PRESCRIBED FIRES FOR TAMARISK CONTROL SCHEDULED FOR SEP. 26-30
Source: Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Sep 11, 2008 - 4:23:12 PM
Boulder City, Nev. – National Park Service fire personnel will be conducting prescribed burns in the areas of the confluence of Grapevine and Sacatone Washes near Lake Mohave and Valley of Fire Wash near Overton Beach from Sep. 26-30, 2008. These burns are being conducted to assist with the control of exotic tamarisk that is an extremely aggressive alien plant species.
Smoke from the Valley of Fire Wash prescribed burn may be visible from Northshore Road near Overton Beach. Closures will be limited to the immediate area of the burns and there should be minimal impact to park visitors.
Tamarisk was introduced to the United States in the 19th century to aid in erosion control and as an ornamental plant. The highly invasive tamarisk rapidly spread and caused major changes to natural environment. Tamarisk is notorious for consuming large amounts of water (up to 150 gallons a day), crowding out native vegetation, displacing wildlife, and increasing the risk of fire danger.
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