Russian River Team Arundo
Sotoyome Resource Conservation District, and
Mendocino County Resource Conservation District
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Problem
Arundo donax
is a non-native bamboolike
grass that invades riparian areas and
displaces native vegetation in the Russian
River Watershed. Russian River Team
Arundo leads removal and native vegetation
efforts in riparian corridors to enhance
biodiversity in habitat adjacent to
natural and agricultural lands.
The Russian River Watershed has an estimated
4850 acres of riparian areas infested
with Arundo donax (Table I.). This
non-native weed absorbs soil moisture,
shades out native plants, and presents a
significant fire hazard.
Table I. Russian River Watershed reach, total riparian area infested with Arundo
and percent Russian River Watershed infestation (September 2008).
Reach |
Infested Riparian Area acres |
Watershed Infestation % |
| Mendocino County | 830 | 17 |
| Alexander Valley | 2206 | 46 |
| Dry Creek Valley | 219 | 5 |
| Healdsburg to Green Valley | 1456 | 29 |
| Lower reach | 139 | 3 |
| All Reaches |
4850 |
100 |
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Watershed Assessment
Russian River Arundo infestations are documented using multiple
technologies. An initial survey was performed with video during
winter dormancy when infestations are most easily identified. Infestations
visible in the video were then located on the aerial photographs.
Infestations were digitized into Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) maps. Maps provide visual reference in the field and
office for job progress and estimating.

Video documentation for reference |

Riparian infestation mapping |
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Landowner Outreach
The Russian River Watershed is 98% privately owned. Because of this eradication
of Arundo donax in the watershed will only be successful with the investment
and commitment of private landowners, environmental groups, local,
state, and federal agencies, and the public.
A strong emphasis has been placed on community outreach including workshops,
literature, and landowner consultations. The RCDs work collaboratively with landowners to remove Arundo and
restore riparian habitat. Each removal site includes a detailed, customized
plan developed with landowner oversight and approval. To date 115
landowners have participated in the removal program.

Tailgate meetings as effective outreach |

Infestations treated near agricultural lands |
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Hand Removal and Riparian Planting
Hand removal with riparian plantings offers a comprehensive strategy for restoration.
Hand removal is ideal for localized infestations and on sites with prohibitive
access. In order to ensure quality restoration, Arundo stands are removed by hand
and riparian areas are planted, regrowth is controlled by herbicide or by tarps.

Treat using loppers and weed eaters

Paint herbicide for local control
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Enhance riparian areas with native plants

Tarp for a non-chemical approach
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Mechanical Removal
Due to the environmental impact of mechanical removal, Russian River Team Arundo
drafted a CEQA
Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Mechanical removal requires precise
timing and coordination. To ensure quality treatment, bird surveys are conducted,
Arundo stands are mowed, native vegetation is avoided, and regrowth is sprayed.

Treat using tractor mounted flail mower

Ensure native vegetation is intact
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Survey birds during nesting season

Spray regrowth during dry season
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Progress
Major efforts in the program are being led by mechanical removal efforts in the upper and central Alexander Valley. Hand removal in the tributaries and mainstem of Mendocino County continues as does removal in the Dry Creek Valley.
Lower Alexander Valley, Healdsburg, and lower reaches will become a higher priority after further progress upstream (Table II).
Table II.
Russian River Watershed reach, total riparian area treated / under landowner agreement and percent of Russian River reach treated / under landowner agreement (September 2008).
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Reach |
Infested Acres |
Infested acres under treatment or under landowner agreement |
Reach Treatment % |
| Mendocino County | 830 | 590 | 71 |
| Alexander Valley | 2206 | 1221 | 55 |
| Dry Creek Valley | 219 | 127 | 58 |
| Healdsburg to Green Valley | 1456 | 618 | 42 |
| Lower reach | 139 | 7 | 5 |
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Mitigated Negative Declaration
The Sotoyome RCD, as the lead California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) agency, has determined that the Giant Reed (Arundo donax) removal project in the Russian River watershed qualifies for a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to CEQA. Notice of Determination is on file with the California State Clearinghouse and can be viewed at
www.ceqanet.ca.gov - or is available for public review at Sotoyome RCD's office located at 2150 West College Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
Map of Giant Reed in the Russian River watershed
Area maps:
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Program Funding
For more information about the Sotoyome RCD's
Arundo donax Removal Program,
please call us at (707) 569-1448 or e-mail
info@sotoyomercd.org.
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