Santa Barbara County Weed Management Area

October 2005 Newsletter

 

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NEWS

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Cal-PPIPIH’s 1st Newsletter Available 08/22/05

     The California Invasive Plant Council has joined a partnership with Sustainable Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, and horticultural industry groups to prevent the introduction of invasive species through horticulture. The group has the tongue-twisting acronym of Cal-PPIPIH - "California Partnership to Prevent the Introduction of Invasives through Horticulture."  This is complementary to Cal-IPC's "Don't Plant a Pest!" campaign.

     The partnership’s first newsletter, compiled by Sustainable Conservation project manager Terri Kempton, is available at:
http://www.suscon.org/Invasives/Newsletter/Summer2005/summer2005.html  
 

New Handbook for Watershed Protection Programs 09/01/05

     Questions about managing pollution runoff, increasing wildlife habitat and controlling invasive species in the nation's estuaries are among those addressed in a new EPA handbook released at the White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation in St. Louis.

     Community-Based Watershed Management: Lessons from the National Estuary Program is an update to Saving Bays and Estuaries, published in 1989. While the new handbook focuses on estuaries, its principles and examples are relevant to any organization involved in watershed management.

The 98-page handbook describes innovative approaches developed and conducted by the 28 National Estuary Programs, which are community-based watershed-management organizations that restore and protect coastal watersheds. Topics covered range from starting a program, identifying problems and solutions to plan development and action steps.

     "We anticipate that this handbook will be a useful tool for watershed protection," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "It's an A-to-Z, how-to guide for everyone involved in estuary management as well as those interested in the protection of non-coastal watersheds."

     Estuaries and the lands surrounding them are where rivers meet the sea, and where fresh water meets salt water. The National Estuary Program centers on four areas of the United States: Northeast, Middle and South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and the West Coast. 

     “Community-Based Watershed Management” is on EPA's Web site and can be downloaded at http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/nepprimer. For more information about the National Estuary Program, go to http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries.

 

Puccinia jaceae var solstitialis Produces Overwintering Stage 09/02/05

     Dr. Heather Scheck, plant pathologist for the County of Santa Barbara, reports that Puccinia jaceae var. solstitialis has produced the telial stage or overwintering stage of the rust.  P. jaceae is also known as yellow starthistle rust.  It is an obligate autoecious parasite of yellow starthistle and has been released by the Agricultural Commissioner's Office under the direction of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and with the cooperation of the Los Padres National Forest on two sites in the Forest as a biological control agent against yellow starthistle.    

 

Request for Native Nursery Contact Information 09/06/05

     Carolyn Martus, an active member of the San Diego County WMA and Native Plant Society, is putting together a list of nurseries in Southern California that sell native plants and/or that don’t sell invasive plants.  Santa Barbara County nurseries that would like to be included in the list are requested to send their contact information and a brief outreach statement about your nursery to David Chang at dchang@co.santa-barbara.ca.us.  The information will be passed to Carolyn.  Eventually the list of Santa Barbara County nurseries will find its way onto the SBCWMA website and Cal-IPC’s website for everyone’s interest.  The nurseries that Carolyn has collected is listed at http://www.cal-ipc.org/dpp/planttypes.php?region=socal

 

Don’t Plant a Pest Information Website Revision 09/11/05

     Don’t Plant a Pest brochures have grown to include brochures for the Central Coast and Southern California regions.   Other regions are developing brochures, as well.  To increase the capabilities of their website, Cal-IPC has revised the format of that section of their website.  Check it out at: http://www.cal-ipc.org/dpp/

 

Comment on the 2007 Farm Bill 09/14/05

     Every 5 years Congress passes a Farm Bill that lays out programs and funding for the future.  Forums are already being held regarding the 2007 Farm Bill.  The Farm Bill includes a number of programs that are of interest to land managers in general and invasive-plant-fighters in particular:
    * Conservation Security Program
    * Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
    * Wetlands Reserve Program
    * Environmental Quality Incentives (EQP)
    * Grassland Reserve Program
    * Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D)
     The US Dept of Agriculture is taking comments and suggestions, until December 30, 2005, for the 2007 Farm Bill at www.usda.gov/farmbill.  One of the questions that USDA asks, specifically, relates to natural resource stewardship and "achievement of conservation and environmental goals."  If you have ideas about incorporating invasive plant provisions into Farm Bill programs, this would be a good time and a good forum to make your case.

