RBC | Invasive plants and animals introduced to the White River are having a profound effect on our natural resources.
These invaders cover a lot of territory. They are nonnative plants and animals introduced by humans, either intentionally or unintentionally, from around the world. Now, they’re spreading into every corner of our waterways and landscapes, causing significant harm.
In our rivers and lakes, the zebra mussel is everywhere—and it’s coming our way. This invasive species hitches rides on boats, allowing it to spread rapidly. Originally from the Black and Caspian seas in Eastern Europe, zebra mussels are now on the brink of reaching our waters.
Other invasives include microorganisms like Myxobolus cerebralis, a parasite that causes whirling disease. This parasite was introduced to our rivers through nonnative fish reared in hatcheries.
Take a look anywhere along the White River, like Lake Avery, and you’re likely to spot one of these invaders. Leafy spurge, originally from Central Asia and Eastern Europe, consumes space and outcompetes native grasses and plants. It thrives in dry, wet, and nearly every other environment. It’s nearly unstoppable, spreading like wildfire.
Tamarisk, also called salt cedar, is another threat. Native to Eurasia, Africa and southern Europe, this plant thrives along waterways, consuming up to 250 gallons of water per plant each day. With thousands of tamarisk plants in our basin, that amounts to millions of gallons of water drained from our river—water we can’t afford to lose.
Russian olive, from Eastern Europe and Asia, is another invasive tree commonly seen along the White River. Originally planted as an ornamental, windbreak, and for soil stability, it has taken over significant areas and, like tamarisk, has a high water demand.
In Rio Blanco County, there’s grant funding and ongoing discussions about aerial spraying to control the Mormon cricket, a native desert insect. But why aren’t we prioritizing funding and action for the known problem of invasive species that have been wreaking havoc on our natural resources for years? Despite being officially recognized by the state as species requiring containment, they’ve been largely ignored.
Isn’t it time to tackle this problem head-on? Maps show that Rio Blanco County’s leafy spurge concentrations have been among the highest on the Western Slope for more than a decade—and the situation has only worsened.
Fortunately, some organizations are keeping invasives on their radar, including The Nature Conservancy, RiversEdge West, and the White River Alliance. But they need help. Please encourage county leaders, the Soil Conservation District, NRCS, Pest and Weed Control, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the community to join forces and develop a stronger plan to address this invasive crisis.
The next White River Alliance meeting will be held March 12.
By SHAWN WELDER
