Q&A: Southwest struggles to stem fire-fueling invasive plant - KLKN
Associated Press PHOENIX (AP) - The tiny seedling was brought over from Eastern Europe and parts of Asia nearly 200 years ago and planted along riverbanks across the United States, mostly in the Southwest, to prevent erosion. As years passed, it became obvious that the introduction of salt cedar, or Tamarisk, trees was a mistake. The invasive tree has an extensive root system that sucks up nearby water and leaves that leak a salt-like substance, killing native plants. Salt cedar's resiliency makes containing and treating it a continual, almost never-ending task. Salt cedar has the potential to grow as tall as a two-story building, with large, thick branches. The invasive plant is difficult to eradicate because of its robust root system that can extend as deep as 25 feet, according to the Tamarisk Coalition, a Colorado-based organization working to address non-native plants in the West. Often when salt cedar is cut down or sprayed, it has the potential to grow back, requiring crews and groups to keep treating it. ___. WHY IS IT SO PROBLEMATIC. Salt cedar creates extreme fire conditions because of how hot and black it burns. Containing wildfires burning in salt cedar can be difficult and dangerous for crews on the ground and typically requires heavy machinery like bigger trucks or aircraft. Source: www.klkntv.com
