BACKGROUND: The 2002 legislature appropriated 2.5 million dollars, with an additional $2.4 million in 2003 and 2004 approx. $2.53 million for treatment, monitoring and restoration work along the Pecos River, Rio Grande and now the Canadian River and major tributaries.  The primary goal of this program is to achieve control necessary to begin restoration process.  Restoration plans range from allowing natives to repopulate on their own to more intensive seeding and replanting of natives.  Restoration will be ongoing process.

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is administering the project through seven local soil & water conservation districts along the Rio Grande, Canadian and Pecos Rivers. Soil and water conservation districts are legal subdivisions of state government that have responsibilities to carry out a broad range of conservation programs within their district boundaries.  SALT CEDAR was introduced in the early 1900's as a plant to stabilize stream banks subject to erosion from flooding. Salt cedar spreads rapidly due to its aggressive nature and adaptability to both drought and very wet conditions. Salt Cedar uses an excessive amount of water (200-gallons/day/tree). The tree also exudes salt from its leaves that contaminates soil and water resources.  Project Scope: Development of a management plan, including chemical control recommendations and restoration plans.
Holding public meetings to provide information to the public and receive input. Implementing a spraying program only by helicopter or ground application with prior public notice, using EPA approved chemicals.*
Conducting a monitoring program to evaluate effects on wildlife, water quality, quantity, vegetation, soil conditions; and Evaluating impacts to threatened or endangered species, if any, and assuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws governing recovery plans.
ELIGIBILITY:  This is a voluntary program designed primarily to treat private lands that have dense stands of salt cedar along river frontages and extending out from the river. Federal and State Agencies who own affected lands are also eligible but are encouraged to use their own resources. Landowners will be required to sign an easement giving permission to carry out the project on their lands. 

* BASF herbicide, Arsenal Material safety data sheets (MSDS) product info on BASF website:  www.vmanswers.com