Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR Invasive Tree Removal

Funding in the amount of $64,000 is available to conduct invasive species removal and restoration treatments, primarily in the removal of saltcedar and athel, at the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge on approximately 40 acres designated in the Burned Areas Rehabilitation program. Removal of these species are in areas where existing vegetation must be preserved for wildlife habitat and invasive trees must be treated individually by cutting and treating with herbicide. Lack of staff is the limiting factor to completing treatment in these areas and rehabilitating the site to pre fire conditions and restoring habitat essential to migratory and neotropical birds. This project requires the assistance of trained and certified sawyers, pesticide applicators, and other experienced crewmembers in invasive species management in addition to furnishing all the necessary equipment to conduct the work. Crews will provide detailed reports concerning treatments, including methods, acreage and effectiveness.