Looking to the Future for Invasive Species Management
The Ventura County Resource Conservation District is currently working in partnership with Pax Environmental, Inc. and the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy to prepare and submit permit applications for all relevant regulatory permits needed for invasive species removal in the lower reaches of Ventura County riverbeds and riparian corridors. These necessary permits are listed below, and will help to build on the RCD’s currently on-going efforts to manage programmatic permits assisting with invasive species removal in the upper reaches of the Santa Clara River.
These permits that are currently in the application stage for the Ventura River will help to facilitate Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s efforts in removing giant reed (Arundo donax) from lower reaches of the Ventura River watershed. Though the RCD is not assisting with the application process for these permits, the RCD will hold these permits and ensure that any organizations interested in obtaining coverage for invasive species removal of the Ventura River can seek coverage through these permits held by the RCD.
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) has made significant strides towards completely eradicating Arundo from the Ventura River Watershed. In 2021, OVLC conducted drone surveys of Arundo infestations in the riparian areas of the upper watershed. OVLC surveyed 36.4 miles of riparian corridor and identified about 70 acres of Arundo remaining on Lion Creek, San Antonio Creek, and the Ventura River. Last year, OVLC was awarded a CAL FIRE grant for to obtain programmatic permits and CEQA for Arundo removal throughout the watershed and treat 14 acres at Ventura County Foster Park. In the fall and winter of 2022, OVLC worked with Ventura County Fire Department to conduct initial treatment of 20 acres of Arundo from three sites.
This year, OVLC proposes to utilize new permit authorizations to accelerate removal of flammable Arundo across the watershed. The project is a collaborative partnership between the OVLC, Ventura County Resource Conservation District, and landowners across the Ojai Valley dedicated to climate resilience and fire protection within their communities. For information on their efforts, click here, or click the icon below to go to their website.
Can The RCD Help Me?
These programmatic permits are not yet live and active. However, if you are interested in receiving coverage for invasive species removal in the lower reaches of Ventura County watershed, click the link below for more information.