Case Studies - Carbon Neutral Invasive Plant Management
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin County, California
"The benefits of using H_M_O ℠ for invasive plant control in the GGNRA are significant because it can be used in sensitive situations where chemical control is not feasible or where mechanical control is arduous and costly."
Using high pressure water (H_M_O ℠), to control invasive plants in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin County, California
Maria Alvarez, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA.
Since 2006 we have utilized H_M_O ℠ (Hydromechanical obliteration) to control nine different invasive plants in the GGNRA. H_M_O ℠ uses a stream of high pressure water to mow, cut or juice woody or herbaceous plants in place. For Cape-ivy (Delairea odorata), English ivy (Hedera sp.), perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) and Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), significant reductions were achieved with just one treatment. Harding grass (Phalaris aquatica), jubata grass (Cortaderia jubata), and giant iris (Iris pseudacoru) required multiple treatments over time. We also had success in controlling panic veldt grass (Ehrharta erecta), and French broom (Genista monspessulana) as well. The benefits of using H_M_O ℠ for invasive plant control in the GGNRA are significant because it can be used in sensitive situations where chemical control is not feasible or where mechanical control is arduous and costly. It also has the added benefit of eliminating plant biomass, thus reducing project costs associated with piling, hauling and disposal. And thirdly, carbon is retained on-site. For the GGNRA, H_M_O ℠ has been a great new tool to put in our IPM toolbox.
Web Reference
http://www.cal-ipc.org/symposia/archive/pdf/2008/posterAlvarez.pdf
http://www.world-wire.com/news/0522060001.html
http://www.californiacompliant.com/
Presentation (Cal-IPC.org)
Symposium Poster, presented by Maria Alvarez
Cal-IPC Symposium 2008, California State University (Chico, October 2-4, 2008)
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