 

Comments Received on Weed Ratings 09/15/05

     The California Department of Food and Agriculture recently proposed the ratings for a number of newly added noxious weeds – Ailanthus altissima, Arundo donax, Cirsium vulgare, Cortaderia jubata, Delairea odorata, Spartium junceum, Tamarisk chinesis, T.gallica, T.parviflora, and T.rammosissima.  The CDFA proposed to list these weeds at the “C” level.  The CDFA has been asked to reconsider these rating recommendations to a stronger enforcement level of “B”.  CDFA is soliciting input from agricultural commissioners.

 

The following is an excerpt of a press release from BASF Corporation:

Habitat® Herbicide Now Approved for Use in California
     Research Triangle Park, N.C., October 6, 2005 – Habitat® herbicide, from BASF Professional Vegetation Management (ProVM), has received approval from The California Department of Pesticide Regulation for use in California. Habitat is labeled for controlling various undesirable emergent, shoreline and woody wetland aquatic vegetation in and around standing and flowing water – including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, seeps, drainage ditches, canals, reservoirs, terrestrial, estuarine, marine and aquatic sites and seasonal wet areas.
     Habitat is specifically developed for use in sensitive aquatic environments, the herbicide helps stem the tide against the invasion of undesirable aquatic plants and restore aquatic environments to their desirable condition. The herbicide uses less active ingredient and breaks down quickly, yet is highly effective. It provides targeted vegetation control by affecting enzymes found only in plants, not in humans, animals, birds, fish or insects.  To learn more about Habitat call 1-800-545-9525 or visit www.vmanswers.com

 

Milestone Herbicide – New Tool for Noxious Weed Control

     A new herbicide called Milestone with the active ingredient, aminopyralid, will soon be available for use in California.  Having characteristics similar to clopyralid and picloram, Milestone may prove useful for controlling some of the tougher noxious weeds such as Russian knapweed.  Milestone is a systemic herbicide with residual activity and has been registered as a reduced risk pesticide.  This designation is reserved for compounds that demonstrate lower risk to the environment and humans than marketplace standards.  

 

The following is derived from the City of Santa Barbara’s Creeks Division manager:

Santa Barbara Watershed Action Plan Update 10/13/05

     The City of Santa Barbara Creeks Division has been moving forward on a number of fronts related to the development of Watershed Action Plans.  Existing Conditions Study:  The draft Existing Conditions Study for the Arroyo Burro, Mission, Laguna and Sycamore Creek watersheds was completed in August and the study results were presented to the Creeks Advisory Committee at its August 10 meeting.  The executive summary and the draft report as well as a number of the figures are posted on the City's website: http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/Resident/Community/Creeks/Watershed_Action_Plans.htm  

     If you are interested in providing comments on the draft report, please send them to Jill Zachary by November 4, 2005.

     Citizen Guides:  The Creeks Division and its watershed plan advisory committee are working with MIG to prepare a citizen's guide to Santa Barbara Watersheds.  The guide is likely to be completed in December 2005.  Citizen guides will be distributed via the mail, web site, and community events.       

     Follow-up Workshops:  Follow-up workshops to present the study results will likely be scheduled for early 2006.  These workshops will include a "next steps" component for further community participation in identifying the key priorities for each watershed. 

