Scotch broom, so pretty and so abundant along the Upper Sacramento River corridor is, in fact, a noxious weed, very aggressive and highly invasive.It was used to pack whiskey bottles shipped to California during the Gold Rush, the bubble wrap of the 19th century if you will. Seedpods attached to the package material could sprout during the winter rains or lay dormant for up to 50 years. So there you have it, drinking's bad, not just for you...but for the environment as well.
River Dancers, the River Exchange and the US Forest Service led a weed eradication trip Saturday, May 9th. Rafting the clear and lively waters of the Upper Sacramento River was great fun, pulling and digging the tenacious Scotch broom was hard work. 13 spirited volunteers heeded the call for service.
Coming up this summer, River Dancers' mustard and knapweed eradication trip along the Klamath River.
For more information about noxious weeds: California Invasive Plant Council, California Weed Science Society, Siskiyou County Department of Agriculture 530.841.4025
Chantal McDermott
