That grass has got to go. Im ignoring the numerous factual mistakes in the above article to make a simple point. It is a code-red Cal-IPCC invasive exotic from Chile that has been shown to fully displace rare native plants and to not provide nesting habitat for shorebirds. Full stop. Its removal is substantial restoration as described by Coastal Commission ecologists.
Clearly the sea level is rising faster in humboldt bay than most places on the coast and it is true that this clonal plant is adapted to do better at trapping sediments (particularly in a warmer world, a grass thing). Until thats all thats left why not carve out some refugial habitats for native species to persist? Weve already lost 90% of our sat marsh habitats in this Bay to agricultural diking. If you want to save something pick something else than this weed and join a local group seeking to plan a smart retreat from our shoreline.
- Dr. anon., Trinidad
Re: “Save the Spartina!”
That grass has got to go. Im ignoring the numerous factual mistakes in the above article to make a simple point. It is a code-red Cal-IPCC invasive exotic from Chile that has been shown to fully displace rare native plants and to not provide nesting habitat for shorebirds. Full stop. Its removal is substantial restoration as described by Coastal Commission ecologists.
Clearly the sea level is rising faster in humboldt bay than most places on the coast and it is true that this clonal plant is adapted to do better at trapping sediments (particularly in a warmer world, a grass thing). Until thats all thats left why not carve out some refugial habitats for native species to persist? Weve already lost 90% of our sat marsh habitats in this Bay to agricultural diking. If you want to save something pick something else than this weed and join a local group seeking to plan a smart retreat from our shoreline.
- Dr. anon., Trinidad