Fly^[a][b][c][d] Ranch Invasive Species Control and Management Plan        

Drafted by Rick Thomas (R1 of the North Bay)

Fly Ranch Land Fellow Lisa Schile-Beers has completed a thorough vegetation survey and species list on the property, including where the invasive species are (pretty much everywhere). The main culprits are cheatgrass, Russian knapweed, fivehorn smotherweed, and shield peppergrass. There is  Phragmites, salt cedar, and perennial peppergrass in the wetlands but they are fairly limited.

Of the common means to eliminate invasive plants, one common denominator is they prevent plants from reproducing. Plants can be eliminated mechanically, by pulling, being eaten by an animal, with herbicides, or by crowding out with the planting of another species. We propose using a combination.

Short Term Years; 1-5:

• Identify each plant desired for eradication, life cycles, & habitat needs. Create priority list of species desired for total eradication. Presuming one or two will be by far the most harmful with 100% elimination being the goal, using other species may required. Map each species & estimate acres of infestation. Map at least 7 zones and use the center for experiments.
• Outline bogs and rocky areas and dates the land is firm for machinery.
• Create an annual budget for weed control and eradication.
• List acceptable options to eliminate invasive species on the Fly Ranch.
• Identify and list acceptable crops that can be planted on infected lands.
• Identify and list acceptable herd animals to use and herd management options.
• Begin mowing and grazing experiment plots when the plants are 10 inches tall.
• At end of growing season take accounting of what worked and did not work. And the next year do as much of what worked with the capital and human resources available.

Medium Term; Years 6-15:

• The ranch is large. The vision should include activities that can integrate into an invasive species plan. Mowing and overgrazing with goats or sheep where possible is useful; planting areas of infected lands with acceptable and useful species may make sense elsewhere.  
• Timing mowing & grazing to effect invasive species can help native plants to reproduce.
• A full time ranch manager will wear many hats. One could be mower operation. Care of a herd is a unique trade. Are there locals who herd goats or sheep? If so, development of Fly Ranch geothermal heat may create cost effective winter habitat for livestock. This  may be attractive to herd owners to work with Fly Ranch goals.
• If the ranch can grow and harvest hay or feed crops it will have one more resource to supplement the budget for invasive species control and management.

Long Term; Years 16-25:

• Continue all successful actions identified to be most cost effective during years 6-15.