News Release Archive

Environmental Documents on Giant Salvinia Control Program Available for Public Viewing

Media Contact: Jack Simes, 928-343-8334, jsimes@lc.usbr.gov

For Release: August 09, 2004

Two documents that describe a comprehensive process to control the infestation of Giant Salvinia in the Lower Colorado River and associated backwaters are available for viewing.

The documents, an Environmental Assessment (EA) and a draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), describe both the proposed action and its potential effects, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act and Reclamation regulations.

Copies of the EA and FONSI can be viewed at the Yuma County Library or by requesting a copy from Ms. Christa Franks of Reclamation's Yuma Area Office at 928-343-8149. They also are available on the Lower Colorado River Giant Salvinia Task Force web site at http://ag.arizona.edu/azaqua/salvinia/salviniahome.htm.

Giant Salvinia has been described as "the world's worst weed." It is an aquatic fern from Brazil which was discovered by biologists in the Lower Colorado River in the summer of 1999. The plant is very invasive; under the right conditions, it multiplies rapidly, threatening recreation use of infected waters, fishing areas, irrigation water delivery, hydropower production, endangered species, and sensitive habitats.

The Bureau of Reclamation is leading a multi-agency effort to control and eradicate this plant from the Colorado River. The Task Force also includes the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Department of Fish and Game, California Department of Fish and Game, and other state and local entities; a complete listing can be found on the Task Force's web site at the address listed above.

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