This study consists of comparing the standard herbicide application method used by the FC District to manage vegetation growth adjacent to Flood Control maintained channels with grazing by sheep or goats to manage the vegetation growing adjacent to the stream lowflow channel and below the top of the bank of the channel. Implementation of all three vegetation management techniques will be administered in small plots (approximately ½ acre) using a randomized block design. A total of 18 treatment plots over two reaches of Walnut Creek will be treated. Measurements of vegetation response (species, height, and biomass), water quality (a variety of parameters), and soil substrate will be taken before, during, and/or after the vegetation treatment. The study will be used to help the FC District make a business decision regarding when and where to use each of these vegetation management techniques in the future. The Iron Horse Trail will be temporarily closed during herbicide application (approximately a half day) to allow application vehicles to use the trail. The trail will be open during the sheep and goat grazing (approximately two weeks for each of the three study reaches). A permanent fence already is installed at the top of bank to keep the grazing animals confined to the streambank and dogs on the trail from harassing the grazing animals.

Failure to approve the contract will delay the implementation of the study.

Not applicable.