Support Bureau of Reclamation Activities Related to HR2720, Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act

Research Task: 8327CKY.5.0
Task Manager: Pat Shafroth

Public Law 109-320, the “Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act,” calls for a saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) assessment and demonstration program. The first phase of this Act is to develop 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 Act also calls for developing long-term management strategies for saltcedar and Russian olive trees. FORT scientists are working with the Bureau of Reclamation on these assessments and the management plan. Written versions of the science assessments, including the parts prepared by USGS scientists, will be delivered to the Bureau of Reclamation in FY09.

 For more information contact Pat Shafroth