Exotic plants and animals also may hybridize with, or transmit exotic diseases to native species. Each season, Mesa Verde National Park staff will monitor the Mancos Canyon drainage and eradicate new tamarisk seedlings and shoots as necessary. The park will continue to work with its neighbors, including the Bureau of Land Management and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, to continue tamarisk control on both sides of the park boundary. The nationwide problem of exotic species is challenging and complex. Only through extensive control efforts and continued cooperation between private landowners and public land managers will tamarisk and other exotic species begin to loosen their stranglehold.
Concerned individuals can help in several ways.
Volunteer to help with inventories, mapping, and eradication of exotic species. Learn about and support efforts by public and private land managers in your area. Be a good neighbor by controlling weeds and exotics on your own property. Use only native plants or non-invasive ornamentals in landscaping your yard and property. Contact your local county extension office for information on identifying and controlling noxious weeds.