Prevention

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” As in health care, this philosophy is important in wildland stewardship. Preventing the introduction of invasive plants is more cost-effective than managing infestations that become established.

One important area of prevention is import regulation. California’s border stations and port-of-entry inspections play an essential role in preventing the introduction of known invasive species. At the federal level, USDA restricts import of invasive plants. Cal-IPC works with national partners to strengthen these restrictions.

Prevention is also critical for limiting the spread of invasive plants around the state. Invasive plants can be spread to new sites on clothing, vehicles, or project materials. Anyone working in or visiting wildlands can inadvertently provide a pathway for invasive plants to spread. Cal-IPC works with partners to prevent the inadvertent spread of invasive plants by developing prevention Best Management Practices and resources for weed-free materials.

Prevention BMPs for Land Managers

Land managers work to reduce the impact of invasive plants in wildlands. Their work in infested areas makes it especially important for them to follow BMPs to eliminate the inadvertent spread of invasive plants. Cal-IPC worked with a technical team to publish "Preventing the Spread of Invasive Plants: Best Management Practices for Land Managers". This guide presents an accessible overview of key prevention measures and ready-to-use checklists. Visit our prevention BMPs for Land Managers page to learn more about how to integrate prevention into your work.

Prevention BMPs for Transportation and Utility Corridors – coming soon

Transportation and utility corridors are at-risk sites for the introduction and spread of noxious and invasive plants. Seeds and other propagules can be transported by vehicular traffic to other locations. Construction and maintenance activities can introduce or spread invasive plants through project materials and ground disturbance.

Implementing prevention BMPs in transportation and utility corridors can reduce maintenance needs and cost, reduce erosion and fire hazards, limit liability for the governing agency, improve appearance, maintain good public relations, and provide wildlife habitat.

Weed-Free Forage and Straw Resources – coming soon

Feed and straw used for land management activities can introduce invasive plants to worksites. The following resources are currently being developed:

Weed-free forage and straw availability list
Inspection protocols for weed-free forage and straw
(developed by County Agricultural Commissioners and CDFA Pest Exclusion)

Weed-Free Aggregate Resources – coming soon

Aggregate such as sand and gravel can introduce invasive plants to worksites. The following resources are currently being developed:

Inspection protocols for weed-free aggregate
Contract language for weed-free aggregate
Manual for weed-free quarries and gravel pits

For more information, contact Cal-IPC's training program.

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