The Dr. Alan Thum Invasive Removal Project

What is Invasives Removal Project?
What is the concern?
Who is doing the work?
We need your help.
Contacts
More Information
We need your help.
Project Update: Spring 2005
Project Update: Spring 2006 NEW

"Invasive species are one of the greatest challenges to ecology we face today."
Jeffrey Lovicho, National Biological Service

What is the Invasives Removal Project?

The Dr. Alan Thum Invasives Removal Project, funded by a State of California Prop 13 grant, is a three year effort to remove the predominant species of invasive plants in the most heavily infected stream and watersheds of the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit (CHU). The most threatening invasive plant species (i.e. giant reed- Arundo donax and pampas grass- Cortaderia salleona and C. jubata ) as well as others problematic plant species such as tamarix, palms will be removed from over 250 acres of the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit..

The goals of the Carlsbad Watershed Management Plan published in late 2002 established the need to implement a comprehensive Exotic Species Removal Program to support the natural functions and services of the watershed:

In addition to invasive removal, the project restores native vegetation in these watersheds as an essential step in reestablishing the hydrologic and ecological functions of these riparian and coastal wetland habitats.

The first of its kind for the Carlsbad watershed, the project plan will :

Develop an umbrella plan and methodology that can be permitted under a programmatic permit structure.
Assist in the identification of the most effective approach to the eradication, the highest priorities for work, and the overall cost of the work effort.
Provide comprehensive planning aids for development of the outreach program for the CHU to include the strengthening of member NGO groups and recruitment of volunteers. This approach also aids in obtaining essential political support and funding for the work efforts.
Identify the management units with specific coordination needs with the various jurisdictional and regulatory entities having land management responsibilities within the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit.

Why the concern about invasives?

Invasive plants are destroying the ability of local watersheds to properly function. The Arundo and Pampas Grasses are exotic or non-native plants introduced to California for use as horticultural, building or erosion control solutions. It is found primarily in stream areas where its vigorous growth and ability to propagate in a wide range of conditions, makes if very difficult to eliminate. It is additionally destructive because the plant build up increases fire and flood risk, harms wildlife, decreases water quality and displaces natural habitats.

This project is expected to significantly improve the conditions, functions and values of the riparian/wetland habitats by reducing the detrimental processes and increasing the ability of these habitats to promote better water quality. (This translates to fewer pollutants downstream in our streams, lagoons and beaches.

Another expected outcome is reduction of backwater flooding, the potential for debris jams on bridges and trestles, and the substantial accumulated fire fuel load. Plant mass buildup is typical of Arundo and Pampas grass infestations and is a known cause to backwater flooding and the accumulation of fire fuel load.

Get a more in-depth look at the invasives problem.

Who is doing the work?

The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy (SELC) is coordinating all project tasks and engaging contractors to supplement their own staff and is carrying out the physical, analytical, educational, and administrative tasks. SELC is experienced in major invasive plant removal, having completed two significant major projects in the 1000-acre San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve.

This project is being managed by the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, a 501(c)3 organization and CWN founding partner. SELC is the project's fiscal agent and implemented on behalf of the CWN to benefit the CHU. It is being executed cooperatively in each watershed via each of the relevant NGO, municipal, and county organizations with input from the other governmental agencies.

This project has the support, permits or exemptions from the following municipalities and agencies.

We need your help

The project though systematic and ambitious will not rid our watersheds of these invasives. Total elimination and control of invasive plants can only be done with your help. Everyone needs to participate or it will not work.

Because where you live is part of the watershed, the invasive plants in your home or property can undo all the investment and work in invasive removal by this project.

Removal must be systematic so that upslope and upstream properties do not reinfect or downslope or downstream areas. We need your help so that invasives on your property do not propagate to other parts of the watershed.

You can help by:

Removing these invasive plants from your property. See Invasive Brochures and Invasive Removal for information on how to rid yourself of these plants.
Encouraging your friends, family and neighbors to destroy and remove invasives from their property. Send an email encouraging them to visit this site and learn more about the environmental destruction being caused by invasive plants.
Permitting the Invasives Removal Project staff to remove invasive plants when asked for permission.
Participating on removal projects with your local conservation group.

Project Contacts

Project Director: Doug Gibson, 760-436-3944

Field Coordinator: Joyce Sisson, 760-427-2665

Project Outreach/Education: Merle O'Neill, 760-598-7783

Project Scientist: Isabelle Kay, 858-229-4677

Information on invasives and invasive removal

Go to Invasives Page for a more detailed look at the invasive problem in the CHU.
See an expanded list of invasive plants causing problems in the CHU. .
Read the Union-Tribune article on the Invasive Removal Project.
Learn about the full removal and scientific scope of the Invasives Removal Grant