasive plants through the Figure 3. Chain of horticultural products from production to consumers horticultural community in order to protect (chart by Sarah Connick and Terri Kempton, Sustainable Conservation) California’s natural resources.”
The group agreed to move forward with its work on two parallel tracks. One track will come to agreement on a definition of invasiveness and evaluation criteria using examples to inform this work, and then identify invasive plants that are used and propagated in the horticultural community. The other will develop the strategies needed to prevent new and continuing introductions of plants that are identified as invasive, including education and outreach approaches to industry and consumer communities. Sustainable Conservation has hired a new project manager to coordinate the program; progress will be reported in upcoming issues of Cal-IPC News.
Contact the author at [email protected], or see the Sustainable Conservation website at www.suscon.org.
14 Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 Australia prohibits importation of 3,335 plants From the Australian Ministry of Fisheries, Foresty, and Conservation June 1, 2005
The Australian Government has the Quarantine Proclamation 1998) has been A report called “Jumping the Garden prohibited importation of 3,335 potential amended to reflect the completion of Stage Fence: Invasive Garden Plants in weeds to protect the nation’s agriculture and One of the review. The Australian Govern- Australia and their Environmental and environment. Conservation Minister Senator ment announced earlier this year that Agricultural Impacts”, was commissioned Ian Macdonald said removal of the potential Biosecurity Australia would accelerate the by World Wildlife Fund- Australia and weeds marked the end of the first stage of a review of the permitted seeds list. prepared by senior scientists. In its 173 major project to remove whole groups Biosecurity Australia consulted widely on pages, the document examines impacts of (genera) from the list of permitted seed a list of 4,000 species recorded as weeds invasive garden plants on both agriculture imports. “This is an important next step in overseas and not yet considered present in and natural ecosystems. Garden plants protecting Australia’s agriculture and environ- Australia. The Cooperative Research Centre comprise 70% of Australia’s total ment from potential weeds,” Senator (CRC) for Australian Weed Management (agricultural, noxious, and natural Macdonald said. prepared the list for the Worldwide Fund for ecosystem) weed population; their cost is The permitted seeds list (Schedule 5 of Nature. Following the consultations, estimated at AU$4 billion annually. The Biosecurity Australia determined 3,335 report names key offending species and species on the list were not present in calls for stricter monitoring and enforce- Partnership, cont’d... Australia. Australia will permit imports of ment.
Bioscience 50:53-65. w w w w w Reichard, S. H. and Hamilton, C. W.1997. Predicting invasions of woody plants introduced into North America. Conservation Biology 11(1):193- 203. Reichard, S. H. and White, P. 2001. Horticulture as a pathway for invasive plant introduction in the United States. Bioscience 51:103-113. Stanton, A. E. 2002. Developing alternatives to invasive landscaping plants. Proceedings of the s Choice A s Choice A s Choice A California Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium. s Choice A s Choice A 6:111. Wortman, M. 2004. Foreign invaders threatening global biodiversity and the public hasn’t noticed— yet. Environment Yale: The Journal of the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, Fall:3-11. Critic’ Critic’ Critic’ Critic’ Critic’ Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 15 and specifically recommends against some of the worst species, such as Book Reviews brooms or pampas grass. She also tells gardeners how to act responsibly by not throwing bulbs or other plant material over their fence, watching to see if plants are escaping out of the yard, and being Invasive Plants of Range and Wildlands and Their especially careful if they live near a creek or open space. Cal-IPC’s list is Environmental, Economic, and Societal Impacts. referenced and explained, as is the official state Noxious Weed List. Edited by Celestine L. Duncan and Janet K. Clark Most of the plant recommendations are appropriate, but four species in (2005 Weed Science Society of America) the book are of some concern. Vinca major and Digitalis purpurea, both 222 pp. $20.00 through www.wssa.net/publications rated as Medium level invasives in the current draft of our updated list, This paperback summarizes literature on 16 invasive plants, including are featured plants, though the author does mention their potential 13 species found in California (three thistles, three knapweeds, invasiveness. Peirce makes a stronger case for the invasiveness of ivy perennial pepperweed, purple (Hedera helix and H. canariensis) and warns gardeners not to allow the loosestrife, leafy spurge, downy brome, vines to climb and fruit due to potential dispersal by birds. medusahead, dalmation toadflax, and We recommend this book as a gift (along with a “Don’t Plant a saltcedar). Information was compiled Pest!” brochure) for your friend or relative who’s interested in garden- from published literature and a ing and can’t understand why you want to pull out all the pretty questionnaire sent to weed managers to Scotch broom from the hillsides. The many photographs of gardens provide updated distribution informa- and flowers will attract those looking for pretty plants for their yards, tion for each species. The book focuses and hopefully readers will pay attention to the information on invasive on summarizing impacts—to livestock garden escapees and consider the issue of wildland weeds when and wildlife, plant communities, choosing new plants. community function, soil and water resources, human health, and econom- Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates of ics. (Any benefit provided by each the San Francisco Bay Region species to livestock or wildlife is also (2004, East Bay Municipal Utility District) 320 pp. $34.95 from noted.) Though little economic data www.ebmud.com exists for many of these plants, the This book, with its large format (9” x 12”) and multitude of gorgeous book’s summary of exisiting studies performs an important function by photographs, would almost be worth buying simply to put on your establishing the foundation that will help researchers identify data coffee table. An update to EBMUD’s Water-Conserving Plants and gaps. Landscapes for the Bay Area, it The book is not mean as a taxonomic guide, and there are no contains a catalog of 650 photographs (though each species is shown on the back cover). While plants with charts in the certainly not an extensive reference, this book provides a concise review back to organize information of a few key species of interest to many land managers. The lengthy by growth form and light or citation list for each species forms a good foundation for researchers or water requirements. Al- those wanting more detailed information. though it focuses on plants suitable for the Bay Area, Wildly Successful Plants: Northern California introductory chapters cover By Pam Peirce (2004 Sasquatch Books) 306 pp topics appropriate for most $24.95 from www.sasquatchbooks.com of California, including tips This book is aimed at convincing for working with summer- gardeners that they can have a dry and winter-wet climates, beautiful garden with minimal an explanation of microcli- effort by choosing plants adapted mates, and designing to northern California’s climate(s). landscapes for fire safety on It focuses on 50 plants, with the wildland-urban interface. detailed descriptions of their The first page of the plant required growing conditions. Pam catalog mentions the fact that many plants have been found to be Peirce is an instructor of horticul- invasive, but states that because invasiveness varies so much by location ture at City College of San and climate, the authors chose to address the issue by noting potential Francisco and co-founder of the invasiveness in individual species descriptions. Several of the recom- San Francisco League of Urban mended plants, such as cotoneaster, are listed by Cal-IPC, and their Gardeners (SLUG). descriptions make a brief mention of possible invasiveness in specific Though the title of the book areas. This is another book to give with a “Don’t Plant a Pest!” bro- makes one somewhat apprehensive at first, Peirce does a good job of chure, and one that reminds us of the ongoing need to integrate balancing the needs of novice gardeners with the issue of invasive invasives information with recommended plant lists being developed plants. She mentions wildland weeds repeatedly throughout the book, for water conservation, fire safety, power line safety, and other concerns.
16 Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 New Members and Donors Thank you for your generous support! This list reflects donors and new members since the last newsletter.
