**FY2001 Progress Report**

**Exotic Plant Management**

Prepared by Scott Powell, Andrea Williams,

And Jim Popenoe

Division of Resource Management and Science

Redwood National and State Parks

Orick, California

October 2001

**FY2001 HIGHLIGHTS**

-   NRPP funding was received and work has begun to control English ivy
    and other shade tolerant species in the Hiouchi / Jedediah Smith
    Area.

-   RNSP began a project in the Redwood Creek estuary to remove pampas
    grass (PC 00-04).

-   Previously controlled populations of Scotch broom, European
    beachgrass, sea-fig, tansy ragwort, foxglove, Spanish heath, cape
    ivy, and English ivy were held to maintenance levels.

-   Populations of cape ivy, English ivy, Himalayaberry, teasel, black
    locust, Scotch broom, pampas grass, and silver wattle were mapped in
    several locations throughout the park and will be accessible on the
    park GIS in FY 2002.

-   Additional projects to control pampas grass, Himalayaberry,
    periwinkle, black locust, Scotch broom, English ivy, cotoneaster,
    and English holly were submitted for approval and implementation in
    FY02.

-   RNSP staff participated on the steering committee for the Humboldt
    County Weed Management Area team involved in mapping, managing,
    funding, and education of invasive plants in Northern California.

**DETAILS**

1.  **North District** \-- Andrea Williams

2.  **South District** -- Scott Powell

3.  **Labor Time and Cost Tabulations** -- Scott Powell, Andrea Williams

**APPENDICES**

A. Project Clearance for Hiouchi South Exotics Control

B. Project Clearance for Small-scale Exotics Removal Projects

**NORTH DISTRICT: JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOODS STATE PARK AND HIOUCHI AREA**

Andrea Williams, Biological Science Technician

October 18, 2001

# SPECIFIC CONTROL EFFORTS

# HIGH-PRIORITY SPECIES

**European beachgrass,** *Ammophila arenaria*

Follow-up of a small infestation on Crescent beach continued this year.
A handful of sprouts were pulled from the southern central portion of
the beach.

**Scotch broom,** *Cytisus scoparius*

Removal of a large population of Scotch broom was begun last year in
Hiouchi. The areas cleared include along the service road across from
the Hiouchi Information Center, and the burn meadow adjacent to the
road. Resprouting has been minimal, but no further control work has been
done. Many plants remain in the Hiouchi Flat area. Volunteers from GGNRA
and the state parks\' Alder Crew pulled plants from the riverbank near
the picnic area and boat launch ramp, respectively.

Maintenance continued to pull seedlings from the field at Aubell.

**French broom,** *Genista monspessulana*

Small populations were intermixed with the Scotch broom along the
service road and river bar. These were treated concurrently with Scotch
broom.

**English ivy,** *Hedera helix*

RNSP was awarded a grant from NRPP in support of shade-tolerant exotics
removal (primarily English ivy (*Hedera helix*), but also cotoneaster
(*Cotoneaster* species), English holly (*Ilex aquifolium*), and vinca
(periwinkle, *Vinca major*)) in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Monies were received in January to fund the first year of the project.
Project clearances (CEQA #00-635A-014 and amendment; PPC #01-08 and
01-14) have been approved for all areas that were identified as infested
at the time of the grant. Two additional sites, Walker Ranch and the SRL
House (Save the Redwoods League house and property at the base of
Crescent Hill) , have not been thoroughly surveyed or mapped as of this
time.

Almost 8,000 hours have been spent removing English ivy on approximately
40 acres of park land. The bulk of that time was spent at the western
boundary of the park, along Highway 199 and up Kings Valley Road to Camp
Lincoln. All sites identified last year, with the exception of Hiouchi
Flat, have been at least partially treated. See attached map for site
locations.

The south side of Highway 199 at the western park boundary is 2/3
complete (10 acres, 1717 hours); much of the remaining infestation is
light, but the heavy portion grows down a sheer road embankment and will
pose a challenge when we tackle it in the coming year. Crews and
volunteers pulled ivy from the historic Hampson property, and in the
woods by the Mary Lee Kellis Grove. The North District exotics
technician ranged far back into the old-growth to pull fledgling
infestations.

