Notice: Spray notification to apply Vastlan and Round Up Custom around the newly constructed overlook feature in South Fork Preserve. This herbicide use is a follow-up from an initial application conducted last October. The application is justified due to size of infestation and proximity to new infrastructure. The Open Space program completed a grant funded trail construction project and the target stand of blackberry threatens the integrity and usability of the features over time. The current infestation is largely a result of changing conditions from the construction. The blackberry is spreading due to low flows in Putah Creek, as well as disturbance from the construction project. The conditions present an opportunity to access and control the stand to prevent conflicts in the future and help re-establish native plants in the area. The spraying will take place during operational hours as conditions and time permit on September 16, 2022. 

Locations to spray: South Fork Preserve around new overlook construction

Pesticides: Vastlan (Triclopyr choline); Round Up Custom (Isopropylamine salt of glyphosate)

Target Pest: Himalaya Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus)

Methods Used and Strategies to Prevent Future Use: This will be a multi-year effort to remove the majority of invasive blackberry in the area.  Open Space staff will follow up control and removal of blackberry with the seeding and planting of native trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses.  Staff has established volunteers who work on the site and can include professional partners to help complete these tasks.

The areas will be posted with the intent to spray, and after application, as required in the city's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Policies and Procedures.

More information on the IPM Program, including the current Policies and Procedures guidance, can be found on the city's webpage: Integrated Pest Management