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.

The second edition of this guide includes BMPs for vegetation management, soil disturbance revegetation and landscaping. Additional details are included for cleaning and planning BMPs. 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

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.

The goal of this guide is to present voluntary guidelines that help to prevent the accidental introduction and spread of terrestrial invasive plants. Cal-IPC worked with a technical team to publish Preventing the Spread of Invasive Plants: Best Management Practices for Transportation and Utility Corridors. This guide presents an accessible overview of key prevention measures and ready-to-use checklists. Visit our prevention BMPs for Transporation and Utility Corridor page to learn more about how to integrate prevention into your work.

Weed-Free Forage and Straw Resources

Feed and straw used for land management activities can introduce invasive plants to worksites. Using weed-free forage and straw can prevent the spread of invasive plants.

UC Cooperative Extension worked with California Department of Food and Agriculture and County Agriculture Commissioners throughout the state to provide a list of vendors that have certified weed-free forage and/straw for sale in California. Visit the Weed-Free Forage and Straw Resources page for this list as well as additional resources.

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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