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<br />Since the Finance Committee met several activities and events have occurred and provide further
<br />clarification about the Tamarisk Coalition's proposal.
<br />. The Tamarisk Coalition hosted the 2003 Tamarisk Symposium, a major gathering of local, state,
<br />and federal scientists and land managers, with an interest in controlling Tamarisk throughout the West.
<br />Presentations there indicate that remote sensing approaches for tamarisk mapping and inventory are
<br />both very expensive and in a state of flux, The types of imagery used for Colorado DDS irrigated acreage
<br />mapping is not of sufficient resolution to be used for the techniques currently being investigated for
<br />accurate invasive species mapping, DNR agencies will still be encouraged to use the remote sensing
<br />tools available to them for inventory purposes, consistent with their other ongoing responsibilities, but it is
<br />unlikely that consistent, accurate, statewide information can be developed in a timely fashion, Therefore
<br />the Coalition's approach of using field reconnaissance and consolidating other agencies' existing
<br />mapping and inventory work is the most reasonable method of quickly enhancing the infested acreage
<br />estimates for Colorado,
<br />. Based on presentations at the Symposium it is very likely that federal legislation authorizing and
<br />funding increased roles for the Dept. of Interior in tamarisk control efforts will be passed by this Congress,
<br />Funding to the states for demonstration projects will be based on infested acres, so an accurate,
<br />supportable inventory is essential. In addition, some legislative proposals acknowledge the need for
<br />additional inventory work and provide federal funding to complete that task, in which case the CWCB
<br />funds could be used to meet the non-federal cost share requirements for activities in Colorado,
<br />. DNR recently designated Shane Henry as its lead for preparing the Ten Year Plan for Tamarisk
<br />Eradication required by Gov, Owens' Executive Order No, D002 03, Development of that plan should
<br />lead to a more coordinated approach between the various DNR agencies with an interest in tamarisk
<br />control. However, until work on the plan begins each agency is attempting to further the control effort on
<br />its own, The Coalition's approach to the inventory process will utilize the many independent activities
<br />currently underway at the various DNR agencies, avoiding duplication of efforts,
<br />
<br />Staff calls the Board's attention to several aspects of the Coalition's proposal copied below:
<br />. Inventory Need: In Colorado, the area of tamarisk and Russian-olive infestation is estimated to
<br />be approximately 50,000 acres of land, but this is only a rough estimate, A more accurate inventory of
<br />tamarisk and Russian Olive infestation is a crucial element in the development of control plans at the
<br />watershed scale and a determination of its actual impacts, The inventory becomes the basis for project
<br />planning (e,g" cost estimates, resource allocation, priority setting) and tracking the long-term success of
<br />control efforts, For Colorado, a quality inventory will also place the state in a favorable position to acquire
<br />Federal funding for major demonstrations that are likely to be available in 2004-2008,
<br />
<br />. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to establish and implement an inventory protocol that
<br />provides a clear understanding of the extent of the problem but is also economical to perform, The
<br />Colorado River and Arkansas River watersheds are identified because they are heavily infested and
<br />represent two distinct topographic conditions - a western slope canyon setting that is predominantly
<br />Federal lands and a front range prairie setting that is predominantly private agricultural lands, The
<br />protocols developed under this study can then be used to generate accurate inventories for the other
<br />major watersheds in the state; i,e" San Juan, Rio Grande, South Platte, North Platte, and Republican
<br />rivers.
<br />
<br />. Inventory Approach: A more accurate means of inventorying is required to identify location,
<br />density, and maturity of tamarisk and Russian Olive in comparison to native species, This information is
<br />essential to developing good cost estimates for control and revegetation and to better understand impacts
<br />such as water losses and wildlife habitat effects, The survey will have four basic components, Step 1 -
<br />A basic understanding of infestation locations will be gained from existing or newly developed remote
<br />sensing mapping from state agencies; previous studies; historic records; and personal knowledge from
<br />county weed managers, state weed coordinator, state agriculture specialists, water conservancy district
<br />staff, federal weed managers, university researchers, etc, Step 2 - A planning meeting with CWCB staff
<br />will occur over a two day period to review past inventory studies and agree on an approach to collect and
<br />analyze information, Step 3 - On-the-ground surveys by two-person crews (one for each watershed)
<br />using college interns will be performed during the summer of 2004 to verify location, density, maturity,
<br />topography, and presence of native vegetation, These surveys will be logged using GPS and digital
<br />photos, Step 4 - Field data will be compiled and evaluated to develop maps of infestation, For
<br />developing future cost estimates for control, revegetation, and maintenance, the extent of infestation
<br />
<br />Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection
<br />Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning
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