Attachment D. Guidelines for Working at Cloverdale Ranch, 2023.pdf

Working at Cloverdale Ranch, 2023

General Information: The requirements and recommendations below are based on the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Recovery Permit and Biological Opinion and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) issued to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) and approved California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mitigations for working with San Francisco garter snake (SFGS) and California red-legged frog (CRLF) throughout the District sphere of influence as well as a variety of scientific studies, other regulatory requirements, and guidance for the protection of target species.

When working in these areas, knowledge of the target species should be considered. For example, SFGS are generally most active in the spring and fall and are generally inactive during winter in underground burrows or under other cover but may emerge during warm periods. Live young are born in the summer between July and August. Another example is CRLF, which deposits egg masses in water from as early as November to March; the larval (tadpole) stage occurs anywhere from December to generally August or September, after which young of the year frogs will disperse from ponds, lakes, and streams into the upland areas. In addition, there are special-status plant species, of which the annual Douglas’ meadowfoam blooms in spring from March through May. This species is the most vulnerable right after gemination (typically in December or January but dependent on rain) until it sets seed in May/June.

Knowing which phase of the animal or plant and where it might be located during each season can help those working at Cloverdale to better plan work projects. Although these species generally occur adjacent to standing water bodies, creeks and streams, they may also be found in the many seasonal wetlands and waterways and upland areas that exist throughout Cloverdale Ranch.

Driving Access (for all Preserve users including staff, contractors, consultants, researchers, volunteers, tenants, etc.):

REQUIRED:

• “Speed Limits. Use of all vehicles (includes motorized and non-motorized conveyance across the landscape such as bicycles, cars, trucks and other vehicles) on Cloverdale Ranch should be strictly controlled to reduce the potential for take of San Francisco garter snake (SFGS) and California red-legged frog (CRLF). Other than emergencies, access should be limited to necessary patrols and authorized persons that follow a 5-mph speed limit within 2,000 feet of waterbodies, including wetlands, ponds, lakes, and perennial streams. See attached map for the 2,000 ft buffer.

• If wildlife is observed, it should be allowed to leave the roadway on its own. Do not handle wildlife and report any observation of sensitive species such as SFGS or CRLF or invasive species such as bullfrog or crayfish to the District or use the online electronic wildlife observation form:

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/09443c2549c541f2a20f76510464cdbf?portalUrl=http s://MROSD.maps.arcgis.com

• Stay on established roads, but if vehicles must travel to and from a work site not on an established ranch road, they must travel slowly (5 mph) and be preceded by a monitor to ensure that snakes or other animals will not be run over by the passing vehicle. Vehicle monitors need not be trained biologists.

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/09443c2549c541f2a20f76510464cdbf?portalUrl=https://MROSD.maps.arcgis.com https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/09443c2549c541f2a20f76510464cdbf?portalUrl=https://MROSD.maps.arcgis.com

• Worker Education Seminar. Prior to conducting any action that may negatively affect listed species [including driving], all staff, contractors, tenants, and persons associated with the project must attend a worker-education seminar delivered by a qualified biologist. The seminar will include written information regarding identification, natural history, legal status, onsite observations, and related information. Names and phone numbers of the biological monitors and CDFW and USFWS contacts should be included in the written information.

The District should maintain a signature sheet to document compliance, which will be made available upon request.

Source: District Best Management Practices

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Anyone accessing the site that has not attended a Worker Education Seminar should be escorted by someone who has attended and is responsible to monitor for and report any observations of the target species.

• If two or more persons are present, one trained in identification and reporting of the target species should be scanning for incidental wildlife and consider preceding the vehicle on foot, especially in areas with impaired visibility of the roadbed.

• If only one person is present, reconsider if driving is necessary and/or consider using a vehicle with better viewing capabilities, such as a side-by-side.

• Consider the time of year, current weather conditions, and road visibility before driving. For example, it is much safer to drive mid-day during a hot day in summer on a recently mowed road having good visibility than on a damp warm day in spring with tall grass obscuring the view of the road.

• If you are trained in the identification of the species and must drive off-road, and a biological or vehicle monitor is not available, consider using a vehicle with better viewing capabilities, such as a side-by-side.

• Check for sheltering wildlife under vehicles that have been parked before driving away. You should complete this as part of your “golden circle” walk around parked vehicles.

Source: –District Best Management Practices to protect species under federal and state

Endangered Species Acts.

Visitor Access to Cloverdale and Docent led tours (by permit only):

• Access to Cloverdale Ranch will be controlled to minimize the potential for injuring or killing SFGS along roads or trails and to reduce opportunities for poaching.

• “Conservation Management Units (CMUs) are areas within preserves, or possibly entire preserves, which because of certain criteria limiting their use, are planned and subsequently managed primarily for preservation of natural resources and viewshed.”

CMUs at Cloverdale Ranch for protection of sensitive species are being explored. “Areas designated as CMUs will not be managed for general public recreation until use limitations can be sufficiently overcome. Public use will not be encouraged, patrol and maintenance will be the minimum necessary for resource protection and public safety, and site maps and signs (outside of the standard boundary signs) will not be available.

Staff will monitor the resource as time permits and as conditions require. Maps contained in the acquisition report and available to the public only upon request will clearly outline access, limitations, and adjacent private properties.”

