Preservation of Lithocarpus densiflorus diversity on California?s central Coast: a cooperative project with area residents

Abstract

The tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) stands of California?s central coast have suffered high mortality rates due to infection by Phytophthora ramorum. Treatment programs were put in place to test the efficacy of phosphonate compounds in real world situations, to preserve some germplasm and ecosystem elements for future research, and to help mitigate the buildup of standing fuels for local homeowners. Two approaches were involved, one using experimental plots distributed over a range from Marin County to Monterey County, and another involving a cooperative treatment arrangement with Big Sur residents. Preliminary results from the experimental plots suggest that tanoaks near the infection front, in spite of being asymptomatic, may not respond to treatment with phosphonate compounds. Our informal observations suggest that a cooperative treatment and research program with local area residents produces more community involvement and enthusiasm, and therefore higher treatment rates than informational approaches alone.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the sudden oak death third science symposium

Citation

Swain, Steven; Schmidt, Doug; Garbelotto, Matteo. 2008. Preservation of Lithocarpus densiflorus diversity on California?s central Coast: a cooperative project with area residents. In: Frankel, Susan J.; Kliejunas, John T.; Palmieri, Katharine M., tech. coords. 2008. Proceedings of the sudden oak death third science symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-214. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. pp. 471-473