Date

2007

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Science & Environmental Policy

Abstract

Cape ivy (Delairea odorata) is one of the most invasive, non-native plant species on the western US coast. Without human intervention and management, cape ivy can seriously deteriorate the biodiversity of an area. Specifically, there is an increasing amount of cape ivy on the Glen Deven Ranch in Big Sur, California concerning the private landowners the Big Sur Land Trust because they do not have a management plan in place to control the spread. Predicting future distributions of invasive species has become an important component in preventing and managing weed invasions. In this study, the ranch was assessed to find areas at a high risk for future spread of cape ivy in order to aid in the creation of a management plan to control the weed invasion on the ranch. An existence potential model was created to show areas on the ranch suitable for cape ivy growth. The current cape ivy infestation, visible from the trails, was estimated and compared to the model. Overall, cape ivy was found in all the areas, visible from the trails, predicted to be suitable for its growth by the existence potential model and it is unlikely cape ivy will continue to spread to other areas of the ranch.

Comments

Capstone Project (B.S.) Division of Science and Environmental Policy

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