 

Earth Talk 10/13/05

     Sharyn Main and Jon Clark are doing a weekly environmental radio talk show called “Earth Talk”.  It airs on KZSB 1290 AM radio on Wednesdays at 10am and 8pm and again on Sundays at 10am.  They will have Eco Bits which are environmental news briefs and announcements that are local and national.  If you have any news or an upcoming event you are invited to tell them about it.  The deadline is the Monday before the show - contact Sharyn Main: smain@wpmfoundation.org

 

Monitoring Plant Populations 10/19/05

     The list serve for the “Alien Plant Working Group” recently discussed the availability of the BLM Publication 1730-1 Measuring and Monitoring Plant Populations.  This was a 1998 project in conjunction with BLM's California State Office, The Nature Conservancy, and Alderspring Ecological Consulting.  The entire text is available as a PDF on the web.  The file is 5.3 megs (492pp + covers), so it's not tiny.  You can find the link for the PDF along with other potentially useful publications on the BLM National Science & Technology Center's Technical Reference page at http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/techref.htm

     Despite the fact that BLM's library website still says the book is out of print, it has in fact been reprinted.  The printed copy is preferable to either the PDF download or the version available on CD because the graphics are better.  Folks can order the printed version from BLM's Printed Material Distribution Section by sending either an email to BLM_NCS_PMDS@blm.gov or a fax to 303-236-0845.  They should include their mailing address and phone number in the email or fax.  (I have asked for a copy, but have not received it yet.  I can’t confirm that hard copies are still available. – DC)

 

The following is derived from Mark Abramson, Stream Team Manager, Heal the Bay, Santa Monica:

RWQCB Looking for Data on Invasive Species 10/21/05

     The Regional Water Quality Control Board has added exotic invasive species as a category that can be placed on the 303(d) list.  The State 303 (d) list highlights waterbodies that are impaired and therefore require listing to protect their beneficial uses.  Those waterbodies on the 303 (d) list will require a TMDL and an implementation plan to fix the problem (exotic invasive species).  Those waterbodies that do get placed on the 303(d) list should help us get funding to better address the exotic invasive species proliferation we currently face.  Data will be needed to get a waterbody listed.  The data required will need to be collected over time and using accepted protocols.  The data will need to demonstrate that the documented exotic/invasive species cause harm to waterbodies and impact the beneficial uses of that waterbody.  This means that if your stream, lake, or ocean is listed as having warm water or cold water habitat, anything that could affect those types of fish and amphibian species such as bullfrog, African clawed frogs, crayfish, etc. should require a listing.

    Heal the Bay believes that this can and should also include certain riparian plants such as Arundo donax, pepperweed, watercress, ivy, Vinca, and poison hemlock.  Applicants will need to make a strong case for these plants and how they displace native vegetation, do a poor job of bank stabilization, and cause instream sediment loading.  Heal the Bay believes that this will draw needed attention to this critical issue and will force the water boards to address this when they review 401 certifications on new developments, and will create significant funding opportunities to eradicate these species.

     Heal the Bay is requesting specific items to assist them on their projects:

1.       Spatial data (maps) documenting locations and species observed. riparian vegetation and aquatic.

2.       A write up of the protocols used to collect the data and attached.

3.       Names and titles of data collectors.

4.       A write up and justification of how these predators and plants impact water quality and native species.  Data should include a few very relevant specific studies that document negative impacts as attachments.  Please forward by December any important documentation, suggestions or questions to Mark Abramson mabramson@HealTheBay.org  

 

 

 

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Educational Events

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California-Pacific Section, Society for Range Management.  Fall Meeting.
Managing Opportunities & Constraints in Working Landscapes.
     The California-Pacific Section of the Society for Range Management announces their Fall Meeting and Field Tour to be held at The Marconi Center, near Marshall, California in Marin County on November 2 – 4, 2005.  The registration form and agenda are available at http://www.casrm.org/CaSRM12.shtml  

 

Media Relations Training Available for NIWAW Interested People 09/07/05

     The National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week is scheduled for February 26th through March 3rd, 2006.  The NIWAW organizing committee is offering free online outreach training to help spread the message.  All you need to participate in these interactive online training sessions is a telephone and a web connection.  See the schedules below.
            Media Relations 101: Growing Community Interest in NIWAW
            Media relations professionals will discuss tactics and preparation for getting the word out about your weed control success.

