Training

See also: Blue Gum Eucalyptus, Maintaining Biodiversity

Blue gum eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus globulus) are big, charismatic, incendiary trees, loved, hated, and feared by Californians. During our first workshop, in 2004, we heard that stands of blue gum have clear impacts to native biota in some cases but provide important habitat in other cases. This workshop proceeded from the assumption that managers understand the level of rigorous review that blue gum removal projects require. Blue gum stands may be especially valuable where they are close to bodies of water, in urban or other built environments, or close to the ocean where temperatures may support over-wintering Monarch butterflies. In many cases, after appropriate biological review, science supports blue gum stand thinning or removal and restoration to a native plant community. How can this be accomplished? This workshop provided insight into the social, technical, and economic considerations of blue gum eucalyptus control for ecological restoration. During the workshop, a line-up of engaging presenters shared their expertise in all stages of a blue gum eucalyptus removal project: * planning the project and building public support; * techniques for felling or otherwise killing eucalyptus trees; * wood disposal options, from chipping for mulch, to proper drying for value-added products like flooring; * re-planting and monitoring for the recovery of native plant communities. After lunch, we heard several case studies in blue gum eucalyptus removal. These case studies presented information on how many trees were removed; where; how; what resources were required; barriers to implementing the project (overcome or not); how was wood disposed of; replanting; and the results to the site. Following the case studies, we traveled a short distance by bus for a field trip to the nearby Elkhorn Slough Reserve. There, we walked through a restored oak woodland where eucalyptus was removed nearly ten years ago. We also observed a demonstration of the drill-and-inject treatment on large blue gum eucalyptus trees.