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MECHANICAL CONTROL OPTIONS FOR COYOTE BRUSH ON CALIFORNIA�S COASTAL RANGELANDS.
Author
Stackhouse, Jeffery W.
Dawe, Sarah L.
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
2017
Body

Although native to California�s coastal rangelands,�Baccharis�is perceived as a pest on ranches as continued fire suppression intensifies the species� foothold on historical grasslands.�Baccharis�encroachment reduces livestock production by limited forage access and availability. The goal of this study was to assess common mechanical removal techniques to determine the most effective, mechanical control option for coyote brush.�Baccharis�was cleared from 6 sites in spring of 2016 utilizing three treatment methods including track-type Caterpillar tractor (cat), a track-type excavator, and hand removal using a chain saw.� Pre-treatment�Baccharis�mean cover was lowest on the saw removal units (52%), while cat and excavator treatment sites were similar with averages of 71% and 78%, respectively. Sites were monitored in the fall of 2016 to assess percent cover and frequency of�Baccharis�re-sprout post treatment. Results demonstrate that mechanical removal through the use of a large excavator was the most successful at removing this species and reducing resprouting (0.2% cover (�0.3)). Hand removal with chain saws was the most economically viable option for mature plant removal, but resulted in the greatest amount of re-sprouts at 6.3% cover (�2.0). The most time-efficient method was the use of a caterpillar tractor which resulted in 1.3% cover (�0.3), while retaining similar abilities of the saw treatment to traverse steeper slopes than the excavator. Results suggest that mechanical control of�Baccharis�using a track-type Caterpillar tractor is the most effective in coastal rangeland settings due to the control achieved, cost/time efficiency, and ability to maneuver in rough terrain.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Conference Name
SRM St. George, UT