            Monday, November 7, 2005 4 p.m. EST (repeat. a session already happened on October 3rd.)

            Monday, January 9, 2006 4 p.m. EST (repeat)


            Legislative Visit Preparation: Making Your Visit Count
            Former staffers and regulatory officials will talk about fundamental things that can help you get your message across to legislators.
            Monday, November 21, 2005 4 p.m. EST (repeat. a session already happened on October 17th.)

            Monday, January 23, 2006 4 p.m. EST (repeat)


All courses are free and open to anyone interested in participating. Visit www.vmanswers.com and click “Online Seminars” to register for the courses. Space is limited, so sign up early!   Call Sheri Hansen at 612-455-1707 with any questions.

 

Advanced Invasive Plant School

     Dr. Nelroy Jackson and Carl Bell are offering a new invasive plant school with a program designed for those people that need more in-depth information about how to control non-native, invasive plants in natural ecosystems and how these plants impact native flora and fauna.  The school is scheduled for December 6th and 7th in Ontario, California.  Register soon.  Space is still available as of 10/24/05.  For the agenda and the registration form visit:  http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/calendar/eventdisplay.cfm?caleventnum=10235

 

Southwest Vegetation Management Association’s Annual Meeting

     The Southwest Vegetation Management Association is hosting their annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona on November 2nd – 5th, 2005.  The theme of this year’s meeting is “Emerging Issues in Invasive Plant Management”.  Visit: http://www.swvma.org/ for more information.

 

 

 

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Grants

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State Water Board Funding Fair

     The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), Division of Financial Assistance is hosting a one-day Funding Fair on November 4, 2005 in Sacramento.  The event is free but participants must register.  Registration is encouraged before October 28th, 2005.  Visit the Funding Fair website (http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/funding/fundingfair.html), for more information.  The purpose of the Funding Fair is to provide an overview of current and upcoming environmental funding opportunities available from the State Water Board and through other State agencies. The Division of Financial Assistance has invited partner agencies to share information about a broad range of funding opportunities available to protect and enhance the State’s environmental resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with state representatives face to face and attend breakout sessions on a wide variety of subjects, including tips for completing an application, negotiating a grant agreement, and managing a grant.

 

Research Grant Available

     The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service is soliciting applications for a competitive grant.  Among the items the grant will fund include 1) Research that establishes cause and effect relationships between the abundance of invasive species and past and current land use.  2) The importance of different cultivation and nutrient management regimes, disturbance (including fire, pests and grazing), and other landscape features (presence of roads, degree of fragmentation) and/or processes (source-sink population dynamics) on invasive species.

     The program will consider activities (research and integrated) that focus on the biology of exotic, invasive plant and animal species of economic impact to agriculture. The research proposed should be performed within an agricultural setting emphasizing crop production, managed forests, rangeland, or other wild lands of conservation significance. The research could employ a population or community or ecosystem perspective, or some combination. Collaborative teams of land managers, weed biologists, population biologists, ecologists, physiologists, biogeochemists, and wildlife managers or those with expertise in simulation modeling and GIS are encouraged to apply.

     For more information, visit: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/nri_rfa.html

 

 

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Sincerely,

David Chang

Agricultural Commissioner's Office

County of Santa Barbara

(805) 681-5600

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  This is an occasional, usually monthly, newsletter about noxious and invasive weed management from the Santa Barbara County Weed Management Area.  If you want to subscribe to this newsletter, click here to reply to this email and place “Subscribe WMA NEWS” in the subject line.  For more information about the SBCWMA visit http://www.countyofsb.org/agcomm/WMA .   

  This newsletter is compiled from various emails and news items received by the SBCWMA, and if not copyrighted, might be repeated here nearly verbatim.  If you recognize your copyrighted material and want it to be removed, contact dchang@co.santa-barbara.ca.us.