Fremont County Weed Control Manager J.R. Phillips helped to lead the southern Colorado effort this past summer in the fight to rid rangeland and riparian areas of the invasive plant tamarisk. An article in the October publication of 'Rocky Mountain Times' from the Canon City U.S.D.A. Service Center reviewed the coordinated efforts to treat tamarisk this summer.
John Knapp, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service area conservationist reports that 532 acres of tamarisk were treated over the summer in Fremont, Pueblo, Huerfano, Otero, and Bent Counties. Knapp said special thanks goes out to Phillips for coordinating the spraying with the landowners and agencies in the counties so that southeastern Colorado could secure the services of the west slope based aerial applicator.
Other partners with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) included Fremont County, the Fremont County Weed Board, Fremont Conservation District, Turkey Creek Conservation District, Pueblo County, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Arkansas Weed Management Association, Herfano County, CSU Cooperative Extension, Upper Huerfano Conservation District, West Otero Timpas Conservation District, Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Otero County, Bent County Conservation District, Arkansas River Conservancy District, and the US Forest Service.
Tamarisk contributes to the development of saline soil conditions which thins out native plants. The tamarisk stands are typically dense which impede the movement of wildlife and livestock. Tamarisk also impairs the function of shallow water wetlands by lowering water tables. The chemical used for tamarisk control takes three years to kill all parts of the plant so that no re-growth occurs.
The Fremont County Commissioners also express their appreciation to the efforts of J.R. Phillips in coordinating the tamarisk control efforts in southeastern Colorado the last several years.
John Knapp, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service area conservationist reports that 532 acres of tamarisk were treated over the summer in Fremont, Pueblo, Huerfano, Otero, and Bent Counties. Knapp said special thanks goes out to Phillips for coordinating the spraying with the landowners and agencies in the counties so that southeastern Colorado could secure the services of the west slope based aerial applicator.
Other partners with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) included Fremont County, the Fremont County Weed Board, Fremont Conservation District, Turkey Creek Conservation District, Pueblo County, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Arkansas Weed Management Association, Herfano County, CSU Cooperative Extension, Upper Huerfano Conservation District, West Otero Timpas Conservation District, Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Otero County, Bent County Conservation District, Arkansas River Conservancy District, and the US Forest Service.
Tamarisk contributes to the development of saline soil conditions which thins out native plants. The tamarisk stands are typically dense which impede the movement of wildlife and livestock. Tamarisk also impairs the function of shallow water wetlands by lowering water tables. The chemical used for tamarisk control takes three years to kill all parts of the plant so that no re-growth occurs.
The Fremont County Commissioners also express their appreciation to the efforts of J.R. Phillips in coordinating the tamarisk control efforts in southeastern Colorado the last several years.