Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)

Last week we had our first opportunity to implement Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) for control of an invasive plant species, the South African boneseed, Chrysanthemoides monilifera.

The idea of EDRR is to detect and eradicate damaging invasive species when they newly appear in an area, preventing their widespread establishment. This particular action started when a member of the Orange County California Native Plant Society contacted Antonio Sanchez about a i-Naturalist posting locating the plant at near Nicolas Flat. Various entities including, NPS, Santa Monica Mountains Fund, California State Parks, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner's office (Weed Management Area) acted in concert to identify locations and cut the plants and treat the stumps.

In total about 20 mature plants were found at several locations, two on private lands. Permission was obtained from two very cooperative landowners and the SAMO Fund crew along with Ventura County Ag removed the plants and painted the stumps with herbicide.