Threats and Stressors

Invasive Plant Control - Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary

Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, owned and operated by San Diego Audubon since 1966, is maintained to preserve 787 acres of prime coastal chaparral and riparian woodland habitat in San Diego County, consistent with objectives described in the Management Strategic Plan (MSP). Like much of San Diego County, sensitive wildlife in the preserve is threatened by the presence and potential spread of invasive non-native plant species. This project supports the implementation of invasive plant control in priority habitat areas within the preserve. The primary goal is to reduce extant populations of invasive species and prevent their further spread. Project objectives include treatment of approximately 65 acres of invasive species hot spots with herbicide and approximately 5 acres of emergent invasive species treated via hand management, reducing invasive cover by 90% within the 18-month grant term. This funding is a priority and imminent need for the preserve, largely due to drought-caused, elevated instances of invasive species that threaten high-quality habitat.
Project Focus

chaparral, riparian forest & scrub

San Diego Association of Governments

San Diego Audubon Society

Chris Redfern

Sarah McCutcheon

Sarah McCutcheon

Chris Redfern

Invasive plants

Goal: The overarching goals for addressing invasive plant species in the MSPA are to: (1) Protect Conserved Lands from new or expanding invasive plant species; (2) Detect new invasive species and new invasions early on and control them before the plants have a chance to establish; (3) Address invasive species using the response appropriate for the level of invasiveness (level 1 through 5) as defined in the Invasive Plant Strategic Plan (IPSP)

regional and/or local NFO 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
MGT-IMP-IPSP INVPLA-1

Management units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

From 2017-2021, continue implementing the IPSP by removing Levels 1, 2, and 3 invasive plant species before their distribution becomes too abundant to control.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Continue to provide funding and support to the existing County of San Diego AWM effort to implement the IPSP and remove and control Level 1, 2, and 3 invasive plant species within the MSPA. In progress Oncosiphon Pilulifer (Stinknet) Management, Regional Invasive Plant Management, Crest Canyon Invasvive Plant Control Project, Riparian Restoration and Arundo Removal, Veldt Grass Removal - San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Invasive Plant Control - Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, North County Dunes Restoration
IMP-2 Work with San Diego County AWM to update the annual Work Plan and include new Level 1, 2, or 3 invasive species encountered that are determined to need priority management using the same criteria as the IPSP. In progress Oncosiphon Pilulifer (Stinknet) Management, Regional Invasive Plant Management, Crest Canyon Invasvive Plant Control Project, Riparian Restoration and Arundo Removal, Veldt Grass Removal - San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Invasive Plant Control - Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, North County Dunes Restoration
IMP-3 Submit project metadata, data, and report to MSP web portal In progress Oncosiphon Pilulifer (Stinknet) Management, Crest Canyon Invasvive Plant Control Project, Riparian Restoration and Arundo Removal, Veldt Grass Removal - San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Invasive Plant Control - Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, North County Dunes Restoration
Criteria Deadline year
Reduction in =50% of the IPSP Levels 1 and 2 Species by 2021 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Invasive plantsINVPLA