This is the second season Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (FFRP) has partnered with Williams Pest Management, Inc. to help restore the ecosystem. This partnership was continued because they have produced measurable results, using years of experience not only in vegetation management, but also working within our own forest here in Cambria to help restore ecological balance. This is a carefully managed, targeted restoration effort designed to reduce invasive species while protecting the long-term health of the Ranch.

Years of environmental decline sometimes require thoughtful short-term action to support the long-term health of Cambria’s ecosystem. Williams Pest Management approaches this work with a focus on sustainability, addressing the root of the problem rather than applying temporary fixes. Their work is centered on professionalism, precision, and long-term ecological restoration.

This project specifically targets invasive plant species such as broom, thistle, mustard, and hemlock that are impacting native habitat. Over time, this helps restore the natural ecosystem and move toward a future where little to no herbicide use is needed, relying more on natural and mechanical control methods.

The treatment is highly targeted, applied only to specific invasive plants using a selective herbicide, along with a plant-based oil and a blue indicator dye to ensure precision and avoid over-application.

COMMON QUESTIONS & RESPONSES

Are you contaminating our groundwater?

No. The materials being used, including Capstone Herbicide, are designed to bind to soil and plant tissue and are applied in very targeted, low-volume spot treatments.

They are not being broadcast across the landscape. The herbicide is only applied to the foliage (top of the plant), not to the soil, and this is one of the reasons a blue indicator dye is used—so applicators can clearly see and limit treatment strictly to the target plant.

When used according to the label, this method does not move through soil in a way that contaminates groundwater.

Are nearby homes at risk?

No. The application method is highly controlled and targeted directly onto invasive plants, not sprayed broadly into the air.

Once the material has dried, the area is considered safe for normal activity.

Are you poisoning wildlife?

No. This is not a poison-based wildlife control program.

The treatment targets specific plant species only. It does not attract wildlife, and it is not applied in a way that would expose animals to harmful levels.

What if a deer eats a treated plant?

Herbicides like this work by affecting plant growth systems, not by acting as animal poisons.

Wildlife grazing in treated areas is not expected to be harmed under labeled use conditions.

Is the air being poisoned?

No. The application is done as a low-pressure, targeted spray directly onto plants, not as an airborne fog or mist.

There is no aerial application, and drift is minimized through proper technique and environmental conditions.

Do herbicides cause cancer?

All pesticides, including herbicides, are regulated at the state and federal level and must meet strict safety standards before they can be used.

The materials used here are applied by licensed professionals following label directions, which are designed to protect human health and the environment.

Why don’t you just use goats?

Goats can be effective in some situations, but they

• Do not selectively target invasive species
• Can damage native plants we are trying to protect
• Do not address long-term seed banks in the soil

This program is designed for targeted, long-term ecological restoration, which often requires a combination of methods.

Why not use vinegar? It works at my house.

Products like horticultural vinegar are non-selective and only burn the top of the plant.

They do not kill the root system of established invasive species like broom or hemlock, meaning the plant quickly regrows.

The current approach is designed to fully control invasive plants at the root level, which is necessary for long-term restoration.

Why isn’t the tech wearing a mask or full suit?

Licensed applicators follow strict label and safety guidelines.

The protective equipment required depends on the product and application method. For this type of targeted application, the required PPE typically includes gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing.

Full respirators or suits are not required for this application under label guidelines.

Is this even legal?

Yes. This work is fully compliant with:

• California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
• Label requirements, which are legally enforceable
• Oversight by licensed Pest Control Advisers (PCAs)

All applications are performed by licensed professionals.

Why wasn’t I notified?

We understand that communication is important.

Williams Pest Management, Inc. installed information stations at each entrance to the Ranch on Thursday, April 9th, prior to any work beginning. These stations included:

• Treatment dates
• QR codes linking directly to product labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Contact information for questions

Actual treatment did not begin until the morning of April 15th, allowing time for the public to review this information.

We appreciate the feedback and will continue working to improve communication.

Who is Williams Pest Management?

Williams Pest Management, Inc. is a licensed California pest control company specializing in:

• Ecosystem-based pest and vegetation management
• Urban forest and landscape health
• Work in environmentally sensitive areas along the Central Coast

They have extensive experience in targeted, science-based restoration practices and they are Cambria’s local, family owned and preferred integrated pest management company.