Donations San Luis Obispo Chapter Robert Berman (CNPS, Pacific Grove) Santa Clara County Chapter Susan G. Duncan (Oakland) Carolyn Halde (San Francisco) John Ekhoff (Long Beach) Greg Archbald (Nevada City) Judy B. & Arnie Fishman (Los Angeles) Judy and Arnie Fishman (Los Angeles) Betty Kipp (CNPS, Berkeley) Robert P. and Averil Leach (West Sacramento) New Members David Loeb (Berkeley) Flo Anderson (Weed), Clare Aslan (UC Davis), Darin Banks (Prairie Judith Lowry (Larner Seeds, Bolinas) Village, KS), Katharyn Boyer (SFSU Romberg Tiburon Center, William McCoy (CNPS, Berkeley) Tiburon), Cathy Boze (Mariposa County Dept. of Agriculture, T. Charles Moore (Sunnyvale) Mariposa), Terrel Brand (Oakland), Ernest Bryant (Santa Barbara), Val Page (Mojave Desert RCD, Apple Valley) Tim Butler (Oregon Dept. of Agriculture, Salem, OR), Mary Carroll Jake Sigg (San Francisco) (Santa Barbara), Penny Dalton (Sebastopol), Jonna D. Engel (CINMS, Don Stiver (CNPS, El Cerrito) Santa Barbara), Arne Johanson (Poway Blue Sky Reserve, San Diego), Noreen A. Trombley (NPS, Yosemite) Ann and Peter Jones (CNPS - Marin Chapter, Woodacre), Celia Jean Vandevort (Felton) Kutcher (CNPS Orange County, Capistrano Beach), Monique Lau Peter Warner (CA State Parks, Little River) (San Rafael), Samuel Leininger (UC Davis, Sacramento), Virginia Annette Wheeler (Los Altos Hills) Moran (Ecological Outreach Services, Grass Valley), Deborah North Matthew & JoAnn Zlatunich (San Francisco) (EDAW, Davis), Mary Shea (Vernal Consulting, Concord), David Sundstrom (CNPS South Coast Chapter, Rancho Palos Verdes), Donations to Cape Ivy Biocontrol Bobbie Stephenson (Kingfisher Environmental, Inc., San Diego), California Native Plant Society: Justin Watson (JDW Industries, Arroyo Grande), Stephen Winter East Bay Chapter (San Luis NWR Complex, Los Banos), Fred Thomas (CERUS Marin Chapter Consulting, Chico) Los Angeles-Santa Monica Mountain Chapter
straight, erect stems. It spreads laterally as older stems lay onto the Have you seen this plant? ground and sprout new verticle shoots. The involucres are about 4 mm wide and the flowers are yellow. Mystery Senecio found in So Cal Senecio spec. nov. resembles Senecios of South America and By Scott White, [email protected] ...cont’d next page
This apparently undescribed Senecio has been collected at several sites in San Diego and Orange Counties over the past few years. It grows in wetland margins at roadsides, seeps, alkaline flats, and probably stream channels. It is a shrub, about 1 - 1.5 m tall, with
Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 17 cordgrass in San Francisco Bay. The report
18 Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 The WILDLAND WEED CALENDAR
Know of an event that should be posted here? Sierra Nevada Alliance 2nd New England Invasive Plant Summit Please contact [email protected]. 12th Annual Conference September 17-18, 2005 July 29-31, 2005 Framingham, MA North Lake Tahoe, CA Convened by Invasive Plant Atlas of New 7th Biennial State of the Estuary Conference Speakers, workshops, field trips, and network- England and New England Invasive Plant Oakland, CA ing with Sierra conservation leaders. Group. invasives.eeb.uconn.edu/ipanel October 4-6, 2005 www.sierranevadaalliance.org Focusing on connections between the 7th Annual California Weed Management watershed, delta, and San Francisco Bay, with “Invasive Plants: Perspectives, Prescriptions, Area Meeting sessions relating to habitat restoration, and Partnerships” September 19- 20, 2005 estuarine water supplies, and water quality. August 16-17, 2005 Woodland, CA. www.abag.ca.gov/events/estuary Philadelphia, PA Funding and grantwriting; networking Contact: [email protected] between WMAs; state and federal funding Cal-IPC Wildland Weed Field Course legislation updates; weed control technology One-day hands-on field course focusing on a Western Regional IPM Symposium vendors; GIS and mapping; education and variety of control techniques. "Water, Wildlife & Pesticides in the West: Pest outreach; new weeds and new control tools. October 5, 2005 Management's Contribution to Solving New this year - Educational Display Contest! Chico, CA Environmental Problems" Contact: Steve Schoenig, (916)-654-0768 or
North American Plant Protection Organiza- Quotable: tion Annual Conference October 17-21, 2005 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico “A lot of people ask, ‘What are you trying to do? Make www.nappo.org it look like it did before the Europeans got here?’… Southwest Vegetation Management Associa- But you can never make it look like that. What we tion Annual Meeting want is a functioning ecosystem.” November 2-4, 2005 Phoenix, AZ John Knapp, Catalina Island Conservancy Contact: Patti Fenner (602) 255-5386 Orange County Register, May 6, 2005 www.swvma.org
Cal-IPC News Summer 2005 19 Cal-IPC Membership Form We’re working to protect California’s wildlands from invasive plants—join us! Cal-IPC’s effectiveness comes from a strong membership, including scientists, land managers, policy makers, and concerned citizens. Please photocopy the form below, complete, and mail with your payment. Additional donations are always welcome to support our projects; we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and donations beyond regular membership rates are tax deductible.
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