The Sand Creek Saltcedar control project is designed to treat approximately thirty (30) miles of stream bottom in the Colorado River Watershed for saltcedar invasion. Treatment will consist of aerial and ground application of herbicide to remove saltcedar from the area. This is potentially threatened Western yellow-billed cuckoo habitat which is being severely degraded with invasive saltcedar. It is also home to wild horses, deer, elk, antelope, and many other wildlife species, as well as one of the headwaters of many sensitive fish species downstream. This project will directly reduce water wastage, erosion and sedimentation, and salt loading into the Little Snake River, a tributary to the Colorado River. This area has also failed Standards for Healthy Rangelands due to the invasive plant infestation. This project will benefit two stream systems, native vegetation, and the wildlife and wild horses which use the water in these drainages and other related downstream areas. Saltcedar is progressing upstream towards the Adobe Town Wilderness Study Area (WSA) and quick action will prevent them from infesting this pristine area. This project is estimated to take 5 years to complete, accomplishing 100 acres treated per year. This also includes monitoring of past treatments to ensure eradication and to treat resprouts and new plants. This project will also free up water into the Colorado River system for downstream T&E species, and help achieve Standards for Healthy Rangelands.
2008 Update: This project benefits two stream systems, native vegetation, and the wildlife and wild horses which use the water in these drainages and downstream. The plants are working their way upstream towards the Adobe Town Wilderness Study Area (WSA) and quick action will prevent them from infesting this pristine area. This project is estimated to take 5 years to complete, accomplishing 300 acres treated in FY 2008. This project will also free up water into the Colorado River system for downstream T&E species, and help achieve Standards for Healthy Rangelands. This is potential threatened Western yellow-billed cuckoo habitat and is also home to wild horses, deer, elk, antelope, and many other wildlife species, as well as one of the headwaters of many sensitive fish species downstream.
2009 Update: We reported 300 acres treated, with 20% being treated thru August, and the remainder being treated in September. Two new sites were found this year and treated, with other inventory turning up no new plants. Monitoring of last years’ treatments showed 95-100% kill. The Little Snake River is being inventoried this year to plan for 2010. We anticipate continuing this project with $20,000, approximately the same amount as in the past, incorporating the river and follow up maintenance as needed. This project benefits two stream systems, native vegetation and the wildlife that use it. This project will also free up water into the Colorado River system and help achieve Standards for Healthy Rangeland.
2010 Update: 100 acres were treated so far this year. Another 400 acres are anticipated to be treated beginning September 20th. 50 acres have been monitored and 150 acres have been inventoried.
2011 Update: 100 acres were treated so far in 2011. Another 400 acres are anticipated to be treated beginning September 18th. 50 acres have been monitored and 100 acres have been inventoried.
