Natures Image extensive experience in the removal of the noxious species has proven time and again to be at the forefront of the industry.
Case Studies
Matilija Dam
Restoration Project
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Las Virgenes Creek Rehabilitation Project
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San Felipe Tamarisk Eradication Project
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Summerly Mitigation Project
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Hill Canyon Wetlands Restoration Project
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Big Tujunga Wash Mitigation Bank Project
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Tonner Hills
Restoration Project
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Carden Academy
Reclamation Project
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Overview
Before work began; tamarisk is an invasive non-native species also known as saltcedar.
Natures Image was first contracted to remove the noxious weed Tamarisk from a portion of Anza-Borrego Desert for the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. Beginning in 2002, the work expanded over the next 6 years and eventually included areas managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. During this time, Natures Image developed innovative strategies to remove the Tamarisk efficiently and effectively addressing the location, size of the plant material and work restrictions within the State Park.
Tamarisk is an invasive non-native species also known as saltcedar. It has a very aggressive growth pattern and displaces native vegetation within watersheds and also constricts water ways. This plant absorbs a large amount of water with its long tap roots and extremely high evapotranspiration rate causing great water depletion in the region. Additionally, it creates a large salt deposit leaving the habitat inhospitable to native plants of the region and altering the soil nutrient balance.
The Challenge
This job consisted of five zones to be completed in order, each with its own requirements and difficulties. The 4th zone was inaccessible to vehicles with large amounts of biomass requiring removal. There were also three ponds requiring additional specific herbicides and unavailable water sources for site treatment. As with all sensitive areas minimal impact of surrounding native plant and animal populations was an important consideration.
The Solution
In an effort to both protect native species and ensure eradication, a cut-stump approach was implemented. The cut-stump is a labor intensive approach that blends cutting the tamarisk to ground level and treating with an herbicide. Additionally, to minimize the effects on the ponds, a safe water-treatment herbicide was chosen.
Natures Image mobilized for the project October 2007 after the completion of nesting season to both protect the bird population and ensure the most effective time of year for Tamarisk eradication.
Kubota ATV was used to transport the chipper to accommodate the environment and facilitate access to all the zones.
The work began with the initial removal and treatment of the Tamarisk in zone 1 with a blended approach: cut-stump for trees larger than 2 inches with foliar application to plants 1/2 inch or less in diameter and chipping, where feasible. Otherwise, the cut material was spread in remote areas as long as it was an agreed upon distance from running water and could no longer rejuvenate itself. The discarded plant material also provided the benefit of cover for small mammals and birds in the area.
A Kubota ATV was used to transport the chipper to accommodate the environment and facilitate access to all the zones. Natures Image employed a system that allowed for the majority of the cut material to be chipped and left on the ground rather than drug to another location. The Kubota also allowed water to be hauled to the site for chemical mixing and treatment of the cut stumps.
The Result
Success of the project allowed near eradication of Tamarisk from a sensitive area in California and the rehabilitation of the native landscape. Natures Image extensive experience in the removal of the noxious species has proven time and again to be at the forefront of the industry.
The innovative and resourceful use of the small Kubota towing the chipper proved to be very successful for this difficult region. The phases were completed in order and on time with very little regrowth in the maintenance phase. The successful removal of the invasive species and minimized damage to the surrounding habitat was crucial to the overall success of the project and native habitat. Efficient initial removal lessened the impact on the surrounding region with less mobilization disturbance, aiding the emergent native plant life, and reduced chemical application ensuring no long term consequences.
