Noxious weeds and other exotic plants frequently outcompete native vegetation, once established. Negative impacts include loss of natural cover and forage for wildlife and livestock, decreased native plant diversity, decreased stream flow in riparian areas, and altered wetland hydrology.

Depending on the type of weed and the degree of infestation, a number of methods may be used to control exotics, including herbicide spraying, mechanical treatment, prescribed burning or grazing, or re-vegetation with native species.

Apishapa Canyon Ranch Tamarisk Removal Project, Pueblo/Las Animas Counties, CO

Habitat restoration along the Apishapa River was implemented to enhance the riparian corridor for native wildlife as well as make water more readily available for wet meadow habitat and stream flow. Aerial treatment of 160 acres of tamarisk using Habitat® occurred September 2005. Plants showing re-foliation will be treated with a backpack sprayer and the remaining woody debris from the dead plants will ultimately be removed.

Aerial spraying of tamarisk, 2005	Treated tamarisk, 2007