Reported by: Dan Neligh
GRAND CANYON, AZ -- Scientists recently found the first tamarisk beetle in the Grand Canyon, according to a Grand Canyon National Park press release Wednesday.
The tamarisk beetle, Diorhabda elongata, was approved for release in parts of the western United States in 2001 as a means of reducing the population of the highly invasive tamarisk plant.
Tamarisk, also known as salt cedar, is a tree native to Eurasia. According to the press release, tamarisk has an impact on water resources, native plant diversity, wildlife habitat and recreation, and it increases the risk of wildfire when growing in dense stands.
While a tamarisk management program has been in effect in the Grand Canyon since 2000, the tamarisk beetle was released to the north of the park. However, monitoring conducted from August 9-24 found small numbers of beetles had spread into the park.
Lori Makarick, the park's Vegetation Program Manager, explained in a press release that the efforts to clear tamarisk would continue, but also that biologists would need to begin restoring native flora.
"Now that the tamarisk beetle has been found in the park, we also need to make sure we are prepared to move forward with active native plant restoration efforts in the Colorado River Corridor in the next few years,” she said.
While biologists do not think the tamarisk beetle population currently living in the park will overwinter successfully, the press release said, they do believe a perennial population will be established in the park in the next few years.
