HR.2720, the Salt Cedar and Russian Olive Control Demonstration Act, authorizes the establishment of a federal program to find the best means of eradicating salt cedar and Russian olive vegetation-nonnative plant species that have overtaken most western riparian areas. I look forward to our state reaping benefits from this new law in terms of water savings.

The bill directs the Bureau of Reclamation to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to undertake at least five salt cedar and Russian olive assessment and demonstration programs. The bill authorizes $20 million for FY2006 and $15 million annually from 2007-10 to provide grants to eligible entities to identify the best ways to eradicate these nonnative species.

Parts of the Rio Grande, Pecos River and other tributaries in our state are inundated with salt cedar, resulting in reduced stream flow and increased salinity. It is estimated that a mature salt cedar or Russian olive plant can consume up to 100 gallons of water a day. Removing these non-native plants in a way that does not result in river bank erosion has been identified as a way to improve stream flows and help restore native vegetation.