Exotic or non-native plants pose a threat to the entire Battle Creek ecosystem, including fish and wildlife populations, and represent a danger to the continued use of ranchlands for grazing. The BCWC has entered into a partnership with the Tehama County Resource Conservation District and the Bureau of Land Management to undertake a noxious weeds survey on public and private lands in the Battle Creek watershed. The inventory, conducted by TCRCD personnel and trained surveyors, will covered approximately 3,000 acres of private land on or near Battle Creek. The survey is now complete and the report is available for viewing or downloading: Noxious Weed Inventory

Two plants are targeted at this time for control efforts in the Battle Creek watershed. Scotch Broom - Cytisus scoparius or French Broom - Cytisus monspessulanus and Klamath Weed or St. Johnswort - Hypericum perforatum pose somewhat different problems, broom being invasive and eliminating habitat for a variety of wildlife, while Klamath Weed is a threat to the livestock industry, as it can cause severe injury and displaces valuable forage.

Broom, a woody perennial up to 10 feet tall that invades disturbed areas i.e. roadsides, is a prodigious seed producer, up to 18,000 seeds per plant annually. It was introduced as an ornamental and later used for soil stabilization. It is a deep-rooted nitrogen fixer enabling it to establish in poor soils. Waxy coverings on branches help the plant survive dry conditions, thriving in both shade and sun. Its ability to colonize disturbed areas and thrive in cold climates (it is an increasing problem in the Upper Blue Mountains of Australia) both increase the potential spread to higher elevations, where it would impact forests. In native grasslands, dense brush fields of broom profoundly alter the appearance of the landscape and degrade habitat for wildlife. Broom is highly competitive and displaces native plant species. Seedpods explode when ripe, with seed surviving up to 80 years. Plants along Battle Creek, its tributaries and the canal systems benefit from the water flow with additional seed dispersal, Broom also has a high resin level and burns with fury, even when green.

Broom is located near the valley floor around CNFH, in the NF in Shingletown (approx. 4,000'), and in the SF at Shingletown Road and in various locations throughout the watershed. Herbicidal control is possible but expensive, and would be of concern next to watercourses. Biological controls have been utilized in some areas, status unknown in Battle Creek watershed. The entire plant can be manually removed during wet months of the year.

Klamath weed is photodynamic, able to convert sunlight into energy (primarily heat) causing cellular damage and sunburn. Cattle and sheep are the most sensitive to this toxin, but swine and horses may also be affected. Klamath weed is not palatable and is eaten only when better food is unavailable. Severe burn can occur to the point where large areas of skin peel off, is extremely painful, and predisposes the animal to infection. Affected animals may act abnormally and not want to eat due to the discomfort. The eyes may be affected - these animals may not be able to see.

Current status - both targeted weeds have benefited from two consecutive wet springs with resultant heavy seed crops. Particularly for Klamath weed, time is really of the essence. An explosion of plants is eminent, out-competing native plants and reducing forage for wildlife and the livestock industry. The approach to controls will be multifaceted, including public outreach and actual removal programs by crews and through a community 'war on weeds day'.

Tehama County Department of Agriculture will partner with the BCWC to provide biological control and participate in the noxious weed committee. Monitoring will be necessary and will need to coincide with control activities. Equipment for the project will entail weed pulling 'tools (for broom initially) which leverage the operators' ability to “pull" weeds out of the ground. Such equipment will be available to crews to do removal work and individuals for use on their own land. Biological controls will be used on Klamath weed.

Utilization of the watershed by diverse wildlife populations and the continued use of the land for agricultural interests will be directly linked to the continued success of those activities. The invasion of exotic weeds, altering the biodiversity of plants for forage could forever alter the use of the land. Lost deer habitat and reduced cattle production could all occur due to competition by exotic plants. Actions now could prevent future problems and changes in land use from large ranches to developments.

For more information, view our Noxious and Invasive Plants page