Invasive Species Removal

About the Project

The funding for this project is derived in full or in part from a federal award of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, subawarded by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The Western Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) grant is a three-year project that removes invasive Russian olive and tamarisk species from the Virgin River watershed tributaries and side washes. Beginning Fall of 2025, work will occur between September 1st and April 1st of each year to avoid interference with nesting birds. 


Work crews will remove Russian olive and tamarisk trees by cutting and then chipping or creating firewood-sized pieces. Prescribed fires can be used where appropriate. Tree stumps will then be treated with either herbicide or aquatic herbicide. Willow or cottonwood cuttings will be planted, to encourage the growth of native plant species. 


Property owners are encouraged to reach out to Staff to learn more about these invasive species and how we can work together to care for the health and safety of the river and side washes in Springdale. 


Contact Us

  1. Kyndal Sagers

    Zoning Administrator
    Email Kyndal Sagers
    More Information

Russian olive

(Elaeagnus angustifolia) also known as silver berry, oleaster, or wild olive, is a species of elaeagnus, native to western Asia and Europe.

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Tamarisk

(Tamarix ramosissima) commonly known as salt cedar. It is a deciduous arching shrub with reddish stems, feathery, pale green foliage, and characteristic small pink flowers from arid and semi-arid regions in Africa and Eurasia. 

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Why Remove?

The Virgin River Watershed (VRW) provides critical wildlife habitats and is a vital source of water for residents.

These invasive species:

  • Spread quickly

  • Grow rapidly

  • Exacerbate fire hazards

  • Increase flood risk

  • Out-compete native riparian vegetation

  • Alter essential habitats for wildlife to thrive, and

  • Alter hydrology

  • Tamarisk trees reduce the quality of water by adding salt to the soil and waterways.


Benefits of removing invasive species:

  • Restore the function of native habitats/ecosystems

  • Reduce the risk of wildfire

  • Improve water quality

  • Improve recreation activities

  • Potential increase in land values

Property Owner Maintenance:

Herbicide spraying is rarely successful as a one-time treatment, so it is important to anticipate that sites will need to be monitored for several years and new resprouts and seedlings will require further treatment in the future. 


  • Regularly check treated areas for new growth and re-treat any resprouts as needed

  • Cut the tree down and immediately apply herbicide or aquatic herbicide (near a water source) using a product containing glyphosate or triclopyr. Garlon 3A is for aquatic purposes and glyphosate is for outside of the riparian areas. 

  • Dispose of cut Russian olive material by chipping, cutting into firewood or disposing in the landfill to prevent further spread

  • Be careful not to spray herbicide on desirable native vegetation

  • Care for newly planted Willow or Cottonwood cuttings

  • Contact Kyndal Sagers ksagers@springdale.utah.gov or call (435) 522-4130 for any questions