In recent years, aquatic invasive plant infestations (e.g., water hyacinth) have become increasingly problematic throughout the sacramento-SAN joaquin delta (delta) and its tributaries, particularly…

In recent years, aquatic invasive plant infestations (e.g., water hyacinth) have become increasingly problematic throughout the sacramento-SAN joaquin delta (delta) and its tributaries, particularly in the SAN joaquin and merced rivers. The rapid growth rates and excessive accumulation of plant biomass have resulted in a wide variety of recreational and ecological impacts, including but not limited to: bank to bank vegetation dams in numerous places along the mainstem SAN joaquin and merced rivers, creating a complete impasse for boaters and precluded access to launch ramps and navigability of waterways on california department of fish and wildlife (cdfw) wildlife areas, resulting in closure of access points and recreation areas to the public. The california department of parks and recreation division of boating and waterways (DBW) (contractor) is the lead state agency for controlling invasive aquatic plants in the delta, suisun marsh, and its tributaries has the authority mandate to control authorized species of aquatic invasive plants (AIP) to maintain access and navigability of the waterways under its jurisdiction and maintains the necessary biological opinions, permits, and applicator licenses to implement its aquatic invasive plant control program (aipcp) for both floating emergent (FAV) and submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV). In addition to the chemical treatments conducted by the aipcp, DBW also utilizes external contractors (subcontractors) to perform physical and mechanical removal treatments throughout their jurisdiction, as well for chemical treatments (and other control methods) in areas where DBW lacks the capacity to perform the work. AIP infestations throughout the delta and its tributaries have rapidly worsened in the last two to three years due to a combination of factors that includes exacerbation by exceptional drought conditions, aipcp capacity and resource limitations, and lapsed treatments in critical areas and conveyance systems. At the current extent of the AIP infestations, the aipcp, without resource augmentation, is unable to implement control efforts with the scope, scale, and intensity necessary to maintain access and navigability of the waterways in the SAN joaquin valley.