The north side of Highway 199, from its junction with Kings Valley Road
eastward, is also 2/3 complete (7.6 acres, plus 2.5 last year, 2747
hours); the remaining acres are very heavily infested, but mature ivy
around the trees was cut this year to remove the seed source, lightening
the load slightly for removal in FY '02. The infestation continues
patchily along Kings Valley Road toward Camp Lincoln. The ivy by the
turn past the private inholding was partially eradicated this year, and
a rare plant (Indian pipe (*Monotropa uniflora*), CNPS List 2) was
found. The remaining ivy will be removed in the coming year.

Initial removal was done at all of Camp Lincoln (7 acres, 2629 hours),
and most of the area was visited for resprouts several times. Native
plants are rebounding well, although some pioneer species and creeping
buttercup (*Ranunculus repens*) which will persist in shade once
established) have invaded along lawn edges.

At the junction of Highway 199 and Highway 197 (North Bank Road),
removal of a small but challenging infestation (0.03 acres, 94.5 hours)
was performed. Total eradication was not possible, as much of the ivy
was growing from the top of a large boulder. Visits for resprouts will
take place during the winter, as deciduous carpets of poison-oak
(*Toxicodendron diversilobum*), manroot (*Marah* species), and
blackberry (*Rubus discolor* and *R. ursinus*) over crevasses in the
rock make footing treacherous.

Templeman Grove (0.14 acres, 20.25 hours) was a small infestation at
approximately the 1-mile mark of Highway 197, between the road and the
river. The ivy has been removed and the area diligently searched for
resprouts. Follow-up will continue. Templeman Grove also contains a
population of Indian-pipe.

Control around Hiouchi Information Center (8 acres, 469 hours)
continued; the entire acreage was treated for ivy, from west of the
parking lot all the way to the Fire Personnel Housing driveway. Invading
Himalayan blackberry (*Rubus discolor*) will be removed as part of the
ivy resprout removal process. The population of heart-leaf twayblade
(*Listera cordata*, CNPS List 4) uncovered by previous removal
activities remains robust. Slightly further east, the treatment of the
area around the Hiouchi Fire Office (known historically as Norm's
Trailer) began (0.1 acres, 239 hours). Total initial treatment of the
location should take three more crew days.

The Jedediah Smith Campground (11 acres, 29.5 hours) was lightly
infested; it was swept this winter. The housing in the campground (0.12
acres, 34.25 hours), adjacent to the maintenance yard, was more heavily
infested. A crew removed ivy, cotoneaster, holly, and creeping St.
John's wort in winter. A spring sweep for resprouts revealed new
populations of heart-leaf twayblade. The housing and maintenance yard
border Hiouchi Flat, the open, heavily impacted area where control
activities are scheduled for the coming year.

The only other location treated this year was the State Park
Headquarters at Aubell (0.003 acres, 3 hours). The small infestation is
non-fruiting and kept in check by mowing. Removal will take place in the
coming year.

Depending on the availability of crew time, the remaining infested areas
should be treated before spring. Given that all fruiting ivy on park
land has been cut, or will be by the end of the year, further
infestation and re-infestation will be minimal. Progress has been good,
and we steadily proceed toward our goals.

**Klamathweed,** *Hypericum perforatum*

Small populations exist in open, disturbed areas of the park. No
concerted effort was made this year to control Klamathweed, although
plants along the gravel bar were pulled when encountered.

**Himalaya blackberry,** *Rubus discolor*

No new control work was done on the populations of exotic blackberry on
the Hampson Property (Parkway at Highway 199), Camp Lincoln, Aubell, or
the campground area. In most of these areas, blackberry was mowed or
pruned by maintenance staff. However, the plants will resprout unless
root systems are removed. Some bushes, including root burls, were
removed in the Hiouchi area, and in a portion of ivy removal area
between Kings Valley Road and Highway 199. Blackberry will continue to
be removed in areas where it is mixed with ivy to prevent its
re-infesting cleared areas.

