Project Background
| Why: |
Gorse (also known a Irish Furze) is a non-native invasive plant (weed) that is threatening the health of the native habitats of San Bruno Mountain. |
| What: |
To protect and enhance the native habitats of San Bruno Mountain, we are undertaking an invasive plant control program that will control this species over the next 4 years. |
| When: |
- 2004 - We anticipate removing 31 acres of mature gorse, comprised of both dense stands of gorse and scattered individual plants.
- 2005 - 2008 - We will remove all new seedlings and re-sprouts of gorse within the 31 acre removal area
- 2006 - We will revegitate a small, wetland seep with native species, including willow, elderberry, and dogwood.
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| Where: |
San Bruno Mountain in San Mateo County |
| Who: |
A team of experienced contractors will be removing the gorse and plantin native species. |
Download a PDF presentation about this project (1 MB) |
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Gorse (Ulex eurpaeus)
Why is it a problem?
- Gorse spreads quickly through native habitat, creating dense, impenetrable stands that prevent native plant species from growing.
- Gorse alters the soil chemistry making it inhospitable to many native plant species.
- High oil content, dense growth habit, and high flammibility of seeds and foliage make gorse a potential fire threat.
How does it spread?
- Gorse produces high numbers of seeds, which can remain viable in soil for up to 30 years or more.
- Plants grow quickly, producing sees in as few as 18 months, at a rate of 500-600 seeds per square meter.
Where does it come from?
- Gorse is native to central and western Europe. In addition to California, where it has been reported in most coastal counties, it is widespread in Washingon, Oregon, and along the Atlantic coast. Gorse has also been reported as an exotic in Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and the Hawaiian Islands.
Why control weedy plants?
- Weedy plants can increase fire danger.
Weedy species tend to increase fuel loads, resulting in hotter and more frequent fires.
- Weedy plants change ecosystem functions.
Weedy plants can change the physical character of the vegetation, altering the habitats used by our local wildlife. Weedy species crowd out natives, reducing the amount and type of foods available for wildlife (e.g. seeds, fruits, and berries).
- Weedy plants displace native plants.
Native plants provide wildlife habitat and scientific, genetic, economic, historic and aesthetic values that contribute to our quality of life.
About San Bruno Mountain
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San Bruno Mountain encompasses 3,300 acres of open space at the northernmost tip of the Santa Cruz mountains.
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San Bruno Mountain is home to 3 species of endangered butterfly, and one threatened butterfly species. The endangered Mission blue, Callipe silverspot, and San Bruno elfin butterflies are found in few other places in the world.
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The Mountain is home to 14 species of rare or endangered plant species whose habitat is threatened by encroaching invasive plant species (weeds). These species include coast rock cress, Franciscan wallflower, and San Francisco lessingia.
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The native ecosystems on San Bruno Mountain have been increasingly threatened by a number of weedy species, the most invasive of which include gorse, eucalyptus, and French broom. Other invasive species found on the Mountain include sweet fennel, cotoneaster, English and Cape ivies, and Himilayan blackberry.
How can you help?
- Plant native plants.
- Participate in restoration efforts on the Mountain.
- Stay on designated trails to prevent transporting seeds into pristine habitat.
- Volunteer your time.
To get involved in what's going on in your neighborhood, contact:
Funding
This project is made possible by generous funding from the Proposition 12 Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Fund.
For further information contact:
San Mateo County Department of Parks
Sam Herzberg (650) 363-1823
SHerzberg@co.sanmateo.ca.us
May & Associates, Inc.
Jen Zarnoch (415) 850-4276
JenZarnoch@MayandAssociatesInc.com
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