• Interim public access until CMUs are established will be docent led and hiking only.

• Any docent led tours requiring driving access to the site shall adhere to all driving requirements and recommendations as outlined above.

Sources: District Best Management Practices to protect species under state and federal

Endangered Species Act and District Board Policy 4.01.

Herbicide Application:

• Any applicators requiring driving access to the site shall adhere to all driving requirements and recommendations as outlined above.

• Prior to conducting non-native plant removal (e.g., invasive thistles) or treatments (e.g., spraying with herbicide, cutting, pulling, digging out), the herbicide applicator shall make every reasonable attempt to ensure that snakes and frogs are not hidden within the plant or the residual plant matter to be treated. Source: USFWS Biological Opinion issued in support of the Recovery Permit issued to the District.

• Any herbicide application shall be conducted under the requirements of the District’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Source: District IPM Program.

Mowing and Vegetation Removal for Road and Trail Maintenance, or as Integrated Pest Management or Wildland Fire Resiliency Actions for the purposes of habitat enhancement

• Adhere to all driving requirements and recommendations as outlined above.

• Pre-activity Surveys- for habitat management activities, a biological monitor will be present before and during the activity and will conduct surveys and species monitoring. Surveys and monitors will normally not be required for small scale maintenance activities using hand tools and fewer than five persons per one half acre.

• Worker Education Seminar- Prior to the start of work, an educational program for the target species shall be attended by all workers.

• Mowing Monitors- Surveys and monitoring during mowing activities will only be conducted by federal and state permitted biologists in accordance with their permits. Biological monitors will check for any reptiles or amphibians under vehicles and equipment parked for more than 30 minutes. To maintain safety and limit any chance of take or habitat disturbance, a simple system of hand signals will be established for the monitors, truck drivers, equipment operators, and field personnel to use during mowing activities.

• Sites with known California red-legged frog or San Francisco garter snake observances- (e.g. wetlands within Conservation Management Units), vegetation shall be cut down to 3 inches by hand tools (weedwhacker, etc.) Once the ground is visible, a visual survey for the snake and frog shall be conducted. If no sensitive species are found in the area, removal of vegetation may continue by mowing or mechanized equipment very slowly with a biological monitor walking in front of the equipment to observe. If a snake or frog is observed, all activities shall cease, and the Service shall be notified immediately. Snakes and frogs can be relocated only if a person is permitted by the Service and approved by CDFW for this specific project to handle the snake or the frog.

• Refueling- Equipment refueling will be conducted using heavy-gauge tarps made of chemically resistant polypropylene or other impervious material with vertical sides for spill containment. These containment tarps will be set up under the equipment prior to servicing or refueling. Once the work is completed, the tarp and its contents must be immediately removed from the property and all contaminants properly disposed of offsite. Standard operating procedures will be implemented immediately in case of fuel spillage.

• Decontamination and Prevention of Soil-Borne Pathogens- To prevent the spread of aquatic and soil-borne pathogens, adhere to the attached Decontamination Protocol to Reduce the Risk of Spreading Infectious Amphibian Diseases in Freshwater Systems and Guidelines for Minimizing Phytophthora Contamination.

Recommended:

• Vegetation removal on established roads that pass-through sites with known California red-legged frog or San Francisco garter snake observances (e.g. roads in Conservation Management Units)- equipment shall be proceeded by a monitor and vegetation shall be cut down to no more than six to twelve inches as a first pass. If a second pass is needed, once the ground is visible, a visual survey for the snake and frog shall be conducted. If no sensitive species are found in the area, removal of vegetation may continue by mowing or mechanized equipment very slowly with a biological monitor walking in front of the equipment to observe. If a snake or frog is observed, all activities shall cease and the Service shall be notified immediately. Snakes and frogs can be relocated only if a person is permitted by the Service and approved by CDFW for this specific project to handle the snake or the frog.

• Use of white gravel- makes animals on the road very visible and use of this type of gravel substrate (like that in Hidden Valley) may help to limit roadkill, especially in areas of highest risk (e.g. where roads pass through Conservation Management Units).

Other activities including grazing, infrastructure improvements, demolition, routine maintenance, research, and other site work:

• Adhere to all driving requirements and recommendations as outlined above.

• Pre-activity Surveys- For most habitat management activities authorized in the management plans, a biological monitor will be present before and during the activity and will conduct surveys and species monitoring. Surveys and monitors will normally not be required for small scale maintenance activities using hand tools and fewer than five persons per one half acre.

• Construction Monitoring- Surveys and monitors during habitat maintenance activities will only be conducted by federal and state permitted biologists in accordance with their permits.

• Worker Education Seminar- Prior to the start of work, an educational program for the target species shall be attended by all workers.

• Refueling- Equipment refueling will be conducted using heavy-gauge tarps made of chemically resistant polypropylene or other impervious material with vertical sides for spill containment. These containment tarps will be set up under the equipment prior to servicing or refueling. Once the work is completed, the tarp and its contents must be immediately removed from the property and all contaminants properly disposed of offsite. Standard operating procedures will be implemented immediately in case of fuel spillage.

