Big Bend National Park has scheduled temporary closures from November 11 to November 12 for the removal of invasive salt cedar trees, also known as Tamarisk, in the Hot Springs area. These efforts are part of the park’s ongoing commitment to preserving native ecosystems.
During this period, visitors to the park should anticipate restricted access along the river from Gravel Pit to Hot Springs Canyon. The closure will allow a specialized resource crew to cut down the invasive trees and apply the herbicide Triclopyr to the stumps using hand sprayers.
Tamarisk trees are known for their aggressive growth, which displaces native plant species, traps sediment, and consumes significant amounts of water, disrupting local flora and fauna. The herbicide treatment aims to eliminate these trees without harming the surrounding native plants or wildlife.
“Hand applications of Triclopyr are specifically designed to target invasive species without affecting the native ecosystem,” explained a park official. The EPA-approved herbicide mimics a plant hormone, leading to uncontrolled growth and eventual dieback of the treated plants.
The removal project is expected to improve the health of the Rio Grande by allowing the river to transport sediment more effectively. This will enhance the habitat for native species such as willows, freshwater mussels, fish, and beavers, and will also increase the availability of riverbanks for recreational activities.
Signage will be placed around the affected areas to inform visitors of the closure. The park assures that once the herbicide application is complete, the areas will be reopened for public access.
