Ventura River Arundo Removal Demonstration Project

The Ventura County Watershed Protection District is acting as lead agency for the ATF to implement the Ventura River Arundo Removal Demonstration Project. The purpose of the project is to evaluate four different types of Arundo eradication techniques. Real cost and methodology data generated by the project would allow for effective planning and implementation of future Arundo removal projects within the Ventura County watershed, and, ultimately throughout other watersheds within Ventura County. In addition to assessing eradication techniques, six different riparian revegetation treatments with native plant species would be tested.  The project also includes a public outreach and education program to heighten awareness regarding the ecological benefits of Arundo removal.  

Project Description

The demonstration site is a five-acre site located along the east bank of the Ventura River, near the community of Casitas Springs. The site is approximately 50 feet wide and 4500 feet long. The demonstration site will be separated into four areas and four different removal methods will be implemented to evaluate their effectiveness. Removal methods include: 

1. Mechanical (hand) removal of the Arundo biomass immediately followed by the painting of the remaining stems with herbicide at appropriate cut-stump concentrations within a designated half-acre area.

2. A foliar spray application of the Arundo biomass at a 2-4% volume-to-volume concentration of herbicide within a quarter-are area. The biomass would remain on site and dead material would later be removed with hand held equipment.

3. Removal of the above ground biomass within a designated 4-acre site. Biomass would be removed with hand-held equipment without applying any herbicide, and regrowth with be treated with an herbicide as it emerges.

4. Mechanical removal of the Arundo biomass, including excavation of the root mass within a quarter acre area.   

A Draft Environmental Impact Report was prepared to address in potentially adverse impacts to air quality, biological resources, water resources, noise, and transportation associated with project activities. A public review period was established from June 16, 2003 through July 30, 2003. Public comments were received and addressed prior to adopting the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) on September 9, 2003. A copy of the FEIR and supporting documents is available at the Ventura County Watershed Protection District.

Project Funding

The majority of the project was funded by a grant from the California Coastal Conservancy Wetlands Recovery Project. Matching funds and a large amount of staff time will be provided by both the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Ventura County Watershed Protection District. The California Department of Fish and Game also submitted a large amount of money towards the project.

Project Implementation

Removal activities are anticipated to begin in August-September 2004 and will take approximately 6 weeks to complete. The demonstration site will be monitored for one year, allowing for treatment of Arundo regrowth, then revegetation techniques will be implemented.