A non-native plant species found in parts of the Tri-Counties poses a significant wildfire risk, and efforts should be increased to control it. That's the word from the Ventura County Civil Grand Jury.
Arundo donax can create extreme wildfire danger by choking out native species. The bamboo-like plant can grow up to 30 feet high.
The report says a previous grand jury called for action on Arundo a decade ago, but little has happened since then, and infestations have increased wildfire risk in some areas.
The grand jury notes that while some government agencies and nonprofit groups are involved in eradication efforts, the region lacks an overall coordinated plan. It’s calling for the county to develop a long-term program to address the problem and for Ventura County Supervisors to allocate funding for Arundo removal efforts.