• Decontamination and Prevention of Soil-Borne Pathogens- To prevent the spread of aquatic and soil-borne pathogens, adhere to the attached Decontamination Protocol to Reduce the Risk of Spreading Infectious Amphibian Diseases in Freshwater Systems and Guidelines for Minimizing Phytophthora Contamination.

Sources: USFWS Biological Opinion issued in support of the Recovery Permit issued to the District and District Best Management Practices.

Attachments:

1) Driving Restriction and Mowing Maps

2) Decontamination Protocol to Reduce the Risk of Spreading Infectious Amphibian Diseases in Freshwater Systems

3) Guidelines for Minimizing Phytophthora Contamination.

C an yo n

Rd

C lo verd a le R d

Pescadero Creek Rd

Be an

H ol lo w

Rd

ÄÆ1

Lit t le B u t a n o

C r e e k

A rro y o d e lo s F r i jole s

G az os Cre e k

Bu tano Cree k

Pe scade ro C r e e k

O l d

W o mans C re e k

Gazos Creek Road

Butano State

Pa rk

Ro ad

Midpeninsula Regional

Open Space District (Midpen)

12/21/2023

DRAFT San Francisco Gartersnake Driving Restriction

Pa th

G

Pr o je ct s\

C lo ve rd a le

S

FG

S

C lo ve rd a le

_S

FG

S G ra zi ng D ri vi n g

.m xd C re a te d B y:

a co st a n z a

0 10.5

Miles

I

While the District strives to use the best available digital data, these data do not represent a legal survey and are merely a graphic il lus tration of geographic features.

Other protected land

Cloverdale Ranch

DRAFT Driving restriction area

Speed limit 10 mph outside of CMUs

Proposed Conservation Management Unit

Speed limit 5 mph

CONFIDENTIAL

Butano Farms Front Field

Butano Farms Back Field

Back Forty Flats

R o o t D o w n Fa rm

Coastal Bluffs

LEASE &

MANAGEMENT

AGREEMENT

BUTANO

STATE

PARK

AÑO

NUEVO

STATE

PARK

BOLSA

POINT

FARM

PEBBLE

BEACH

FARM

PENINSULA

FARMS

PIGEON POINT

LIGHT STATION

STATE HISTORIC PARK

Lake Lucerne

B ea n H o llow

N orth Reservoir

Bean H ollow

South Reservoir

Pige on Point Rd Gazos Creek Road

G a zo s C re ek

R d

C lo verd a le R d

C lo verdale Rd

S ta g e

R d

C an yo n

Rd

Pescadero Creek Rd

Be an

H ol lo w

Rd

ÄÆ1

Midpeninsula Regional

Open Space District (Midpen)

9/19/2023

Cloverdale Ranch Mowing Plan 2023

Pa th

G

P ro je ct s\ C lo ve rd a le

M o w in g P la n C

R M o w in g P la n

.m x d

C re a te d B y n g re ig

0 10.5 Miles

I

While the District strives to use the best available digital data, these data do not represent a legal survey and are merely a graphic illustration of geographic features.

Road-width mowing 10 - 12'

Trail

Unpaved seasonal road

Cloverdale Ranch

Phase III L&MA, owned by POST

ATV-width mowing 6 - 8'

Unpaved all-season road

Proposed Conservation

Management Unit

©2007 California Center for Amphibian Disease Control

Pathogens can be vectored within and between aquatic systems through a multitude of pathways and little human control can be exerted over most of them in the wild. Waterfowl, migratory birds, foraging ungulates, cats, dogs, domestic livestock, feral goats and pigs and even native terrestrial wildlife can act as vectors for a wide array of pathogenic microorganisms.

For microorganisms with a lifestage that can withstand dessication, the wind can be a vector. The single transport agent (i.e. vector) over which we have some control, and the only one which has the capacity for worldwide travel in a 24-hour period, is Homo sapiens. If you are a professional who regularly ventures into the field working in or around freshwater systems, it is imperative to decontaminate yourself and your equipment each and every time you go in the field (before and after your visit) in order to minimize your risk of transporting pathogens from one site to the next.

DECONTAMINATION

PROTOCOL

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF

SPREADING

INFECTIOUS AMPHIBIAN

DISEASES

IN FRESHWATER SYSTEMS

G. Padgett-Flohr 2003

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis “Bd”

Padgett-Flohr and Longcore 2003

Bd Zoosporangia

Zoospores discharging into water.

(Longcore et al. 1999).

Potential Vector

Potential Vector

Potential Vector

Asexual reproduction of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; the fungus which causes amphibian chytridiomycosis. Zoospores infect an amphibian and develop into zoosporangium in epidermal tissue.

When mature, zoospores discharge through papillae into surrounding water to seek new host.

Located in the coastal foothills of Central California, Joseph D. Grant County Park is a 10,000-acre haven which boasts temporary and perennial ponds, lakes, and perennial and intermittent streams.

Strict decontamination procedures are carried out during sampling by CCADC crew to ensure that pathogens are not transported from one waterbody to another.

Field conditions are a far cry from the environment of the human medical institution where sepsis and sterility are tightly controlled and monitored.

