Arundo (commonly referred to as giant reed) has significant negative impacts on water availability, water quality (i.e. sediment loads, temperature, pathogens, nutrient loading, flow modification), habitat, fires, and infrastructure. Arundo evaporates water at a rate that is five times higher than native vegetation. Invasive Arundo populations that are negatively impacting local water resources have been identified, both in the City of Los Angeles and upstream in the surrounding San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica Mountains. The eradication of Arundo and re-establishment of native plants will improve water availability and water quality downstream.

The Bonneville Environmental Foundation has joined the lead project partner, the Council For Watershed Health, along with other key partners, in the Upper Los Angeles River Watershed Arundo Eradication Program. The objective of the project is the eradication of Arundo donax within the Upper Los Angeles River (ULAR) Watershed. This involves removal of small patches of remaining Arundo on private lands, of which 80 acres is distributed throughout the ULAR Watershed, to manage vegetation, which enhances natural hydrologic function and restores habitat and biodiversity. The project’s area of interest focuses on those Arundo populations that negatively impact City of Los Angeles’ water resources, both in the City jurisdiction and upstream in the surrounding San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica Mountains. Targeting these remaining Arundo populations strategically eliminates opportunities for its expansion downstream and will result in a net water savings of 1600 acre-feet of water per year (AFY). The project will impact an estimated 72 miles of stream.

Project lead: Council for Watershed Health
Participating CWAC members: Bonneville Environmental Foundation
Additional partners: National Forest Foundation, Santa Monica Mountains Resource Conservation District, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, City of Burbank, various conservation corps
To learn more: Contact Sara Hoversten, Director, Business for Water Stewardship BEF - [shoversten@b-e-f.org]