**Tansy ragwort,** *Senecio jacobaea*

Small populations of tansy ragwort occur in the burn meadow adjacent to
the service road in Hiouchi, roadside on 199 and Howland Hill Road, at
the Mill Creek Horse Trail, and a larger population in the field at
Aubell. Maintenance pulls most plants from these places. A pasture
adjacent to the field has a large population, which the owners may
control again this summer, but some plants have set seed. The Cinnabar
moth was found by the Mill Creek Horse Trail, and larvae were on several
plants pulled from Aubell. More consistent work and follow-up visits are
needed to keep tansy ragwort from expanding in open areas.

# OTHER SPECIES

**Silver wattle (Acacia),** *Acacia dealbata*

Populations of silver wattle occur in the park throughout Hiouchi Flat,
around the fire cache housing and as far away as the base of the winter
boat launch in the campground. The "Weed Team" will be assisting in
their removal in the coming year.

**Bamboo,** *Bambusa* species

Aside from a small population on the private land a half-mile in on the
east (park) side of Kings Valley Road, two populations were found in
JSRSP. One plant was pulled from the high-water area of the river bar in
the campground, near the picnic area. The area will be monitored for
resprouting. Another small population occurs in Hiouchi Flat; it does
not appear to be spreading.

**Butterfly bush,** *Buddleja davidii*

An expanding infestation of butterfly bush occurs on the gravel bar.
Control was begun last August; a crew used weed wrenches to pull smaller
shrubs from an area west of Campsites 58-62. The ground was too hard,
and some shrubs too large, to remove all the plants; for these,
flowering branches were removed. Follow-up and additional control is
needed, possibly with a truck and winch; the shrubs have all
re-sprouted.

**Spotted knapweed,** *Centaurea stoebe* ssp. *stoebe* \[formerly *C.
maculosa*\]

Eradication of a small population on the gravel bar has been ongoing for
several years. This year, late July surveys yielded no plants; one plant
was found and pulled in each biweekly survey during August and
September, for a total of three. Last year I located and removed four
plants. Dave at Del Norte County Agriculture Department also surveys and
removes plants in the area; he reports removing 12 from the park this
year.

**Cotoneaster,** *Cotoneaster franchetii* and *C. pannosa*

Large populations exist along Kings Valley Road (especially near Camp
Lincoln) and in the Hiouchi area. Small shrubs were pulled from the
campground area when encountered; some remain near the entrance and in
the NPS lands adjacent to the campground. Major removal was begun near
Camp Lincoln. The west end of Highway 199, north and south sides, was
largely cleared. Several large shrubs and dense populations remain along
Kings Valley Road, and in the Hiouchi Flat area; they will be removed in
the coming year.

Resprouting of shrubs pulled last year has been minimal.

**Crocosmia or Montbretia,** *Crocosmia* x *crocosmiiflora*

Small populations occur roadside along Highway 199 just east of the
campground entrance, in the campground itself, in Hiouchi Flat, along
Aubell Lane, and by the turnout for the westbound lane of Highway 199 at
the 1.55-mile marker. Crocosmia is very invasive in Del Norte County,
and these populations (as well as those along the Nickel Creek
Campground/Enderts Beach Trail) bear watching.

**Caper spurge (Gopher plant),** *Euphorbia lathyris*

Plants occur along Kings Valley Road and Elk Valley Road. Populations in
the park consist of a large field intermixed with Himalaya blackberry,
and a smaller stand at Camp Lincoln. Caper spurge is related to leafy
spurge, which is a major problem in rangelands. Leafy spurge is
perennial and rhizomatous, while caper spurge is a taprooted biennial
(reducing the likelihood of invasiveness); still, it bears watching.

**Fennel,** *Foeniculum vulgare*

Aside from a small population roadside on Highway 199 adjacent to the
park, only one plant was found in JSRSP. This plant was pulled adjacent
to the winter boat launch ramp, on the edge of the silver wattle
infestation. The area will be monitored for resprouting.

**Bean's St. John's wort,** *Hypericum beanii* (formerly *H. patulum*
var. *henryi*)

A large population grows roadside on Kings Valley, and one shrub has
been found in the woods around Camp Lincoln. Gardening websites indicate
this plant tolerates shade, so I will be on the lookout for signs of
spread.

**Creeping St. John's wort (Aaron's beard),** *H. calycinum*

This exotic shows signs of invasiveness and has spread from the known
planting by campground housing to along the river/beach trail. Control
began on these populations this year. Some resprouting has occurred, and
follow-up continues. Several sources list it as invasive under certain
conditions, and its rhizomatous, ground-covering growth make it a plant
to watch.