Although we cannot duplicate that level of control while in the field, we can set standards and practices to ensure that we, as wildlife professionals, do not spread disease or act as vectors increasing the risk of disease outbreaks in new areas by transporting pathogenic agents between sites. Remember that the outcome of a disease outbreak is based on the number of infectious particles contained in the initial inoculating dose. The steps outlined in this protocol may not kill all the infectious particles; however a reduction in the environment of the number of infectious particles that can invade an amphibian or its habitat will provide an opportunity for a more positive outcome

The key to any decontamination procedure is PLANNING AHEAD. If you are surveying by yourself, even more forethought will be required to effectively decontaminate yourself and your equipment properly before leaving a site.

G.E. Padgett-Flohr 2004

BASIC SUPPLIES

1. Granulated swimming pool chlorine in a puncture-proof container.

Granulated chlorine bleach can be purchased at any swimming pool supply store in a variety of quantities, up to and including 40 pounds. Recent pricing (April 2004) for this chemical is approximately $90.00 for 40 pounds and $68.00 for 25 pounds.

Granulated chlorine bleach has the distinct advantage of being in dry form and is therefore much more portable than the gallons of liquid bleach currently being carted around by some folks. Besides being heavy and cumbersome, liquid bleach loses most of its effectiveness within 2 weeks of the container being opened. The abbreviated active life of opened liquid bleach solutions can mean that although folks are following the decontamination procedure-they are not accomplishing the task of killing pathogens if they are using bleach which has lost its effectiveness. Old liquid bleach is not decontaminating anything.

Storing disinfecting agents at home safely is hard enough, but trying to transport chemicals, even for the best of reasons, out into the field can be a real challenge. At the CCADC we have found the best container to store and transport the granulated bleach to be the Backpackers Cache®. This is a bear-proof container that is therefore puncture-proof and is light enough (2.7 pounds) to place in a backpack for easy transport into the field.

Chlorine granules are poured into gallon-size Ziploc® plastic bags, which are sealed and then placed in the Backpackers Cache® with a measuring cup for easy mixing of the disinfecting solution when on site. The Backpackers Cache® runs about $70.00 and retailers carrying the item can be located by checking at http://www.backpackerscache.com/dealers.asp.

18”

8”

2. Pop-up waterproof garden trimming container. Although large, the best model we have found is manufactured by Fiskars, runs $19.95 and is called the “Kangaroo Utility Container”. This container is waterproof, 22” X 28” and will fold down to a 3” stack. (A smaller version would be preferable, but at this time only the large version is available in waterproof form). The Kangaroo container can easily be attached to a backpack by the handles as it weighs less than 1 pound. It is available at:

http://www.fiskars.com/en_US/garden/category.do?cat=5.

3. Plastic tarp at least 8’ x 8’ in size.

4. Hard bristled scrub brushes (preferably with an extra long handle).

5. Plastic laboratory aprons.

6. Collapsible 1-gallon jugs (2-3). These can be purchased relatively inexpensively at local camping or outdoor gear supply stores.

7. Extra change of clothes in case your clothes get wet. Bring the change of clothes in a plastic bag so that you can isolate your wet “contaminated” clothing in the bag after you have donned your dry clean clothes. If you are doing extensive field work, more than one change of clothes and extra plastic bags may be needed, so plan ahead!

28”

FIELD DECONTAMINATION PROTOCOL

This protocol assumes that there is more than one individual going out in the field. We are also assuming that some type of sampling in or around a waterbody will occur during the field visit.

General Policies

1. Always start your fieldwork with sterilized equipment. Prior to going in the field decontaminate (“decon”) all equipment (dip nets, two-pole seines, hip boots, chest waders etc.) using a 5% bleach solution or Quat 1281 (didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) diluted 1 oz/ 1 gal of water. This means a two-minute soak in the sterilizing solution! A 2-second dunk merely gets the item wet- it does not render it instantly sterile.

1 Very effective, less corrosive on equipment. Can be obtained at any local medical supply store. Not effective on whirling disease of fish.

DISINFECTANT

DIP NET

TWO-MINUTE SOAK

2. Don’t forget your field vehicle. In published literature on veterinary medicine, vehicles have been identified as vectors spreading livestock diseases between ranches and farms. Careful cleaning of vehicles is routinely practiced by veterinary professionals traveling between populations of livestock. Wildlife populations are vulnerable to disease as well; therefore, for field biologists, scrubbing down the tires on the field vehicle is a necessary practice, especially if you have had to drive through a stream or creek. Scrubbing down your tires not only helps prevent spreading wildlife disease pathogens, it also assists in preventing the spread of plant diseases such as SODS (Sudden Oak Death Syndrome).

3. In lentic (pond) habitats always work from the “cleanest” site to the “dirtiest” site. Find out beforehand if there have been any disease occurrences detected in the area you will be working in and organize your sampling sites from clean to dirty.

4. In lotic (stream) situations begin your surveys from the highest upstream point and work your way downstream. If you do have to go from a downstream to an upstream area, decon after you have completed the downstream work and then proceed to the upstream site.

Decon again after completing work at the upstream area.

5. If no data are known- assume all sites are “contaminated”. It is better to err on the side of caution. Few places have actually been specifically sampled for pathogens and/or disease occurrences. Of those places which have been sampled, the data are slow coming in. CCADC will continue to record and make available all reported occurrences (contact: gpadgettflohr@aol.com).

