The Cantabrian CH has begun the work of control and management of the invasive exotic vegetation in the municipal area of Val de San Vicente.
In the immediate vicinity of the town of Unquera, on a rural plot of 2.5 ha, several specimens of the invasive alien species Cortaderia selloana and Baccharis halimifolia are located. These species, which are very aggressive and are widely adapted to the coastal ecosystems and climate of the region, negatively affect both the structure of the native plant community and the soil on which they develop. For this reason, the works are carried out with the aim of controlling these species and avoiding their advance and dispersion.
The actions have an approximate investment of € 60,000 and consist of the control by both chemical and mechanical means of the two invasive alien species present in the area of action, as contemplated by the protocols established for the management of these species.
This work is carried out through the public company Tragsa within the Maintenance and Conservation of Waterways Program developed by the Cantabrian Hydrographic Confederation outside urban areas, since in urban areas the conservation and maintenance of waterways are the responsibility of the municipalities. In the year 2023, the investment made in conservation and maintenance works of waterways in Cantabria was 1.55 million euros, distributed in 62 actions in 33 municipalities.