Goal 6. Control of existence or spread of exotic plants and weeds within the project area, with a focus on conifers, Brachypodium (false brome), and poisonoak. 

An inventory of weed plants has been started for this project.  Undesired species are added to the list as they are discovered.  Weed species that may be arriving from adjacent landownerships are put on a "Watch" list, to be aware of potential infestations that may occur at any time.  Weed species occurring on the property will also be mapped as they are treated at periodic intervals.  The recent discovery of Canadian thistle, for example, promoted it from the passive Watch list and--due to the proposed burning plan that is likely to favor potential thistle seeding--to the "high priority" treatment level of the "Control" group. 

The following table lists the known weed species that have been located on the property to this time (March 21, 2005), the identified Watch species (now just grasses), and the basic treatment plan for known populations.  Douglas-fir and grand fir populations have been nearly eliminated in the past three months, although a number of conifer seedlings and saplings remain scattered about the property.  All other weed species are just now beginning to leaf out and grow.  Annuals have just begun to sprout.

Control List.  These species occur as weeds on the project site and are subject to regular monitoring and treatment actions.

The following timetable lists the short-term tasks that should be undertaken to control weed species as native forbs, bulbs, and grasses become established:

Spring, 2005.  Establish continuous three to four-foot Velpar shield around border of the property.  Map all locations of Brachypodium, Himalayan blackberry, and poisonoak.  Cut all remaining conifer saplings and seedlings, and holly.  Spot spray and map weedy areas of the property using the following mixes: 

1.  Velpar shield.  Glyphosate, Garlon, Velpar, food dye, water.  For three to four-foot strip around property to better monitor and control the passage of Brachypodium and poisonoak across property lines.  Will also create a management trail for laying sprinkler lines and setting burn boundaries.

2.  Brachypodium mix ("B" Spray).  Glyphosate, food dye, water.  For spot spray on Brachypodium, other exotic grasses, and Canadian thistle.

3.  Poisonoak mix ("P" Spray).  Garlon, food dye, water.  For use on poisonoak, English hawthorn, Scotch broom, Himalayan blackberry,

4.  Field mix.  Glyphosate, Garlon, food dye, water.  For general field spraying in which area has heavy mix of poisonoak or Himalayan blackberry and Brachypodium or other weed grasses.

Repeat spray and cut treatments at two-week intervals until seeding and growth of Brachypodium and poisonoak have stopped.  Touch up Velpar shield with field mix as needed.

Summer, 2005.  Spot spray and cut occasional weed species as they are discovered, if seeding appears imminent.  Otherwise, treat at 30-day intervals.  Burn south meadow and possibly burn one or more draws, depending on conditions (see Goals 7 and 8). 

Fall, 2005.  Cover burn piles with plastic.  Repeat spot spray treatments as needed, if fall growing weather becomes a factor.  Repeat Velpar shield spray.

Winter, 2006.  Burn piles (see Goals 7 and 8).  Spot treat any weeds noted.

Spring-Fall, 2006.  Follow same Velpar shield (two applications) and spot spray (two week intervals from beginning to end of growing season) schedules as 2005, unless some radical change is needed due to poor performance, unanticipated result, or other cause.

Mid-term Strategy (two to ten years: 2007-2015)

It is anticipated that the short-term strategy to control weeds will prove effective and that a species-specific schedule of systematic cutting and herbicide use will continue for the foreseeable future.  However, if something should affect the use of herbicides--unanticipated health problems with western bluebirds or sharp-tailed snakes, federal regulations regarding Endangered Species, City school regulations, or something of that nature--then hand- and hoe-weeding could be performed as an alternative method of removing unwanted plants at regular intervals. 

It is also anticipated that the proposed burning-cycle experiment (see Goal 8) will take place during this time period, and that the regular burning events will have strong effects on weed populations--both good and bad; depending on species, seed source, and burn intervals.  The effects of regular burning on Brachypodium migration will be of particular interest.  Several weed control research and education projects could be coordinated with proposed management actions.

Long-term Strategy (10 to 100 years: 2015-2105)

Continue to regularly manage and limit the introduction and existence of weeds within the savannah restoration boundary.  Continue to apply lessons learned through earlier management actions and experimental findings to alter management plans accordingly.

Note:  The following information is quoted directly from a negative current report on treatment of Brachypodium with Roundup (Glyphosate): 

"Herbicide applications are currently the most effective technique known for controlling B. sylvaticum. Attempts to control this species at the Oregon State University Research Forests with the herbicides hexazinone (tradename Velpar®) and one glyphosate formulation (tradename Accord®) were effective. Application of Accord® (which is often used in forestry practices) at a rate of 5 liters/ha (2 quarts/acre) (with surfactant Activar 90®), followed in the next year by Velpar® at 9 liters/ha (1 gallon/acre), provided good control (T. Kaye, pers. comm.). Surprisingly, treatment with another formulation of glyphosate (tradename RoundUp®) met with little success as did treatment with sulfometuron methyl (tradename Oust®)."

I have checked up on this with Rod Slattum and with Bruce Kelpsas (long-time herbicide consultant), and it appears the problem may have been with application methods rather than chemical.  In any case, we are aware of this result and will keep a close eye on the performance of the various spray mixes to make certain we obtain effective results.