Diverse Pest Management

Invasive Plant Species Are Considered the Biggest Threat to the Specialized Habitats Within the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes Complex. Regional Infestation of the Invasive European Beachgrass Is Causing a Type Conversion of Coastal Dune Scrub Habitats to Non-native, Perennial Grassland That Stabilizes the Dynamic and Active Dune System. Stabilization of the Dunes Disrupts the Natural Ecosystem Functions and Geomorphic Processes, Causing a Cascade of Detrimental Effects. European Beach Grass Occupies Naturally Occurring Voids in Foredune Vegetation and, Once Established, Forms Unnaturally Steep, Parallel Dunes. in Addition, by Creating Continuous, Steep Barrier Dunes in Place of Natural Lower, Discontinuous Dunes, It Increases Ocean Erosion and Limits the Dunes Natural Ability to Adapt to Rising Sea Level. the Objective of This Project Is to Spot Treat 78 Acres for European Beachgrass and to Treat 62 New Acres of European Beachgrass.