Tamarisk Removal in Grand Canyon National Park: Changing the Native-Non-native Relationship as a Restoration Goal

Tamarisk removal in Grand Canyon National Park did not significantly increase native plant species richness or abundance within one to three years, despite successfully reducing tamarisk cover. The study found that while native and non-native species richness were positively correlated before tamarisk removal, this relationship did not translate into increased native diversity post-treatment. Native species composition, however, tended to become more similar to uninvaded stands after tamarisk removal. This suggests that restoration efforts targeting invasive species may not immediately boost native biodiversity but could shift community structure toward a more natural state. The research highlights the need for long-term monitoring and consideration of native-non-native relationships in restoration strategies.

Belote, R. T., Makarick, L. J., Kearsley, M. J. C., & Lauver, C. L. (2010). Tamarisk Removal in Grand Canyon National Park: Changing the Native-Non-native Relationship as a Restoration Goal. Ecological Restoration, 28(4), 449–459. https://doi.org/10.3368/er.28.4.449