6. Decontaminate all equipment and clothing between lentic water bodies. It cannot be assumed that if one pond has been found to be positive for a specific pathogen or disease occurrence that all ponds in the vicinity are similarly afflicted. Therefore follow the “decon procedure” between ponds if you are visiting multiple sites.

7. As the disease status of most amphibian populations is currently unknown, do not translocate amphibians of any lifestage at this time. Given the current, very serious situation with newly emerging infectious diseases affecting amphibians worldwide, any translocations must necessarily involve a simultaneous testing of amphibian populations at both recipient and donor sites. Human initiated movements of frogs, toads and/or salamanders without testing the health of amphibians at both donor and recipient sites, have the potential to introduce pathogens and disease into otherwise healthy habitats and populations.

DECONTAMINATION SETUP AND PROCEDURE

When on-site- designate a “clean” crew and a “dirty” crew. The “dirty” crew enters the water for sampling and passes specimens to the “clean” crew who do not enter the water or muddy areas. It is helpful to have a couple of extra buckets, filled with pond water and placed next to the tarp to deposit animals into.

1. At the site the “clean” crew sets up the 8’ X 8’ tarp on the soil which will outline the clean work area. Any equipment (Pesola® spring scales, scalpels, scissors, etc.) used for sampling amphibians should be placed on the tarp.

“Clean” crew dons plastic aprons to protect clothing from getting wet and they stay on the tarp for the duration of the sampling.

2. The pop-up Kangaroo container is opened up and placed at the edge of the tarp. The “dirty” crew members enter the water, fill the collapsible jugs with water and hand them to the “clean” crew who use it to fill the pop up container.

The “dirty” crew members also fill the specimen buckets and place them between the pond and within reach of the “clean” crew on the tarp.

3. Once filled about 1/3 of the way with water, the “clean” crew adds approximately 1 cup of bleach granules to the water.

4. Sampling proceeds with the “dirty” crew doing the seining, electroshocking, and/or dipnetting etc. Animals to be examined can be taken directly from, and then replaced back into, the specimen buckets by “clean” crew members. The “dirty” crew members replace the contents of the buckets back into the ponds at the conclusion of sampling.

5. “Clean” crew members should disinfect hands after handling each animal and then rinse thoroughly before touching the next animal. Pond water is acceptable to rinse the hands if no other water source is available. Gloves are not recommended due to the sensitive nature of amphibian skin.

6. Use new individual Baggy® for each animal being retained. Bag up and toss out all used Baggies® at the end of your sampling.

7. When PIT-tagging or toe-clipping, use sterile instruments and disinfect them between animals. A small bottle of 70% ethanol can be kept handy to sterilize instruments between specimens. Seal wounds so there is no avenue for infection. Swab wound with 0.1% iodine then seal with medical grade cyanoacrylate.

8. Do not allow disinfectants to contact amphibians.

9. Decontaminate all equipment before leaving any site. The “clean” crew assists the “dirty” crew. To properly decontaminate means WASH AND SCRUB FIRST to remove all clumps of dirt. Lots of elbow grease!! THEN

DISINFECT.

10. Don’t forget to soak the plastic aprons, the specimen buckets, and the plastic tarp (2 minutes!). Everything should be clean when you leave the site.

11. If “dirty” crew clothing has gotten wet, clothing should be changed and the contaminated clothing bagged and isolated.

12. The last step is to dump out the bleach solution a safe distance from the waterbody.

13. WASH YOUR FIELD CLOTHES AFTER EACH VISIT.

Note: The photos used in this protocol show a county park vehicle with a hydraulic lift and a pumper truck to provide water for the decon solution mix.

This is a fantastic setup, if available. The protocol described above assumes that specialized equipment like this is not typically available or may not have access to the site.

Guidelines for Minimizing Phytophthora Contamination at Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Preserves

The goal of these guidelines is to minimize the contamination of Midpeninsula Regional Open

Space District (MROSD) preserves with Phytophthora, a soil pathogen that kills plants. Once a site is contaminated, this soil pathogen can spread farther into wildland areas and can be difficult to eradicate. Prevention is the lowest cost and easiest method to manage contamination.

The best way to prevent the spread of this disease is to not move soil from one location to another by cleaning tools, equipment, and footwear.

Part of the District’s mission is to protect and restore the natural environment. Within the last few years, planted restoration sites have unintentionally exposed preserves to soil pathogens brought in by nursery plants that were later found to be contaminated. Testing of former restoration sites on District preserves is now underway to determine which sites are contaminated and the necessary remedial actions.

Who should use these guidelines?

These guidelines are intended for use by field staff and Natural Resource (NR) staff who pose the highest chance of spreading soil Phytophthora via equipment and footwear. Several methods are provided on how and when to decontaminate tools and equipment depending on the site conditions (contaminated versus clean site) and staff activities (planting, other). Guidelines for contractors, consultants, volunteers and preserve visitors are under development. Consult NR staff (Amanda Mills, amills@openspace.org or x558, or Coty Sifuentes-Winter, csifuentes@openspace.org or x560) on which guidelines are best for your project.

When to use these guidelines?

