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| Home / Plans and Projects / Resource Management | |||||
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 Projects
An invasive species is a plant or animal species that is not native to the local ecosystem, takes over large areas, and reduces biodiversity in ways that often cause economic or environmental harm. The District removes invasive species from its preserves whenever possible. The District follows a strategic plan when dealing with invasive species. When weedy plant species are located, their potential for becoming invasive at that location is evaluated. Of particular concern are invasive plants that will threaten rare native species or are likely to spread rapidly or cover large areas. A new sighting is added to a priority-based list for work by District staff, volunteers or contractors. District staff researches the best methods to control an invasive species using an integrated pest control approach, and makes certain to return to a site as many times as necessary in subsequent years to first contain the spread of the invasive plant and then eradicate it completely from that site. Regeneration of native plants is encouraged at the control site, or native plants are seeded or planted. Feral Pigs 
A new and potentially destructive invasive species, slender false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum) has been found in the Woodside area, including Thornewood Open Space Preserve. A perennial bunch grass originally from Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it is capable of achieving over 90% ground cover, inhibiting the growth of tree seedlings, and completely replacing native vegetation. In Oregon, this invasive grass has spread to over 10,000 acres and has become a major resource management problem. Slender false brome was identified in Woodside in January 2004. This area is the only known location of the weed in California. It is important that the problem is taken care of quickly before it spreads and becomes unmanageable. Currently, the District is conducting a public outreach campaign to educate private property owners and map the extent of the infestation.
To see how you can play a role, view and share the Slender False Brome Identification and Control Guide Sudden Oak Death Sudden Oak Death is a forest disease caused by the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. The pathogen has caused the widespread dieback of some oak species and other plants commonly found in oak forests in Northern and Central California, including some District preserves. The pathogen causes cankers to grow on the leaves or wood of infected plants. Other pest organisms like fungi and bark beetles can eventually kill an infected tree. How the pathogen spreads is currently unknown but it appears to be associated with moist winds, especially around California bay trees. It also may be spread by moving infected vegetation and soil, including material accidentally carried by shoes and tires. District staff monitors preserves for symptoms of Sudden Oak Death and works with representatives from the Oak Mortality Task Force to stay abreast of the latest science and news regarding the spread and control of the pathogen. The District follows “clean practices” when working in Sudden Oak Death areas to control its spread into new areas. Closures of certain trails during the rainy season may also assist in controlling the spread of Sudden Oak Death. Educational materials and signs are posted at Open Space Preserves with high-risk areas for Sudden Oak Death to encourage visitors to stay on trails and to clean their shoes, pet’s paws and tires before leaving the preserve to prevent the unintentional spread of Sudden Oak Death (remove all soil and bits of vegetation, and, if possible, spray with Lysol). Please take note of these signs when visiting District preserves. For more information, visit http://www.suddenoakdeath.org.
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Invasive Species Control
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