SANTA CLARA ARUNDO REMOVAL PLAN (SCARP)

The harmful effects of Arundo donax and Tamarix species are well documented.  In fact, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) recently proposed the addition of Arundo donax and Tamarix, along with six (6) other exotic invasive plants, to the CDFA Noxious Weed List in the California Code of Regulations.  The Ventura County Resource Conservation District, as lead agency for the Ventura County Arundo Task Force, in conjunction with its partners, proposes to undertake a regional Arundo donax and Tamarix eradication program in the Upper Santa Clara River watershed.  Invasive weed infestations are most effectively addressed on a regional scale and done systematically over a period of many years.

The project will not only benefit the Upper Santa Clara River watershed, but also help those restoration efforts downstream in Ventura County and reduce the Arundo that washes out annually and is deposited on downstream beaches.  The long-term goal of the Ventura County Arundo Task Force is the eradication of Arundo from all portions of the Santa Clara River, both in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

The goal of this project is to establish an eradication program that demonstrate measurable riparian habitat improvements as the project progresses in the next twenty (20) years and beyond.  The stated goals and objectives of the proposed eradication program are consistent with those of the Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program and the Watershed Management Initiative (WMI).  Specifically, “Eradication of exotic species and habitat restoration” is listed as one of the priority projects on the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s (RWQCB) NPS Program’s Target Projects List.  Also, in the WMI Chapter dated December 2000, the Regional Board lists “Impacts from exotic vegetation” as one of the significant watershed issues for the Santa Clara River watershed.

Removal of Arundo and Tamarix will increase the available surface and subsurface water.  Water quality sampling will be done prior to eradication efforts and again after eradication has been completed.  Short-term impacts will be identified.