According to CBS News, the "19th century tamarisk species were imported to the U.S. to facilitate drought and soil erosion control. However, by 1940, the entrenched tamarisk was labeled a 'water hog,' and was consuming disproportionate amounts of water from the riverbanks of the Western and Midwestern states." A problem with saltcedar, as reported by SeattlePI, is that the tree has "concentrated salt in its leaves. When those leaves fall, salt can concentrate around the trees and prevent anything else from growing."
Colorado state agriculture officials report that the state's own beetle program is working and will continue, according to the New York Times. The Colorado program "mixes tamarisk attack with willow restoration."
To read the CBS new story, click here.
To read the SeattlePI story, click here.
To read the New York Times story, click here.
Posted: 06/24/2010
