Saltcedar and Russian Olive Report to Congress Now Available

Photograph of the shrub genus Tamarix.

In a new report, Saltcedar and Russian Olive Control and Demonstration Act Science Assessment, requested by Congress and released today, scientists provide a review of the scientific literature that evaluates and summarizes the existing "state of the science" on saltcedar (also called tamarisk) and Russian olive. The report includes scientific assessments of the extent of saltcedar and Russian olive in the western United States; the feasibility of reducing water consumption by saltcedar and Russian olive trees; methods of and challenges associated with the revegetation or restoration of infested land; the costs of destruction of salt cedar and Russian olive trees, related biomass removal, and revegetation or restoration and maintenance of the infested land; and deficiencies in assessments and areas of additional study. The authors also assessed considerations related to wildlife use and the challenges associated with revegetation and restoration following control efforts. Scientists from the USGS, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service, and other federal agencies and universities collaborated on the report. An accompanying fact sheet, Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) in the Western United States: A Report on the State-of-the-Science, summarizes the report's findings.

For more information contact: Pat Shafroth

Saltcedar and Russian Olive Report to Congress Now Available

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