Invasive Plants - Red Sesbania - San Joaquin River

The purpose of this work is to estimate the occurrence, distribution, approximate locations, and abundance of red sesbania (Sesbania punicea) and four other major invasive riparian plant species: arundo (Arundo donax), saltcedar (Tamarix spp.), perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) along the San Joaquin River and some adjoining channels between Friant Dam and the confluence with the Merced River. Adjoining channels include the Chowchilla Bypass, the Eastside Bypass, and parts of Fresno Slough, Salt Slough, and Mud Slough. The location of incidental observations of additional species including catalpa trees (Catalpa sp.) and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) are included with this dataset.



The distribution and density of red sesbania on the five SJR reaches and bypasses of the SJRRP are currently unknown. Recent colonization and rapid spread of red sesbania in the SJR system means existing remote imagery is likely to be inadequate to accurately map the distribution and estimated abundance of this and other aggressive invasive riparian plant species. In order to develop a managment plan for the most aggressive invasive riparian plant species in the SJRRP, current knowledge of their distribution, approximate locations, and estimated abundance in the SJRRP is required.