Arundo must be managed: Arosa Canyon Outlook Bright Claire Billett, Brush Management Biologist, Open Space Division, gives input on Arundo Donax (Giant Reed) in this Blog intended for the San Diego Reader, a weekly publication that features lively writing, so does Eddie Villavicencio, our head of the San Diego Fire Prevention Bureau who points out that if local residents do not get busy on the Arosa Canyon Cleanup, there are going to be fines to pay, and expensive bills for fees to contractors the City will call in. Don't cringe, for on the scene, is also eternal optimist, Leslie Goldman, AKA Your Enchanted Gardener, who sees in the Overgrowth Cleanup of the Arosa Canyon and opportunity to make friends, not only between neighbors, but between 'Man' and Plant. Read on...

Date:   11/28/2011 3:44:45 PM ( 13 y ago)

in process.
going back to bed.

Leslie




ARUNDO MUST BE MANAGED:
AROSA CANYON OUTLOOK BRIGHT AS
NEIGHBORS COME TOGETHER TO TAKE ACTION

Report, in the first and third person
by Leslie Goldman, AKA Your Enchanted Gardener

November 29, 2011



Talked to Eddie Villavicencio, San Diego head of the Fire Prevention Bureau. Eddie is the boss of one of my favorite San Diego Fire Prevention employees, Sylvia Sowadski. Sylvia, one of three staff working with Eddie Villavicencio, Eddie V, for short, Sylvia has been making progress on what I have named the Arosa Canyon, an oasis of open space located about four blocks north of Montezuma, and one large block east of College Ave in the San Diego State University (SDSU) area.


Don't start packing your picnic lunch for a day in this, as I see it, Arosa Canyon Nature Preserve. The Arosa Canyon is a natural wonder, and is private land of carved out properties owned by a many neighbors. One of the few things we had in common before Sylvia showed up was this canyon among us and a lot of Overgrowth Clean Up to do. who t, and letters from the Fire Prevention Bureau of San DIego pointing out that we had so many weeks to take on a project of mind staggering immensity, Man and Woman against Nature or face mind boggling fines. Being the eternal optimist, and recently returned from a highlight of my life, a highly successful East Coast Tour that included speaking at Organic Listening Day at USDA, the assignment to meet make friends with the Fire Prevention Bureau; our local fire department, neighbors, Open Space Biologists; and numerous plants on our 1/3 acre and surrounding canyon seemed a great Encore.

The hardest part was dealing with the concerns of some of my own housemates, eccentric nature lovers, who couldn't quite understand why I hadn't already reached out to the neighbors across the canyon. We had been growing food for many years on a bit of their land. In my mind, they had the deed, but we had the spiritual soul of this soil; I was willing to let well enough alone, until, until the gift of Sylvia.

It wasn't too long into my first visit with her, that I saw I could make a friend. I have always had a soft spot for Firemen, and a lovely woman with kids in a blue official officer suit with a Fire Badge, seemed a great ally to pursue. After all, I was once Battalion Chief for the Junior Fire Department at the Los Angeles Jewish Academy next to the now famous Breed Street Shule--Synagogue in L.A. As a kid I received much of my love from Surrogate papa's such as Gilbert Orozco, so folks who show up wearing little lovely indicators they have a warmth in their heart for Mother Mary or Jesus are a good thing.

In our first meeting, Fletcher Morgan, who came our way through allies at the Baptist Seminary, was with us, and looking at the world ahead on the Arosa Canyon, we had much to pray about.

Fletcher, a youthful grad of U of Az Tucson, was ready for the job and work. He aligned with me early on that we could do what others might see as impossible...taming a stand of Arundo Donax technically owned by the neighbors across the canyon, and bordering our property. Most of all, we aligned that it was possible to do this job without Roundup herbicide, the going formula, that most Park and Rec and Fire Department feel is essential to kill this amazing big size grass, that originally came West, not to be the Devil in our lives, but as a way to help support us in having a friend in nature.

Arundo Donax (Giant Reed): Is it really the enemy? To most yes, but as Your Enchanted Gardener, early on I began listening to the plant itself, and recording a history of possible friendship between man and plant.

Arundo Donax; What a name, and what possible uses! Early in October, I attended Carolyn Chase's Bright Green Future Conference. The keynote speaker one day was commander USN, Special Ops (Ret)--James Armando Marvin. Commander James, had published numerous articles calling for the incorporation of alternative and renewable energy and clean technology into base facilities. He pointed out that Oil was becoming a issue of national security. It was around that same time, that I began to crawl the internet seeking info about Arundo. Not only did I find reports coming from Pendleton that large patches of Arundo had been cleared and mulched to benefit the soil, but down under in Australia to Georgia there were already
companies invested in the weed that may very well be one of the likeliest candidates for replacing oil! Arundo is a biofuel source!


Our Arosa Canyon: Many of the neighbors have not only native species--some rare, but numbers of invasive plants, including the famous Arundo Donax (Giant Reed).

