San Luis Obispo Creek Cleared of Invasive Plants Ahead of Rainy Season.
The City of San Luis Obispo, in collaboration with the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County and local landowners, is tackling invasive plants along San Luis Obispo Creek before the rainy season begins.
Jon Hall, Stewardship Director for the Land Conservancy, highlighted the problem: “Arundo donax, which resembles bamboo, can grow up to 30 feet high. As it spreads, it forms dense clumps that crowd out native plants.”
This invasive species is widespread along the creek, posing multiple hazards. Hall noted, “Arundo donax increases flooding risks, erodes stream banks, and presents a fire hazard.”
Current efforts focus on a section of the creek near Highway 101, Los Osos Valley Road, and Higuera Street. Hall mentioned that the removal project has been ongoing since 1999. “We cut the canes, remove the biomass, and wait for the plant to regrow about three feet high before applying wildlife-friendly herbicides,” he said.
Kiva Vigil, a conservationist who has been involved for 25 years, trains California Conservation Corps members. “I teach them essential skills, from operating chainsaws and felling trees to building trails and working safely near the freeway,” Vigil explained.
The current phase of the project started on Monday. Hall emphasized the importance of timing: “We begin around mid-August to apply herbicides when the plant is directing resources to its roots. This method is more effective and avoids flood and nesting seasons.”
Before starting, the team conducts thorough ecosystem checks. Francisco Gomez, Field Supervisor for the Land Conservancy, noted, “We conducted bird surveys and found no nearby nests. We also checked for California red-legged frogs and found none.”
Hall added, “We continuously monitor the creek for new Arundo donax populations and re-treat areas previously addressed.”
The removal work will continue through Thursday, with herbicide spraying scheduled to start on September 16. Hall anticipates that the project will last for about another decade.