Public Invited to Comment on Salt Cedar Control  at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Date: October 27, 2009

Contact: Joe Saenz (575) 625-4019 or Kelly K. Mensah (505)248-6599 

DOWNLOAD THE PECOS RIVER RESTORATION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (PDF 600K)

The U. S. Fish and wildlife Service opens public comment on Tuesday, October 27^th on options for dealing with invasive salt cedar growth along the Pecos River at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

This comment period gives all interested parties an opportunity to provide input upon two alternatives concerning the control of invasive salt cedar.  The comment period will run through Thursday, November 26.

One of two alternatives will be pursued:

1. No action
2. Removal of salt cedar trees throughout 1500 of the refuge’s 24,536 acres by  mechanical, hand-cutting, and chemical treatment.

A copy of the draft EA is available at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/bitterlake/index.html  or by contacting Joe Saenz, Refuge Manager at; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Comments must be submitted in writing to the email address listed above, or to: Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 4605 Bitter Lakes Rd. Roswell, NM 88201

Bitter Lake NWR was established in 1937 as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other local wildlife.  Salt cedar trees were introduced to New Mexico as a method of stabilizing stream banks from erosion in the early 1900’s. The trees, which each drink up to 200 gallons of water daily, have led to unintended consequences in the protected wilderness such as a decreased water table, increased water and soil salinity, the outcompetition of native plants for water and sunlight and increased susceptibility to wildfires. 

The refuge supports plant and animal communities adapted to the diverse and unique habitats within the region.  The isolated springs, seeps and associated wetlands protected by the refuge have been recognized as providing some of the last known habitats in the world for several unique species.  Management emphasis on the refuge is placed on protecting and enhancing habitat for endangered species and federal candidate species, maintaining and improving wintering crane and waterfowl habitat, and monitoring maintaining, and restoring natural ecosystem values.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.  For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov