The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting proposals to control invasive plants along New Mexico rivers under a new grant program. This years focus is on controlling tamarisk saltcedar, Russian olive, Siberian elm and other invasives, preventing the spread of exotic trees and improving native plant communities in the middle Rio Grande watershed. Applicants have until June 5 to submit their proposals.
Grants totaling $900,000 will be awarded this summer. Government agencies, tribes, private landowners, not-for-profit and/or for-profit organizations can apply. The funds are available under the Management of Exotics for Recovery of Endangered Species (MERES) habitat restoration program. Controlling invasive plants will benefit threatened and endangered species, such as the Rio Grande silvery minnow, the southwestern willow flycatcher, Bald Eagle, Pecos sunflower and many other rare species.
Non-native plants can cause trouble for the native species because they are more aggressive. Since they didnt evolve in the same ecosystem, the natural factors that balance a native plant community dont apply to exotic plants. The resulting changes can also be harmful for the animals that depend upon a native riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian habitat for finding food and shelter.
"Through these grants, well work with others to remove some of the more aggressive tamarisk stands in the Middle Rio Grande watershed and improve the habitat for rare animals and plants," said Benjamin N. Tuggle, acting Director of the Services Southwest Region. "We are pleased to put some money behind the productive collaborative conservation efforts that are occurring in New Mexico."
For specifics on applying for a MERES grant, go to: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/mrgbi/ or call 505-346-2525 to request a copy.
Visit the Services website at http://www.fws.gov.
