Water Education Foundation
This is just one post in the Invasive Species Category
Click here to view all posts

Invasive species threatens Lower Colorado livelihood

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on June 6, 2008 at 6:21 am

From the Yuma Sun:

Fast-growing invasive species are rapidly displacing native plants along the lower Colorado River and could threaten livelihoods, wetlands experts said.

On Thursday experts gathered in downtown Yuma to discuss options on how to stem the growth. “That’s probably the single most important waterway because it supplies 30 million people with drinking water,” John Laccinole said. “Plus it supplies agribusiness in Imperial and Yuma counties, so we need to take care of it.” …

Arundo donax is a 15-foot perennial reed that resembles bamboo. It chokes riversides and stream channels, and reduces habitat for wildlife. It was introduced to Los Angeles in the 1820s for erosion control in drainage canals and has now spread to many warm coastal freshwaters of the U.S., said Laccinole. “It could substantially deplete the Colorado so we have to take action,” Laccinole said. “It has no support for wildlife habitat, it kills aquatic life and becomes the dominant species.”

Salt cedar is another thirsty plant that can guzzle up to 200 gallons of water per day, Laccinole said. It was introduced to the United States in the 1800s as a source of firewood and erosion control. It has now taken over 5 million acres nationwide, he said.

One of the threats of invasive species is they create a monoculture that will not allow any other vegetation to grow in the same area, Mitch Ellis, project leader of the Southwest Arizona Natural Wildlife Complex, said Laccinole.

The Southwest Arizona Natural Wildlife Complex has entered into a public-private partnership with two firma to help rid the area of the invasive plants. Find out more from the Yuma Sun by clicking here.

June 6, 2008 · Filed Under Invasive Species

Comments

Leave a Reply