Veldt Grass Removal - San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy (SELC) aims to secure funding to begin Phase I of eradicating perennial veldt grass (Ehrharta calycha) in the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve (Reserve). The invasive nonnative grass species currently occurs in Diegan coastal sage scrub, southern maritime chaparral, and riparian scrub habitats. It is also capable of invading coastal dune habitats, potentially displacing several high priority Management Strategic Plan (MSP) plant and animal species. SELC proposes to treat the current range of perennial veldt grass in the reserve and continue to monitor the spread or lack thereof. Perennial veldt grass ls currently under SMSP management level 3 for invasive non-native plants, and needs further evaluation and management information. The proposed project will provide crucial information regarding the species and the potential for its control and eradication.

Habitat restoration
Threats and Stressors
Project Focus

perennial veldtgrass, veldtgrass

chaparral, coastal sage scrub, dunes and coastal bluffs, riparian forest & scrub

ESCONDIDO CREEK PRESERVE

Nature Collective

Joe DeWolf

Sarah McCutcheon

Sarah McCutcheon

Joe DeWolf

Invasive plants

Goal: The overarching goals for addressing invasive plant species in the MSPA are to: (1) Protect Conserved Lands from new or expanding invasive plant species; (2) Detect new invasive species and new invasions early on and control them before the plants have a chance to establish; (3) Address invasive species using the response appropriate for the level of invasiveness (level 1 through 5) as defined in the Invasive Plant Strategic Plan (IPSP)

regional and/or local NFO 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
MGT-IMP-IPSP INVPLA-1

Management units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

From 2017-2021, continue implementing the IPSP by removing Levels 1, 2, and 3 invasive plant species before their distribution becomes too abundant to control.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Continue to provide funding and support to the existing County of San Diego AWM effort to implement the IPSP and remove and control Level 1, 2, and 3 invasive plant species within the MSPA. In progress Oncosiphon Pilulifer (Stinknet) Management, Regional Invasive Plant Management, Crest Canyon Invasvive Plant Control Project, Riparian Restoration and Arundo Removal, Veldt Grass Removal - San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Invasive Plant Control - Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, North County Dunes Restoration
IMP-2 Work with San Diego County AWM to update the annual Work Plan and include new Level 1, 2, or 3 invasive species encountered that are determined to need priority management using the same criteria as the IPSP. In progress Oncosiphon Pilulifer (Stinknet) Management, Regional Invasive Plant Management, Crest Canyon Invasvive Plant Control Project, Riparian Restoration and Arundo Removal, Veldt Grass Removal - San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Invasive Plant Control - Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, North County Dunes Restoration
IMP-3 Submit project metadata, data, and report to MSP web portal In progress Oncosiphon Pilulifer (Stinknet) Management, Crest Canyon Invasvive Plant Control Project, Riparian Restoration and Arundo Removal, Veldt Grass Removal - San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Invasive Plant Control - Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, North County Dunes Restoration
Criteria Deadline year
Reduction in =50% of the IPSP Levels 1 and 2 Species by 2021 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Invasive plantsINVPLA
File name Lead Author Year Type
Final Report: Veldt Grass Removal Nature Collective 2019 report
Veldt Grass II Final Report Nature Collective 2021 report