**English holly,** *Ilex aquifolium*

Small to medium-sized shrubs continue to be found and pulled concurrent
with ivy removal. The large trees on the Hampson property and in Hiouchi
Flat will be removed in the coming year.

**White sweetclover,** *Melilotus alba*

A large infestation of white sweetclover occurs on the gravel bar.
Follow-up and additional control is needed after last year's effort. The
plant also occurs roadside in a few areas of the park.

**Bird or Sweet Cherry,** *Prunus avium*

A mature population of cherry trees occurs in the park occurs around the
Hiouchi Visitor Center. The "Weed Team" will be assisting in their
removal in the coming year.

**Creeping buttercup,** *Ranunculus repens*

Creeping buttercup colonized some areas cleared of ivy. At much of the
Hampson property and Camp Lincoln, where it was abundant in lawn areas,
spread was minimized. In more native-dominated areas, such as the west
end of Highway 199, all invaders were removed. Follow-up continues, to
eliminate seedlings and plants missed on the first sweep. Creeping
buttercup colonizes bare ground and excludes other species; it will not
compete with established plants.

**Greater periwinkle,** *Vinca major*

Periwinkle has been removed from the Hiouchi Information Center and Camp
Lincoln; resprouting has been intense, and follow-up continues. Much
more remains in an island between the driveway and road at Camp Lincoln,
and some in Hiouchi Flat. The population at Camp Lincoln will be
eradicated this coming year if it shows signs of spread by seed.

# 

# 

# 

# 

#  

# SOUTH DISTRICT

Scott Powell, Biological Science Technician

October 23, 2001

## 

# SPECIFIC CONTROL EFFORTS

## **HIGH-PRIORITY SPECIES**

## 

## **European Beachgrass** (*Ammophila arenaria*)

Approximately 150 hours were spent removing European beachgrass
resprouts on Freshwater beach during the winter, spring, and summer of
2001. Labor was provided by the Exotics staff and VIP, SOC support crew
staff, RIC staff, CDF/CDC crews, YCC crews, and volunteer activities.
Total person hours required for removal decreased dramatically since the
project was initiated in 1999 (3270 and 930 hours for FY99 and FY00,
respectively). Exotics staff will continue to monitor the beach for
resprouts every 3-4 months during FY2002.

Additional removal activities are planned in FY2002 for the section of
beach from Redwood Creek north to Mussel Point.

**Scotch Broom** (*Cytisus scoparius*)

Scotch broom removal in the Bald Hills was carried out by Exotics staff,
support staff, and CDF inmate crews. Inmate crews logged over 1500 hours
during the months of January through March concentrating on removal of
1-2 year old plants capable of flowering during 2001. High
concentrations of first year seedlings (6"-8" tall) were generally
ignored with the expectation that they will likely perish in upcoming
prescribed burns and do not typically flower/seed the first year.
Follow-up visits were conducted in April, May, and June to detect and
remove flowering plants that were overlooked. Removal will resume in the
Winter of 2002 targeting unburned areas and surviving plants.

A project clearance has been initiated for the removal of a small
population of broom behind the former Blankenship truck shop.

**Cape Ivy** (*Delairea odorata*)

A small population of cape ivy was detected in and around redwood tree
just below the paved road leading to the Redwood Creek Trailhead and
subsequently removed by SOC support crew.

A small infestation was discovered and subsequently removed from the
middle island of the Redwood Creek estuary.

A concentrated population of cape ivy on Requa was mapped and a project
clearance initiated for its removal.

SOC support staff led CDF inmate crews on a follow-up treatment at the
Wilson Creek leaseback property in April.

An existing population near the mouth of Nickel Creek is currently being
monitored. The present management goal is to keep the infestation
contained within its present location.

At present there have been no resprouts detected from a previously
treated population at Davison Ranch. Follow-up will be done on all sites
in FY2002.

**English Ivy** (*Hedera helix*)

CDF inmate crews spent two days in February removing ivy resprouts from
the banks of Marshall Pond and the associated section of the Flint Ridge
Trail. A few additional populations of ivy have been treated on the site
and farther up the trail, however, the time expenditure for follow-up
treatment is expected to continue to decrease.

