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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the week of June 1-9, 2024 as Invasive Species Action Week and recognizing Solano County Agriculture Department staff for their continued efforts to protect Solano County’s agricultural and natural resources from invasive species (Chair Mashburn)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Agricultural Commissioner recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing the week of June 1-9, 2024 as Invasive Species Action Week and recognizing Solano County Agriculture Department staff for their continued efforts to protect Solano County’s agricultural and natural resources from invasive species.
SUMMARY:
California Invasive Species Action Week, June 1-9, 2024, seeks to increase awareness of the threats and impacts non-native invasive species pose to the State’s natural environments, biodiversity, agricultural systems, waterways, commerce and human health and safety. The Agriculture Department and many other agencies, natural resource managers, landowners, and agricultural producers work to prevent the introduction of detrimental invasive species and manage established pests.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Solano County’s diverse geography, unique agricultural regions and heavily trafficked transportation corridors make the county susceptible to the unintentional or accidental introduction of invasive species. Various local, State and federal agencies, along with farmers and ranchers and land stewards, work to prevent introductions of harmful invasives and manage established pests to ensure robust agricultural production, functioning natural systems and waterways, conservation of native flora and fauna, reduction of wildfire dangers, and protection of human health and safety. Statewide, the collective cost of invasive species management is estimated to be $3 billion annually. The County Agriculture Department’s ongoing effort to eradicate the glassy-winged sharpshooter in Vacaville has cost over $2 million to date and will require additional funding in the coming years to ensure complete eradication.
To prevent introduction of invasive species and costly long-term eradication projects, the Agriculture Department operates year-round pest exclusion, early detection, eradication, and management programs protective of local agricultural resources. County biologists maintain a network of nearly 3,000 invasive insect detection traps and in the past year inspected more than 7,700 incoming plant shipments for pests of concern, resulting in the interception of 59 high-priority pests and the issuance of 180 notices of rejection for shipping and quarantine violations. These programs provide multiple lines of defense against the introduction of invasives and allow for pest-free certification of agricultural commodities destined for intra-and-interstate shipment and foreign export. Other notable current Agriculture Department projects aim to eradicate one of only two known infestations in the U.S. of the noxious weed false yellowhead from the county and work with area grape growers to control tree of heaven, another weed species, favored by spotted lanternfly, a troublesome pest of grapes.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose to not adopt and present the resolution recognizing Invasive Species Action Week; however, this is not recommended because this is an opportunity to recognize and promote invasive species awareness and the staff that support necessary programs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Agriculture Department and other local agencies including the Dixon, Solano, and Suisun Resource Conservation Districts, cooperate with county residents, farmers and ranchers, the U.S. Department of Food & Agriculture, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, State departments of Food and Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife, Boating and Waterways, Water Resources and Pesticide Regulation, and non-profit groups like Plant Right and the California Invasive Plant Council on invasive species management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION