Riparian and Native Grassland Invasive Plant Removal, Dune Restoration

Leatherman BioConsulting, Inc. assisted in implementing a large scale invasive plant removal and habitat improvement program in several habitat types throughout Camp Pendleton. Tasks included mapping the distribution of invasive plants in riparian habitats occupied by Least Bell’s Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, coastal bluffs occupied by California Gnatcatcher, and native grassland habitats occupied by Thread-leaved Brodiaea. LBC actively removed invasive plants, monitored herbicide application as needed, managed field crews, and acted as Range Safety Officers to mobilize crews in different parts of the base.

As part of a dune restoration and sand replenishment project, LBC conducted special status plant surveys for Coast Woolly-threads, Nuttall’s Lotus, Brand’s Phacelia, and Sand Verbena in coastal dune habitats, assisted in the hand removal of invasive non-native plant species on coastal dunes the length of Camp Pendleton, and worked with crews to establish boundaries and import sand to re-establish and replenish secondary dune habitat for the Snowy Plover and California Least Tern.