Vegetation Management
Tulloch Reservoir Vegetation Management
As part of the project license requirements, Tri-Dam implements vegetation management programs to monitor and manage both terrestrial noxious weeds and aquatic nuisance vegetation within the project boundary.
The purpose of these efforts is to:
• Protect recreation and navigation on the reservoir
• Prevent the spread of invasive plant species
• Provide guidance on approved vegetation management techniques
Informational Signage at Tulloch Reservoir
Informational signage is posted at boat launch facilities throughout Tulloch Reservoir to help educate visitors about invasive species and prevention practices. Visitors are encouraged to review this information and remove aquatic vegetation from boats, trailers, and equipment before launching and after leaving the reservoir.
Public Awareness and Prevention
Invasive aquatic plants can spread when small plant fragments attach to boats, trailers, anchors, fishing gear, and other equipment. Reservoir visitors can help prevent the spread of invasive species by following simple practices:
• Inspect boats and trailers for aquatic vegetation
• Remove all plant material before launching or leaving the reservoir
• Clean equipment after use
• Avoid transporting plants between water bodies
Terrestrial Noxious Weeds
Terrestrial noxious weeds grow on land within and around the reservoir shoreline and are different from aquatic vegetation found in the water. These plants can spread rapidly, compete with native vegetation, and impact wildlife habitat if not properly managed.
Common Terrestrial Noxious Weeds
• Yellow Star Thistle (Centaurea solstitialis)
• Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor)
• Italian Thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus)
• Woolly Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Additional Noxious Weed Species Identified
The following species have also been identified as noxious weeds within the project area:
• Barbed Goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis)
• Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon)
• Black Mustard (Brassica nigra)
• Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
• Klamath Weed (Hypericum perforatum)
• Medusa Head (Taeniatherum caput-medusae)
• Red Brome (Bromus rubens)
Aquatic Nuisance Vegetation
Aquatic nuisance vegetation refers to non-native plant species that grow within the reservoir and may interfere with recreation, navigation, or reservoir operations.
The primary aquatic nuisance plant species identified in Tulloch Reservoir include:
• Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
• Brazilian Elodea (Egeria densa)
Approved Aquatic Vegetation Management Methods
The following management methods may be used to control aquatic vegetation in developed shoreline areas when appropriate.
Hand Pulling
Hand pulling may be used to remove aquatic vegetation in small areas or confined spaces where other methods are not practical. Plants should be carefully removed from the root base and contained to prevent fragments from spreading. (Hand-pulling of aquatic weeds that does not involve excavation, mechanized equipment, or disturbance of the shoreline or lakebed generally does not require a Tri-Dam permit. Activities must be limited to manual removal only and all plant material must be removed from the reservoir and properly disposed of upland.)
20240327-5037_Tulloch Vegetation Management Brochure.pdfBottom Barriers
Bottom barriers consist of specialized fabric placed on the lakebed to block sunlight and prevent plant growth.
These barriers require monitoring to ensure sediment does not accumulate on the barrier surface. Bottom Barrier Application information Please contact Tri-Dam Project for additional information regarding this method.
Mechanical Harvesting
Mechanical harvesting uses equipment to cut aquatic vegetation below the water surface.
This method may be used in larger areas where plant growth is more extensive.
Please contact Tri-Dam Project for additional information regarding this method.
Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH)
Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting uses a diver-operated suction system to remove plants directly from the lakebed. This method removes plants at the root base while collecting plant fragments through a suction hose.
Please contact Tri-Dam Project for additional information regarding this method.