In April and May support staff and CDF crews spent four days on resprout
control and initial removal at the Wilson Creek leaseback site.

Follow-up removal of a small infestation of English ivy behind the
parking area at the Redwood Creek trailhead was completed in February by
SOC support staff and volunteers.

The CDF crew removed or severed aerial ivy vines in the stand of
redwoods located on the hillside above the Davison Ranch. Additional
removal and follow-up will continue in FY2002.

**Pampas grass** (*Cortaderia jubata*)

Work began in August on a new project (PC 00-04) to remove pampas grass
from the middle island portion of the Redwood Creek estuary. CDF inmate
crews have provided Labor with assistance from the SOC support crew.
Completion of the initial removal phase is expected by January 2002.

Removal of pampas grass on the north side of Redwood Creek is expected
to begin in FY 2002 concurrently with the beachgrass removal in that
area (PC 00-03).

A project clearance (PC 01-13) has been submitted for removal of plants
along the Tall Trees access road and the paved road leading to the
Redwood Creek Trail.

Individual or small groups of plants have been removed from the Tall
Trees Road, K & K Road, Marshall Pond, and the 101 bypass.

A population at the Mitchell property is being monitored and may be
included in a future project clearance.

**Himalayaberry** (*Rubus discolor*)

A project clearance (Small-scale Exotics Removal Projects, PC 01-13) was
submitted for removal of Himalayaberry at Williams Ridge and Counts Hill
Prairie in the Bald Hills and near the corral of the Davison Ranch.

Several small thickets were removed from Elk Camp Prairie during the
Scotch broom removal in February.

In April several small thickets were cut back or removed from the south
end of Freshwater Spit adjacent to the parking area.

Two days were spent removing resprouts from the Elk Meadow day use area.

Infestations were documented on the Bald Hills Road, 101 bypass, and the
Redwood Creek Trailhead. These sites will be monitored and weighed for
removal in FY2002.

**Reed canary grass** (*Phalaris arundinacea*)

CCC crews and exotics staff spent over 400 person hours removing reed
canary grass from the Elk Meadow restoration site during the
Winter/Spring of 2001. The population will be mapped in FY2002 and added
to the park GIS.

**Tansy Ragwort** (*Senecio jacobaea*)

Nine hours were spent removing tansy in the Bald Hills near Williams
Ridge. Although a few plants had already gone to seed, most were still
in flower and the heads were cut and bagged for future burning. Stems
were pulled and left on site. The plant distribution was mapped and the
site will be monitored closely next summer for any changes in population
density.

**Yellow Bush Lupine** (*Lupinus arboreus*)

A few yellow bush lupine plants were removed from the Freshwater picnic
area by interpretive staff. A few additional plants were removed near
the shoreline during beachgrass removal at Freshwater Spit.

**OTHER SPECIES**

**Fennel** (*Foeniculum vulgare*)

Several fennel plants were removed from Boyes Prairie along the
roadsides of the Newton B. Drury Parkway in Prairie Creek Redwoods State
Park. Follow-up and additional removal will be necessary along the
bypass and exit ramp leading into south entrance of the Park.

A few plants were observed on the middle island of the Redwood Creek
estuary and will be removed concurrent with the pampas grass project.

**Yellow Starthistle** (*Centaurea solstitialis*)

Yellow starthistle was not observed during surveys in August of former
infestations.

**Spanish Heath** (*Erica lusitanica*)

A few plants were removed between Freshwater Lagoon and Highway 101 near
the south entrance of the park. The site will be revisited in FY2002.

**Foxglove** (*Digitalis purpurea*)

CDF inmate crews, SOC support crew, and YCC contributed to removal of
foxglove in the Bald Hills Prairies in 2001.

Exotics and support crew staff conducted removal along the Tall Trees
Access Road.

SOC staff volunteered in removing plants along the SOC road.

Follow-up will be conducted in spring of 2002, concurrently with
scheduled events when possible.

**Greater periwinkle** (*Vinca major*)

Removal has been proposed in the Oak Woodlands of an infestation
approximately ¾ acre in size in Project Clearance 01-13. If approved,
removal should begin in the spring of 2002.

Populations have been documented at the Davison Ranch and the Wilson
Creek leaseback properties.

