There is a severe and growing population of purple star thistle (centaurea calcitrapa l.), in fields alongside ytias creek and widely spread population of artichoke thistle (cynara cardunculus),…

There is a severe and growing population of purple star thistle (centaurea calcitrapa l.), in fields alongside ytias creek and widely spread population of artichoke thistle (cynara cardunculus), including dense areas of monoculture, on the hillsides within the property boundaries. Both these plant species are creating expanding monocultures creating a decline in overall native vegetative biodiversity which is habitat of many animal species including the western meadow lark. The purple star thistle is a more recent occurrence and covers a smaller area of the property. IT has propagated quickly and should be contained before IT is uncontrollable. This plant has allelopathic effects which also cause impact on native vegetation growth and biodiversity as well as the density of its growth coverage. Before sustained management of this problem can occur, large scale and intensive treatment must reduce the current population. The plan is to significantly reduce the present population of purple star thistle to a more manageable size and establish a foothold for long term sustained management. Channel islands restoration (CIR) staff are highly trained in restoration work in remote areas, native species in local environments and herbicide treatments, specializing in surgical applications around sensitive and endangered species. This project seeks to significantly reduce the current populations of purple star thistle and other invasive species with minimal damage to any native vegetation, creating an environment where the native plants can quickly capitalize on the available resources and revegetate the voids left when the thistles are gone.