Use these guidelines for any activity that contacts soil, water or plants on a known Phytophthora-contaminated site, on a formerly planted site, on a site with rare plants, or when preparing or planting a new restoration site.

mailto:amills@openspace.org

Table of Contents

1. Overview

1.1 What is Phytophthora?

1.2 General Steps:

1.3 Proper Disinfectants

2. Cleaning at the Field Office

2.1 Remove Soil from Equipment and Footwear

2.2 Disinfect Tools With Bleach

2.3 Disinfect Wheeled Equipment/ Vehicles

3. Cleaning at Field Site

3.1 Cleaning at Start of Field Day

3.2 Cleaning at End of Field Day

4. FAQ

5. Sources

6. Future Methods

1. Overview

Remember to Arrive Clean and Leave Clean. The best way to prevent the spread of

Phytophthora is to leave soil at its original location in the field. Equipment and footwear should be clean and sanitized before entering a site, especially for planting events where extra precautionary steps will be taken. Before leaving a site, especially at contaminated sites, it’s crucial to clean and sanitize footwear and equipment.

Definitions:

Clean - remove soil and organic debris from tools and footwear

Sanitize - Use disinfecting agent such as alcohol or chlorine bleach.

Phytosanitary- control of plant pests and diseases especially in agricultural crops

1.1 What is Phytophthora?

1.1.1 Phytophthora (Fie-tof-thora) is a group of water molds that infect plants. There are many species, mostly notably P. ramorm (Sudden Oak Death), P. infestans (potato blight/ Irish potato famine) and P. tentaculata (nursery root rot).

1.1.2 Symptoms are similar to drought, making diagnosis difficult without testing.

1.1.3 Symptoms include leaf spots, branch die-back, cankers, trunk bleeding and death of whole plant.

1.1.4 Hosts include many native and nursery plants including oaks, bay laurel, madrones, sticky monkeyflower.

1.1.5 Brought to California through imported camellia and rhododendron nursery plants.

1.1.6 Mainly spreads from contaminated nursery stock, pots and soil. Can spread by foot traffic from contaminated footwear.

1.2 General Steps:

1.2.1 What - Items to be cleaned: Anything that comes into contact with soil, water or plants.

This includes tools (shovels, hand trowels, hori-horis, rakes, tree cages, plant protection tubes etc.), footwear, equipment, wheeled equipment and vehicles.

1.2.2 When - Prior to the project day, field staff will be notified what items need to be cleaned and by which method. In general, tools and equipment should be cleaned at the field office before bringing them to the field site, and soil should be removed from footwear beforehand and more thoroughly cleaned at the entrance to the field site.

1.2.3 Transportation - Cleaned equipment should be transported in a truckbed from which all soil has been washed out, or cleaned equipment can be wrapped in a clean tarp before placed in a dirty truck.

1.3 Proper Disinfectants

All recommended disinfectants are considered pesticides. Personal protective equipment required by the State of California for anyone using disinfectants is eye protection with wrap-around and brow protection and 14 mil chemical resistant gloves. You can use smaller mil gloves if handling chemicals for 15 minutes or less.

1.3.1 The disinfectants listed in Table 1 are recommended by standard phytosanitary guidelines.

1.3.2 Other disinfecting agents or methods, such as Lysol or heat treatments, must be reviewed and approved by NR staff before use.

1.3.3 Disinfectants are most effective when surfaces are clean of soil and user follows label instructions.

Disinfecting

Agent

Active ingredient Contact time

Product shelf life

Proper

Disposal

Health

Risk

Personal

Protective

Equipment

Granular Chlorine

Bleach (Leslies

Chlor Brite, EZ

Chlor)

Sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate

2 min Long if undiluted

Neutralizer

(Vita-D-

Chlor)

High

Eyewear, gloves; do not inhale

Liquid Bleach

(Clorox)*

Sodium chloride 2 min 3-5 months

TBD High Eyewear, gloves; do not inhale

Rubbing Alcohol Ethanol or Isopropyl

Alcohol

1 min Long TBD Med Eyewear, gloves;

flammable

Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quat

128 or Physan 20)

Dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride

10 min Long if undiluted

TBD Med Eyewear, gloves; toxic to fish

Table 1: List of approved disinfecting agents. Always follow chemical label instructions.

*Liquid bleaches are generally not recommended as a disinfectant because they lose potency in storage.

2. Cleaning at the Field Office

Clean equipment, tools and footwear at the field office before arriving to the project site. This is the easiest way to prevent soil contamination. For those occasions where equipment and footwear must be cleaned at a field site, see Cleaning at Field Site (page 7).

2.1 Remove Soil from Equipment and Footwear

2.1.1 At the field office, scrape, brush, and wash off any soil or organic material. Take care to remove soil trapped in treads or cracks.

2.1.2 Pathogens can survive inside soil clods even after soaking because disinfectants may not completely penetrate large or clayey masses. Therefore, it is important to remove large clods of soil before soaking or otherwise treating with disinfectants.

2.2 Disinfect Tools With Bleach

Several disinfecting agents are available for treating Phytophthoras (Table 1). When many tools need treatment, use granular chlorine bleach at the field office. Spraying with rubbing alcohol is more appropriate for spot treatment at remote field locations.

NEVER MIX DIFFERENT DISINFECTING AGENTS.

ALWAYS FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS.

FOLLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WHEN USING

DISINFECTING AGENTS.

List of Equipment for Disinfecting Tools:

Disinfectant – most frequently, we expect to be using granular chlorine bleach such as

EZ Chlor or Leslie’s Chlor Brite when cleaning multiple tools at the field office.

Carefully follow the directions below when using any [?] of the bleach disinfectants.

Vita-D-Chlor (chlorine neutralizer) - This neutralizing product is only required if you used chlorine bleach as a disinfectant.

Waterproof container - A large [minimum size?] plastic trashcan or waterproof pop-up garden trimming container in which to mix the water-based disinfectant and soak the tools.

Hard bristled scrub brushes and paint scrapers - Grill brushes with scrapper attachment are handy tools to loosen soil from both flat surfaces and narrow cracks.

Personal Protective Equipment Close-toed shoes, apron or coveralls, protective eyewear, 14 mil chemical resistant gloves (not leather or cloth).

Clean water source - should not be cloudy or with a lot of organic material in it.

Pressure washers or nozzles are helpful to remove soil quickly and get into small cracks.

2.2.1 Before using the disinfectant, remove soil as described in above section.

2.2.2 Fill waterproof container with 10 gallons of water. Use label instructions to add the right amount of disinfecting agent. For granular bleach, use one teaspoon in 10 gallons to get the desired 0.525% dilution.

2.2.3 Dunk tools in solution for required soaking time (see Table 1). For granular bleach, this is 2-minutes. Just getting tools wet does not mean they will be disinfected. Think of it as chemical cooking.

2.2.4 If you used chlorine bleach as a disinfectant, it needs to be neutralized after soaking.

This ‘rinse cycle” will deactivate the bleach so it does not corrode metal and so that it is safer to dispose of the soak water. Equipment sprayed with alcohol does not require this neutralization step.

2.2.5 In addition to tools, remember to disinfect the sanitation kit, gloves, tarps, or other miscellaneous items that have come into contact with soil.

2.2.6 Let tools dry. The hose lay is great for drying tarps.

2.3 Disinfect Wheeled Equipment/ Vehicles

Anything with wheels, including wheel barrels, ATV’s, motorized carts that will be used at the field site needs to be cleaned and this is best done at the field office before the project. Vehicles that stay at the staging area do not have to be cleaned and sanitized. However, it is good phytosanitary practice to remove soil from wheels every time you leave a site.

2.3.1 Scrub down tires either by hand scrubbing or using a pressure spray wash.

2.3.2 Sanitize using disinfecting spray such as bleach (must be made weekly) or rubbing alcohol.

3. Cleaning at Field Site

Remember to Arrive Clean and Leave Clean. If equipment was cleaned and treated with a disinfectant at the field office and delivered in a clean truck, then on-site cleaning of equipment will only be required when leaving at the end of a work day. We recommend that everyone be encouraged to thoroughly clean their footwear of soil before arrival at the site, and then footwear be treated with alcohol upon arrival. Volunteers may not always be aware of this recommendation and may arrive with boots that need to be cleaned of foreign soil at the field site. Scraping all soil off equipment and footwear is required before leaving site, and sanitation of all footwear is usually recommended when leaving a site, especially for known contaminated sites. Rubbing alcohol is usually the preferred disinfectant in the field. Bleach products can be used in the field, but it is harder to mix and dispose of them properly in the field. See details below.

3.1 Cleaning at Start of Field Day

Tools:

Portable sanitation kits include the following items in a bin: 2 tarps, boot brush with scraper, 2 spray bottles of 70% isopropyl alcohol, 2 long-handled brushes, 2 paint scrapers, and instructions. On muddy days, also bring a basin and 2 jugs of water.

Alcohol 70% Ethyl alcohol (Ethanol) or 90% Isopropyl alcohol is fine. Called rubbing alcohol at drug stores.

Spray bottle - we take the nozzles from chemical resistant spray bottles and screw them directly into the rubbing alcohol bottle. Sometimes the stem needs to be trimmed. This allows you to have a spray bottle that is properly labeled with rubbing alcohol information and precautions.

3.1.1 Any equipment or footwear not cleaned and sanitized at the field office must be cleaned and sanitized before entering the site. Off-site soil should be considered contaminated.

3.1.2 Using the items in the portable sanitation kit, set up a staging area where equipment and footwear will be cleaned and sanitized. A paved parking lot or surface near the entrance to the work site is preferred.

3.1.3 Lay out 2 tarps, one labeled ‘dirty’ and one labeled ‘clean’.

Remove any off-site soil from footwear and equipment onto the ‘dirty’ tarp. Try not to use water. If water is used, DO NOT dump potentially contaminated water onto on-site soil. Water can be dumped onto non-permeable pavement such as a road or parking lot in a low traffic area. This will UV-sterilize the dirty water (24 hr daylight cycle) as long as no clumps exist. Potentially contaminated soil in the ‘dirty’ tarp should be bagged in a trash bag and thrown away. DO NOT dispose of off-site soil at the new site.

3.1.4 Use the ‘clean’ tarp to sanitize soil-free footwear and equipment. Standing on the tarp, spray cleaned footwear and tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol, thoroughly wetting the surface. If the surface of your footwear or tools is already wet, spray extra alcohol to displace the water and allow the alcohol to soak the surface. Spray the footwear from the top down to avoid contamination.