**English holly** (*Ilex aquifolium*)

Two young holly trees were detected at Marshall Pond and wrenched from
the ground during an ivy removal activity.

Two seedling trees were removed between Kiosks D and E at Freshwater
Spit alongside the parking area during beachgrass/Himalayaberry removal
efforts in April.

Removal of the large holly trees along the entrance road to the Wolf
Creek School was proposed in Project Clearance 01-13.

**Crocosmia or Montbretia,** *Crocosmia* x *crocosmiiflora*

An infestation of crocosmia (approximately 1/10-acre) was reported on
the Ah Pah Trail earlier in the year. A removal effort by the YCC in
July and a volunteer effort in September removed the majority of the
existing plants. More work is required in 2002 to remove the remaining
plants and resprouts.

A small infestation has been documented on the middle island of the
Redwood Creek estuary and will be removed during the ongoing pampas
grass project.

**Labor Time Costs of Exotic Plant Control Activities**

**National Park Service**

Costs are estimated at \$17 per hour, except for the SOC support crew,
which is estimated at \$20 per hour. Costs do not include reconnaissance
and research, preparation, or time spent traveling to work sites, so
estimates are for on site removal activities only and therefore
conservative.

**California Department of Forestry**

California Department of Forestry Alder Camp (CDF) crews were utilized
with little cost to Vegetation Management. Reimbursement costs to CDF
are estimated at \$50 per day.

**Youth Conservation Corps**

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) assisted with removal of European
beachgrass, foxglove, crocosmia, and English ivy at no expense to
Vegetation Management.

**Volunteers-In-Park**

VIP who participated in control activities:

Elke Wald, Valsala Manaloor

**Plant abbreviations**

AMAR *Ammophila arenaria,* European Beachgrass

ALsp *Alstroemeria sp.,* Peruvian Lily

BAPI *Baccharis pilularis*, Coyote Brush

CACH *Carpobrotus chilensis,* Sea fig

CESO *Centaurea solstitialis,* Star Thistle

CEST *Centaurea stoebe* ssp. *stoebe* \[formerly *C. maculosa*\]

CIAR *Cirsium arvense,* Canada Thistle

CIVU *Cirsium vulgare,* Bull thistle

COFR *Cotoneaster franchetti,* Cotoneaster

COJU *Cortaderia jubata,* Pampas Grass

COPA *Cotoneaster pannosa,* Cotoneaster

CRxCR *Crocosmia* x *crocosmiiflora,* Crocosmia or Montbretia

CYSC *Cytisus scoparius,* Scotch Broom

DEOD *Delairea odorata,* Cape Ivy

DIFU *Dipsacus fullonum,* Wild Teasel

DIPU *Digitalis purpurea,* Foxglove

ERLU *Erica lusitanica,* Spanish Heath

EULA *Euphorbia lathyris,* Caper spurge (Gopher plant)

FOVU *Foeniculum vulgare,* Fennel

GEMO *Genista monspessulana*

HEHE *Hedera helix,* English Ivy

HYPE *Hypericum perforatum,* Klamath Weed

HYCA *Hypericum calycinum,* Creeping St. John's wort (Aaron's beard)

ILAQ *Ilex aquifolium,* English Holly

LUAR *Lupinus arboreus,* Yellow Bush Lupine

MEAL *Melilotus alba,* White sweetclover

OEGL *Oenothera glazioviana,* Cultivated Evening Primrose

PHAR *Phalaris arundinacea,* Reed canary grass

PIRA *Pinus radiata,* Monterey Pine

RARE *Ranunculus repens,* Creeping buttercup

RUDI *Rubus discolor,* Himalayan blackberry

SEJA *Senecio jacobaea,* Tansy ragwort

SIMA *Silybum marianum,* Milk Thistle

VIMA *Vinca major,* Periwinkle

PHAR *Phalaris arundinacea,* Reed canary grass

PIRA *Pinus radiata,* Monterey Pine

RARE *Ranunculus repens,* Creeping buttercup

RUDI *Rubus discolor,* Himalayan blackberry

SEJA *Senecio jacobaea,* Tansy ragwort

SIMA *Silybum marianum,* Milk Thistle

VIMA *Vinca major,* Periwinkle