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Range Management Advisory Committee

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE COORDINATED MANAGEMENT OF NOXIOUS WEEDS IN CALIFORNIA

Introduction and Executive Summary

An explosion of invasive weeds is overrunning California. These non-native weeds, such as yellow starthistle, fall under the classification of noxious weeds. In addition to being an economic threat, noxious weeds are robbing California of its rich biological diversity. Because of California's geographic position and high level of commerce, the state will continue to be subject to new introductions of weed species.

These problems and the need for action were discussed by the Range Management Advisory Committee's (RMAC) Noxious Weed Subcommittee at its meeting on November 18, 1998. This report is a product of those initial discussions.

The goals of this Strategic Plan for the coordinated management of noxious weeds are:

    1. Increase the profitability and value of cropland and rangeland.

    2. Decrease the costs of roadside, park, and waterway maintenance.

    3. Reduce fire hazard and fire control costs in the state.

    4. Protect and enhance the biodiversity of California ecosystems.

To accomplish these goals it will be necessary to:

    1. Bring about greater statewide coordination, cooperation, and ACTION to successfully halt the spread of noxious weeds and help restore weed infested lands to a healthy and productive condition.

    2. Heighten all citizens' awareness of the degradation brought to California lands by the explosive spread of noxious weeds.

The Plan will address eight major issues critical to building strong and successful regional and statewide noxious weed management program

    1. Organization and Leadership

    2. Funding and Resources

    3. Coordination, Cooperation and Partnerships

    4. Awareness and Education

    5. Mapping, Monitoring and Assessment

    6. Detection and Prevention

    7. Research and Technology

    8. Enforcement and Compliance

The Strategic Plan recommends institutionalizing and financially supporting Cooperative Weed Management Area and broad application of Integrated Weed Management practices To accomplish this, the supporters and cooperators will seek to meld resources, priorities and strategies into a unified action for halting or reducing the spread of noxious weeds across California. This is the best method for reducing the extensive ecological, economic and social impacts of noxious weeds on the State's resources and people.

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