Invasive Tree Removal Along the Rio Grande

Contact: Don Corrick, 432-477-1107

Big Bend National Park to Begin Invasive Tree Removal Along the Rio GrandeBIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas - Big Bend National Park will cut down and apply herbicide to invasive tamarisk along the Rio Grande, including the Hot Springs area, February 12-28. The area along the Rio Grande from Solis to the eastern park boundary will be temporarily closed in sections and marked with signs while herbicide is being applied. This work is not expected to affect visitor access to the historic Langford Hot Springs.

Tamarisk, also known as salt cedar, is an aggressive, nonnative group of closely related trees. These plants crowd out native species, trap sediment, and consume large amounts of water. To control their spread, resource crews will cut tamarisk trees and treat stumps with the herbicide triclopyr. Large woody debris will be left in place to provide better growing conditions for native plants and habitat features for native animals.

Removing these invasive trees allows the Rio Grande to better transport sediment downstream, opening up gravel bars and widening floodplains. This in turn benefits native plants, such as willows, and wildlife, such as freshwater mussels, fish, and beaver. Removing dense stands of salt cedar also opens up the banks of the river for recreational use.