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 4902 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 2007).

Reach	Infested Riparian Area acres	Watershed Infestation %
Mendocino County	765	6.5
Alexander Valley	2852	80.0
Dry Creek Valley	218	1.0
Healdsburg to Green Valley	929	12.0
Lower reach	138	0.5
All Reaches	4902	100

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

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 and Circuit Rider Productions 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 109 landowners have participated in the removal program.

Tailgate meetings as effective outreach

Infestations treated near agricultural lands

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

Enhance riparian areas with native plants Tarp for a non-chemical approach

Mechanical Removal

"Russian River weeds mowed down in a flash" Press Democrat 6/13/07

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.

Mechanical removal of Arundo donax

Treat using tractor mounted flail mower Ensure native vegetation is intact

Survey birds during nesting season Spray regrowth during dry season

Progress

Hand removal in the tributaries of Mendocino County continues. Mechanical removal leads efforts in Alexander Valley. Dry Creek Valley efforts focus on limiting downstream propagation. Healdsburg and lower reaches are priority after further progress upstream (Table II).

Table II. Russian River Watershed reach, total riparian area treated and percent of Russian River reach treated (September 2007).

Reach	Infestation Treatment acres	Reach Treatment %
Mendocino County	604	79.0
Alexander Valley*	502	17.5
Dry Creek Valley	86	40.0
Healdsburg to Green Valley	59	6.5
Lower reach	5	3.5

* Mechanical removal in 2007 amounted to 224 acres treated.

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.

Mitigated Negative Declaration

• Addendum #1 - adopted 1/19/07

Map of Giant Reed in the Russian River watershed

Area maps:

• Austin Creek
• Coyote Valley
• Forsythe
• Geyserville
• Guerneville
• Laguna de Santa Rosa
• Santa Rosa - Mark West
• Sulphur Creek
• Ukiah
• Warm Springs

Program Funding

For more information about the Sotoyome RCD's Arundo donax Removal Program,
please call Greg Fisher at (707) 569-1448 ext.105 or e-mail gfisher@sotoyomercd.org.