Scotch Broom Targeted at Dave Moore Nature Area

The Bureau of Land Management's Folsom Field Office announced today it is seeking volunteers to help remove scotch broom on Saturday, October 21, from the Dave Moore Nature Area just off Highway 49 near Coloma in El Dorado County.

According BLM Natural Resource Specialist Shane Barrow, scotch broom is an invasive weed that can crowd out native vegetation, and upset the natural balance between vegetation and wildlife.   "It's a good-looking plant, with pretty yellow flowers," Barrow said, "But it can easily take over an area if not controlled."  He went on to say that the BLM is working to rehabilitate decades of ecological damage in the area, which was heavily mined during the Gold Rush.  The Nature Area is used by schools for environmental education, and is wheelchair-accessable.

The scotch broom pull will begin in the parking lot at the Dave Moore Nature Area, two and a half miles west of Coloma at 9:00 am, Saturday, October 21.  Persons interested in helping should bring a lunch, water, work gloves, and sturdy shoes. 

For more information, contact the BLM's Folsom Field Office, 63 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630, or call (916) 985-4474.

- BLM -