Team Arundo del Norte is a forum of local, state, and federal organizations dedicated to the control of Arundo donax (giant reed) where it threatens rivers, creeks, and wetlands in Central and Northern California. The Team meets quarterly in the Sacramento area to explore opportunities for information exchange and partnerships in support of the ongoing work of eradication of this harmful weed.

Team Arundo del Norte recommends the following guidelines for companies involved in or contemplating the commercial production of Arundo donax. These guidelines are based on the serious threat that Arundo poses to riparian and wetland habitats for both humans and wildlife. Since Arundo spreads by stem and root fragments, propagation in these habitats (hereafter referred to as "wetland habitats") should be strictly avoided, with commercial growing limited to other areas.

We urge organizations and agencies implementing Arundo eradication to consider these guidelines before entering into contract negotiations with entities engaged in the production or commercial use of Arundo. It is our hope that regulatory agencies will consider adopting this policy for Arundo, and require all public and private entities to abide by these and similar guidelines for other exotic pest plants.

1. Propagation or cultivation of Arundo in riparian, wetland, floodplain, or other natural or ecologically     significant wetland habitats or any waterway or channel that leads to any such wetland habitat should
    be avoided without exception.

2. Propagation or cultivation of Arundo must not pose a threat to or lead to the reintroduction of Arundo
    into wetland habitats.

3. Harvesting of Arundo for commercial purposes in riparian, wetland, floodplain, or other ecologically     significant wetland habitats should be consistent with Team Arundo eradication efforts, plans,
    and goals.

4. Propagation or harvesting for commercial purposes should not delay or interfere with invasive exotic     species regulatory efforts, bio-control development, or Arundo eradication efforts.

5. Plans to cultivate or harvest Arundo should be approved by a local Weed Management Area,
   CalEPPC, CDFA, or some designated agency or organization charged with eradication or
   regulation of invasive exotic plant species.

6. Arundo distribution maps, property owner data, and any Arundo-related information provided by
   eradication organizations such as TAdN should not be used by commercial interests to contact and    influence landowners to grow Arundo on properties included in eradication plans or other
   wetland habitats.

7. Commercial interests should not pay property owners to grow Arundo or otherwise promote the     propagation of Arundo in wetland habitats.

8. Eradication equipment, machinery, and transports must not introduce or spread Arundo in wetland     habitats.

When entering into contracts with commercial interests, TAdN offers the following advisories for public agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals:

1. Know your removal needs and costs before negotiating your contracted selling price of commercially     harvested Arundo.

2. Do not depend on harvest income for eradication costs.

3. Clearly state in the contract the agreed upon removal timeline, specific areas of removal,
    harvest methods, requirements for coordination with herbicide applicator, and other limitations.

4. Provide neighbors with written notification of scheduled work and your contact information for
   questions and complaints.

5. Require full public access to any maps and distribution data developed in cooperation with a
   commercial entity.

6. Include a six-month performance evaluation clause in the contract.

7. If performance is good, extend the contract to 2-3 years. If performance is poor, cancel the contract.