Introduction
The Grand Canyon, one of America’s most iconic natural wonders, faces an unexpected foe: the invasive tamarisk tree. In April 2011, conservationists and park officials intensify their efforts to combat this tenacious plant that threatens the delicate ecosystem of the Colorado River corridor.
Tamarisk, also known as saltcedar, was introduced to the American Southwest in the 19th century for erosion control. However, this well-intentioned import has become an ecological nightmare. These trees, with their feathery foliage and insatiable thirst, now dominate the riverbanks, outcompeting native vegetation and altering the landscape of the Grand Canyon.
The battle against tamarisk is more than just a fight for scenic beauty. It’s a crucial effort to preserve biodiversity, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain the natural balance of this unique ecosystem. As spring unfolds in the canyon, teams of dedicated workers and volunteers gear up for another season of challenging work, armed with chainsaws, herbicides, and determination to reclaim the Grand Canyon’s shores from this woody invader.
National Geographic News
This story is about the Grand Canyon trees and also was part of a National Geographic News story on global water issues.
For tamarisk trees are invading, which are at the Grand Canyon. They are also crowding out native trees along rivers in the southwestern United States. But their removal could further imperil the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher. It’s most notably a sparrow-sized songbird.
Remove Tamarisk
For decades biologists have tried to remove tamarisk—which grows up to 16 feet tall—manually and with herbicides and other strategies. But they are still losing ground to the sprawling tree. Now, some scientists fear that one of those strategies—an imported, tamarisk-munching beetle—could become a scourge in its own right, wiping out tamarisk trees too quickly for other species in the ecosystem to adapt. Not good for green living!
A Growing Problem?
The controversial tree is from Europe and Asia and was first planted in the United States in the early 1800s. All to decorate western yards and stabilize soil along rivers. Tamarisk, also called salt cedar because it exudes salt into the soil. So it also spread like wildfire. It now dominates more than a million acres of mostly riverside habitat throughout the southwest. That’s seriously crowding out native trees and also keeping them at bay with the salty soils.
Since the 1940s, biologists have worked to control tamarisk trees wherever they’ve taken hold, with especially aggressive efforts in national parks. That’s because the National Park Service aims to protect native plants and animals from a whole host of threats, including invasive species such as tamarisk.
Trees at Grand Canyon
At the Grand Canyon, the trees are so well established along the main Colorado River that park managers have abandoned efforts there. Tamarisk eradication efforts in Grand Canyon National Park for the past decade have been targeted—successfully—at protecting pristine side canyons from the menacing tree’s creep. At last count, tree crews had removed 275,000 trees from 130 side canyons, out of more than 500, within the park.
“From the beginning we knew we were not getting rid of the source,” said Lori Makarick, Grand Canyon’s vegetation program manager.
But that could change with the salt cedar leaf beetle. The tamarisk-killing bug was introduced to areas far enough from the Grand Canyon that biologists thought they would never make it there. The beetle populations, however, kept spreading. And now tamarisk control could happen too quickly for biologists and tamarisk-loving wildlife to adapt.
Invasive Species
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) began importing salt cedar leaf beetles in the late 1990s from Kazakhstan and other regions where they feast naturally on tamarisk trees.
Starting in 2001, land managers in all the southwestern states—except Arizona and New Mexico—began releasing them into tamarisk thickets. Based on input from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, no beetles were released within 200 miles of nesting locations for the southwestern willow flycatcher, a bird endangered since 1995 that now appears to rely on tamarisk trees, nesting in them even when native trees are still around.
Battle Against Tamarisk Continues
The battle against tamarisk in the Grand Canyon represents a critical chapter in the ongoing struggle to preserve America’s natural heritage. As conservationists and park officials continue their tireless efforts, the future of the Colorado River corridor hangs in the balance. The removal of tamarisk is not just about eradicating an invasive species; it’s about restoring a complex ecosystem to its natural state.
While the task is daunting, there are reasons for optimism. Advances in removal techniques, increased public awareness, and dedicated funding have bolstered the fight against tamarisk. Moreover, successful restoration projects in other parts of the Southwest provide valuable lessons and hope for the Grand Canyon’s future.
Delicate Balance of Nature at the Grand Canyon
However, the battle is far from over. Long-term success will require sustained effort, continued research, and ongoing public support. As visitors marvel at the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking vistas, they may not realize the silent struggle taking place along its riverbanks. Yet, it is this very struggle that will determine the health and biodiversity of this iconic landscape for generations to come.
The fight against tamarisk in the Grand Canyon serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the profound impact of human interventions. It underscores the importance of careful stewardship and the need for vigilance in protecting our natural wonders. As we look to the future, the outcome of this battle will stand as a testament to our commitment to preserving the wild beauty of America’s most treasured landscapes.
For the entire story, please visit National Geographic