3.1.5 Allow alcohol to evaporate (approx. 1 min) before starting work. You can stand on the tarp until your shoes are dry.

3.1.6 Footbath Alternative - we are investigating sanitizing mats where sanitizing only requires stepping on the mat. Gemplers.com, sanistride.com, and nelsonjameson.com sell both sponge mats and footbath mats for disinfecting shoes. Either chlorine bleach or non-evaporating disinfectants are used in these footbaths and the solution is changed weekly or as needed. Chemical strips are available to test if disinfectants are still effective.

Caution should be taken if footbaths and solutions are transported to avoid spills.

3.1.7 Bleach alternative in the field. We are currently recommending that the bleach alternative be used at the field office and alcohol be used in the field. Bleach may be a better alternative in the field under some circumstances (large amounts of tools that must be disinfected in field), but will require special processes for safety and to properly dispose of the chlorine treatment water. Consult with the NR Department to determine best methods under these conditions.

3.2 Cleaning at End of Field Day

Tools:

Portable sanitation kits include the following items in a bin: 2 tarps, boot brush withscraper, 2 spray bottles of 70% isopropyl alcohol, 2 long-handled brushes, 2 paint scrapers, and instructions. On muddy days, also bring a basin & 2 jugs of water.

3.2.1 Sanitation of equipment and shoes is important for known or suspected contaminated sites. More leniency can be given for ‘clean’ sites.

3.2.2 Remove all soil and organic material from footwear and equipment. Leave soil onsite.

Use the boot scraper, paint scraper and a stiff brush to remove any soil and plant material on both the top and bottom of footwear and from tools including the digging ends and handles. Make sure to clean out crevices. On muddy days, fill the basin with water to assist in rinsing off excess soil once the majority of debris has been removed.

3.2.3 Water helps in removing dried clods of soil. This water can be dumped on-site only if the soil originates from on-site.

3.2.4 Standing on the ‘clean’ tarp, spray cleaned footwear and tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol, thoroughly wetting the surface and allowing it to dry (approx. 1 min). If the surface of your footwear or tools is already wet, spray extra alcohol to displace the water and allow the alcohol to soak the surface.

3.2.5 Before leaving the site, shake soil off the scrapers, brushes and tarp.

3.2.6 At the field office, thoroughly clean the portable sanitation kit by washing out, spraying with alcohol and drying the container and all contents before storage. The portable sanitation kit must be clean before moving to a new site.

4. FAQ

Q. What do we do with left over soil?

A. Depends on the soil. Soil from off-site should be disposed of in a trash bag and thrown away--there’s no knowing if off-site soil is contaminated or not. On site soil can be disposed of on-site back where it came from.

Q. What do we do with dirty water?

A. Pouring on pavement or another non-porous surface should disperse the contaminated soil enough to UV (sun) sterilize the water. If using bleach, use neutralizer and the water can be considered clean and safe enough to pour out anywhere. Don’t pollute! Other disinfectants need proper disposal that isn’t safe for dumping on the ground. Contact Natural Resources Department

(Amanda Mills/Coty Sifuentes-Winter) or EH&S for safe disposal procedures.

Q. How do we use the tarps?

A. Two tarps, two purposes. Dirty tarp: use as a containment area to clean off soil clogs, especially offsite soil, for later disposal. Clean tarp: provides users a clean surface to sterilize

(with alcohol or other sanitation liquid) shoes and equipment not cleaned at the Field offices.

Q. When will we need to sanitize or use the kits?

A. 1. Contaminated sites (list TBD) 2. Planting events-NR staff lead 3. When NR Staff recommend sanitation. Most of these will be NR staff lead, otherwise a leading crew member will advise on Phytosanitary BMP.

Q. Can we use hot water to sterilize?

A. Hot water can be used only if equipment bathes in 120-125° water for 30 minutes in order to be effective at killing both surface contaminants and internal infections.

Q. What about large equipment and Ranger lead projects?

A. TBD. Field staff will be trained on phytosanitary measures. For field crew lead projects, a crew member should be in charge of facilitating phytosanitary compliance.

Q. Why does this take so much time?

A. It’s best to prevent rather than respond to contamination by Phytophthora. Once a natural area has been exposed to this soil disease, it can slowly spread and kill other plants. It is very difficult and expensive to kill all the pathogens in the soil of a natural area.

5. Sources

CalPhytos.org. “Guidelines to minimize Phytophthora Pathogens in Restoration Nurseries”.

Suddenoakdeath.org. http://www.suddenoakdeath.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Restoration.Nsy_.Guidelines.final_.092216.pdf

Kurowki, Chet. “Control Pathogen Spread through use of Disinfectants”. Calseed.org.

http://www.calseed.org/documents/Disinfectants%2004-22-14a.pdf

Cornell University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee “Cleaning and sanitizing equipment used in the transport of animals.”

https://ras.research.cornell.edu/care/documents/ACUPs/ACUP532.pdf http://agriculture.mo.gov/animals/pdf/animalag_guide4.pdf

6. Future Methods

Let us know how these guidelines worked for your project! We may adjust guidelines based on feedback.