The Ventura County Grand Jury has called for additional planning and funding to clear arundo from local river bottoms.
The invasive reed covers thousands of acres of the watershed and increases the risk of wildfires and erosion, and the potential for flooding, according to the panel's report released Monday.
The grand jury recommended the county Board of Supervisors work with the Watershed Protection District to come up with a long-term plan and budget to eradicate arundo.
Calling it imperative to keep waterways near populated areas clear of hazardous vegetation, the panel also said that debris washed downstream must be cleared quickly to prevent flooding.
This year's budget included $3.2 million to remove arundo, the grand jury reported.
But the report cited a 2004 removal project that demonstrated the cost can total $7,000 to $19,000 per acre. One of the challenges is removing arundo without harming native wildlife.
The 19-member panel investigates various aspects of government and recommends changes.
For this report, the panel asked for a response from the Board of Supervisors.
May 9, 2016
Ventura County Star
By Cheri Carlson
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