Saltcedar

Much of the riparian vegetation in the Southwest, including the Virgin River, has been replaced by a highly invasive, non-native tree called saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima).

One of the research projects funded in 1995 by the Water Authority was conducted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to determine water consumption (or evapotranspiration rate) of native and non-native vegetation in the river corridor.

This particular study quantified water consumption by saltcedar under several environmental conditions. The study also resulted in the development of methodologies for acquiring evapotranspiration rates of riparian plant communities via remote sensing technology.

The information gained by this project has and will continue to help SNWA understand the impact riparian vegetation has on the hydrology of the river and provide technology applicable to resource management in the Colorado River system.