Emergency response through invasive plant control in the destructive palisades fire footprint funds a technician team that leads integrated pest management efforts to control weeds in burned areas and…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Park Service (NPS) under the Natural Resource Stewardship program (CFDA 15.944) provides $124,937.00 to the Santa Monica Mountains Fund to lead integrated pest management efforts controlling invasive plant species within the Palisades Fire footprint in Calabasas, CA. The project team will conduct surveys and treatments targeting over 100 invasive species across the fire-affected area to reduce fuel loads, improve native habitats, and increase resistance and resilience to future wildfires. Key activities include implementing best management practices for hazardous invasive plants, large-scale removal of non-native vegetation, and producing a final report detailing lessons learned and an analysis of the project's effectiveness. The award date is May 15, 2025, with a planned completion by December 31, 2026.

Emergency response through invasive plant control in the destructive palisades fire footprint funds a technician team that leads integrated pest management efforts to control weeds in burned areas and increase resistance and resilience to future wildfires. Team will conduct surveys and treatments for invasive plant species throughout the fire footprint. Implements best management practices targeting invasive plant species known to cause fire hazards and ecological damage. The project will reduce fuel loads and improve native habitats through the large-scale removal of non-native vegetation, such as annual grasses and other hazardous fuels. A final report will be produced, detailing the work performed, including lessons learned and an analysis of effectiveness. More than 100 invasive species occur in the santa monica mountains, decreasing native habitat quality, increasing the potential for wildfire ignition and spread, and affecting recreational opportunities.