Originally brought here more than 150 years ago as a building material and gift so settlers so they might construct thatched roofs, make baskets, and preserve their culture, fast forward and enter the fast pasted 21st Century you have what many Park and Rec Open Space Biologists deem one of our most difficult foes--a 20-foot high plant that simple refuses to die unless without being used over the edge by with the help of Monsanto Corp and its Glysophate product Roundup herbicide, a popular weed killer loved by gardeners for making life easy. Spray weeds and they are dead.

The only problem is--Roundup herbicide, the most profitable of all Monsanto chemicals since Agent Orange, is also the most hated product
of environmentalists and organic food growers.

Catch a few sentences from one Ojai M.D. who helped start Pesticide Free Ojai. Dr.

http://ovnblog.com/?p=4185



In an age when most Park and Rec and Open Space advocates are moving away from heribicide and pesticide use--for the sake of our children and four leggeds--Roundup and its allies other products such as Aquamaster and Rodeo, continue to be the ally of those who want to kill Arundo, but then, then, you have neighbors such as Leslie Goldman, AKA Your Enchanted Gardener, a positive thinking community building advocate who sees in Arundo, not only a chance to bring community members together as good neighbors, but an opportunity to restore the reputation of this invasive plant..

Arundo? If we lived with the beat of nature, we would have few of the problems we have today. Health would be better. Children and Parents would have something to do other than watch TV. Just to manage some of the stands of Arundo we have here, would take an army of Urban Corp youth, or nieghbors willing to hire others in need of work.

the option as EddieV sees it, are called beat the clock. Yes, Eddie admits it is rain season, and there is less a chance of fire hazard, but neighbors have got to move on getting the Arosa Canyon defensible shape.

The rules of the Fire department are cleqr....if you want to help the Fire Department save your home, you need to make sure that various plants are cut back, and the Arundo killed.

The deaqdlines are fast approaching, and there are not only potential charges of $300.00 for reinspections, but, and Eddie points out, there are potential leans on property as the City Attoney calls in its one bonefide contractors to get the job done and then bill homeowners.

With the clock beating away, numbers of homeowners are making progress, and yet, there is that pesky Arundo.

MANGER MATERIAL

"I see it as manger material," says Goldman, who calls on neighbors to call him at 619.384.2631, and come and cut some of the lovely long ranches that can be used to build a home of the new born Jesus, due to arrive within less than three weeks. He has been visiting local churches within walking distance with peace branch in hand.

OTHER TEACHERS HAVE FONE VALUE

Maria Conrad, who had two kids, is among moms who have also come to help out. She says kids, who, still have buried wonder, can find many uses for Arundo, including building teepees. Mary showed up with Machette in hand one day, and her kids had a blast in the organic gardens.

SINCE THEN PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE

According to Sylvia Sodawski, the 1/3 acre Enchanted Garden property will pass inspection by December 19, with some help from Flecther Morgan and others. Much work has been done and more will be done in the coming weeks, but still lies the ominous Arundo, bordering next the organic fertile gardens that are do not go with Roundup, or other Gylsophate use.

It is not so much the glysophate thaqt is a problem. IT is the other soap mixture. Some say this substance had last in the soil for a year or more, while other more approved wetland varieties called Aquamaster and Rodeo, can become inert within days if not hours, but who really knows?

Monsanto, and others would have us believe that Glysophate products are safe, but then, then, there is a history of communities like topanga and Ojia that have been up in arms around Glysophate spraying.

PESTICIDE FREE OJAI REPORTS IN

One medical doctor--



ENTER
Claire Billett, Brush Management Biologist, Open Space Division

six inches---

plant deserts---

black---

mulch rncourag

pres invasive council---clues---


CAL-ipc jason giessow, jgiessow@cox.net
v=cost eccti



expert in arondo removal

claure

ROUND UP KILL RATE 95.5 PERCENT
PER CLAIRE BILLETT

It takes about three applications of herbicide to kill it to a 95%
rate.

If you do not spray it, it will come back full force in around 18 months.

If you want a 95% kill rate, you will have to spray it about three times.


Cut it once. Do not spray.

Let it grow to three feet.

Spray it.

Spray with Rodeo or
Aquamaster. This is types of Roundup glysophate approved for wetland use.
They do not have the surfactant. Some say the surfactant is has dangerous as the glysophate.

You have to cut it about three times to get it to die.

The roots have extreme life force.

Some will come back again.

Target spray again.


ALTERNATIVES TO ROUNDUP SPRAYING?

I asked Claire about the Black Plastic Kill Method.

She did not have a good experience with it.

This method has worked effectively for the Center For Ecological Restoration And Stewardshop. Curcuit Rider Productions, ince (2007)



time as money--

residents--

eperiment--

go ahead and brush

worthy of experience

sparay targeted--

first three feet --

amoubt of time--

particular for
aqaumATWR

AQUAMASTER
FOR

RODEO--

WATER WETLAND APPROVED

GET INFO FROM THE HORSED MOUTH: MATERIAL SAFETY SHEET---
FOR AQUAMASTER HERBICIDE



MONITOR ---

INCREDENT--
THE ARUNDO HAS TREMENDOUS ENERGY RESERVES


6 years in San Diego...25 years in the field.

Claire Billett, biologist brush management, Parks and Rec Department San Department, Open Space Division.




