Short and Simple, but no less Important

Everyone benefits from tamarisk removal in Kayenta, which lowers fire risk and supports the growth, health, and diversity of our native desert environment. Thus, it is a great pleasure that newcomers Karen and Eric Twietmeyer approved tamarisk removal from their home, which is still under construction.

This simple small project, completed on one day with just 10 volunteer hours, is a reminder that not every tamarisk removal has to be complicated. At the same time, this project is indicative of the potentially problematic future that up front prevention takes out of the picture. On the Twietmeyer property, tamarisk was growing at the receiving end of two stormwater drainage pipes, so not only would it have grown, but also eventually spread its seeds downstream, causing problems for other homeowners and properties.

The Twietmeyers learned about the work of DPI from Aaron Martin, Project Initiation Coordinator, “who contacted us a few months after we purchased our property. He told us about DPI, sent us detailed information about the tamarisk on our lot, explained about the removal process, and facilitated Kayenta ACC approval,” Karen says. “We were very impressed with how thorough and helpful he was!”

Karen also reports that “having the tamarisk removed during construction is a big benefit for us because we are now able to see what the property looks like without it and plan for some appropriate desert restoration as part of our overall ‘new house’ landscaping effort.

“The Kayenta landscaping committee has already made some very helpful suggestions. We found the tamarisk to be unsightly, and it was crowding out beautiful native vegetation, so we were happy to have it removed as soon as possible. Now that it’s gone we can see that native vegetation, which will hopefully benefit from not having the tamarisk there ‘stealing’ so much water.

“We were very impressed with how considerate and responsive the DPI volunteers were,” Karen adds. “We sent detailed instructions just before the removal regarding access to the tamarisk, safeguarding of native plants, and disposal. The volunteers came exactly when they said they would and followed our instructions. And they were all super friendly. Such a positive experience. And the lot looks so much better now!”

It is extremely gratifying to DPI’s volunteers when new and incoming residents recognize the importance of the work we do in protecting Kayenta’s neighborhoods. Karen Twietmeyer stopped by while the DPI volunteers were at work and noted that when Eric joins her here in a year-plus he is interested in joining as a volunteer.   Welcome to Kayenta Eric and Karen!   

If you have questions about the dangers of tamarisk and other invasive species, read more on the Desert Preservation Initiative website at https://www.desertpi.org/ by calling our new phone number 435-574-9064 or sending us an email at [email protected]. We are looking for volunteers to join us in tamarisk removal, desert restoration efforts (tree planting anyone?), tamarisk regrowth monitoring, and fundraising.