Tackling invasive plants: a unified approach in the California High Desert

To tackle this escalating issue, the Eagle Lake Field Office is expanding partnerships with local governments, the U.S. Forest Service, and landowners. This collaborative effort is essential for finding effective solutions to the invasive plant problem, a viewpoint supported by Emily Ryan, manager of the Eagle Lake Field Office.

The Eagle Lake Field Office has commitments with the Plumas and Sierra County Weed Management Area and is working on a pending agreement with the new Lassen County Weed Management Area, which includes the county's agriculture department and a resource conservation district.

"Additionally, we are assisting the Lassen National Forest with weed treatment projects, supporting joint efforts at Eagle Lake near the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, and making efforts in conservation areas managed by one of our non-governmental partners, the Lassen Land and Trails Trust," said Ryan, adding, "there is also collaborative work being done with several large ranch owners adjacent to BLM-managed lands to combat weed encroachment."

Invasive plants pose a significant threat to the health of rangelands, spreading rapidly and taking advantage of openings in the landscape. They displace vital native species and forage plants that support livestock, deer, pronghorn, wild horses and burros, and wildlife such as the Greater sage-grouse.

Furthermore, these invasive species can alter soil chemistry, nitrogen cycling, and moisture content, leading to drastic changes in plant composition and contributing to extreme wildfire behavior.

BLM California's Weeds and Invasives Program recognizes that invasive plants cannot be controlled by scattered piecemeal efforts. Cooperative, coordinated and committed efforts are needed to address the problem, regardless of jurisdiction and boundary.