RECOMMENDED BY CLAIRE BILLETT
TO STUDY

She worked in Philadephia
and saw the success of this program.

U BET YOUR GARDEN

http://www.whyy.org/91FM/ybyg/about.html


From Philadelphia--friecely chemical free gardening advice
u bet your garden--
with success--





JASON ALLEN, URBAN RANGER,SAN DIEGO

Jason Allen, Urban Ranger San Diego



RELATED PLACE TO GO FOR INFORMATION

CALIFORNIA INVASIVE PLANT COUNCIL
http://www.cal-ipc.org/


JASON GIESSOW

Jason Giessow, expert in Arundo Donax (Giant Reed) Removal

Cal-IPC's mission is to protect California's lands and waters from ecologically-damaging invasive plants through science, education and policy.

Cal-IPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors who work with staff on programs and strategic direction.

Cal-IPC formed in 1992 to address one of California's top environmental threats. We work closely with agencies, industry and other nonprofit organizations. Our active membership includes public and private land managers, ecological consultants and researchers, planners, volunteer stewards, and concerned citizens. Allied invasive plant councils exist in many other states, though Cal-IPC has the largest membership.


ARUNDO REMOVAL CHART

http://www.ccrcd.org/Alhambra_other/ARUNDO%20REMOVAL%20TECHNIQUES.htm



Removal and Disposal of Arundo Debris
Removing Arundo canes from the immediate work-site is a chore in itself on some sites. A choke chain or rope can be used to tie a bundle of canes before they are cut to prevent them from falling in the creek and to facilitate removal. A winch or a vehicle can be used to pull large bundles up steep slopes. Rope or twine can be used to bundle cut canes to ease hand removal. A tarp can be used to gather up smaller pieces and drag them to a disposal area.
When using a group of volunteers, forming a chain to hand off

Composting: If you have the space and don’t mind the sight of a mound of Arundo canes, just let them sit and rot in place. The canes decompose very slowly. This method is ideal for remote areas. Make sure the pile is stacked above the high water line and out of temptation’s way. A passerby may discover that the canes make great spears and throw them back into the creek.

Chipping: The canes can be chipped on site, out of the creek, with a brush or tree chipper. It can then be hauled and dumped or mulched on site. Arundo is fibrous and can get caught in the cutting blades of lightweight chippers. It will chip better when dry and brittle. A chipper may not be practical in areas that are difficult to access.

Dumping: Hauling and dumping large volumes of Arundo cuttings is time-consuming and can be expensive. Many cities and some counties have programs for pick-up of yard waste. Some disposal companies and dumps do not accept Arundo because it can be difficult to chip. Dumping is appropriate when other options are unavailable or when a dumpster is donated for a general creek cleanup event and the Arundo gets “cleaned up” too.

How Dead is Dead? Arundo rhizomes can dry out for over six months and still start growing vigorously whenever they come in contact with moisture. Cut Arundo stems will usually not sprout unless in contact with water or moist soil. Canes that have been cut and stacked for over one month are generally dead. Stem sections require two nodes to reproduce because leaves and roots will not both grow from the same node. (Nodes are the joint-like rings around the stem.) Therefore, small pieces of stem with no nodes or only one node pose no risk of spreading Arundo.


SUCCESSFUL MULCHING OF ARUNDO IS REPORTED HERE

http://www.cal-ipc.org/symposia/archive/pdf/18602.pdf


Conclusions
1. While very small stem and root fragments can germinate under laboratory conditions, in the field very few actually do.
2. The numbers of resprouts are so few and small that pesticides are not needed for their control and they can easily be collected by hand.
3. Even though resprouts are few, they do occur and so arundo mulch is only recommended on sites where follow-up monitoring is planned.


ALPHA PROJECT

http://alphaproject.org/


My neighbors had a staff member of Alpha Project here today,
November 30, 2011. This is a good organization.

FRED CLARK

Fred Clark, Special Projects Manager, was toured the Arosa Canyon site.

He was under the impression that Arundo Donax could resprout simply by dragging the cut stems over an area. He said this info came from Eddie
V. I called Eddie V and we had a good talk. This was our second day of conversation. He reported anecodal experience that when Arundo was removed, he found resprouts there and thought this came from dragging it.
I told Eddie I had talked to Claire Billette. She was in favor of mulching Arundo. She felt it was safe. Eddie conceded that Claire knew more about the behavior of Arundo.

MY NEIGHBORS WANT IT GONE

They recognize I do not want Roundup use, but they are concerned that it will return if it is not used.

I want to make a proposal for managing the area closest to my gardens.


PERMISSION TO SPREAD ARUNDO MULCH WAS GRANTED TODAY
ON MY OWN PROPERTY

I have seven bags mulched of Arundo that was run through a shredder.

BLACK PLASTIC METHOD

ARUNDO DONAX TARPING PROTOCOL
is HERE


ROUNDUP CALLED INEFFECTIVE IN TOPANGA CANYON USE

http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1883727


ALTERNATIVES TO ROUNDUP

http://www.gcbl.org/forum/there-safe-alternative-roundup


ROUNDUP ON WIKIPEDIA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundup_(herbicide)





 

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