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Good Neighbor Environmental Board Comment Letter
 an independent federal advisory committee on environmental sustainability in the U.S.-Mexico border region |
Chair |
|
| Designated Federal Officer Elaine Koerner Telephone: (202) 564-2586 Koerner.Elaine@epa.gov |
October 20, 2004
The President
The Vice President
Speaker of the House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Re: Damage Caused by Invasive Aquatic and Riparian Species on the U.S.-Mexico Border
Dear President Bush:
The Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB) urges the federal government
to provide resources to address the serious economic and environmental
damage caused by invasive aquatic and riparian plant species in the United
States-Mexico border region. These invasive species are very difficult
to contain or eradicate, and at great expense. They are endangering habitat
and water resources on both sides of the international boundary as well
as affecting businesses such as farming, tourism, and fishing. Given
the unique dynamics of managing trans-boundary natural resources, the
board respectfully requests that particular attention be given to this
problem.
While of concern throughout the entire nation, aquatic and riparian invasive
species are of special concern in areas that are characterized by extreme water
scarcity such as the U.S.- Mexico border region. In some cases, they are directly
consuming large volumes of already scarce water, while in others, their presence
makes it more difficult to transport the water that does exist to specific
user groups. The scale and magnitude of the economic costs have not been accurately
estimated, but residents whose livelihoods depend on a stable and viable environment
fear that containment soon will become unmanageable.
In the Lower Rio Grande, for example, water managers periodically must contend
with invasion by water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) and by hydrilla (Hydrilla
verticillata). These weeds use the water to multiply and choke the flow of
the River. Despite some modest progress, considerable resources continue to
be required to keep pace with and control the problem. A continuing binational
management program should be put into place to ensure the long-term health
of this section of the river.
Another species of concern along the Rio Grande and its tributaries is salt
cedar (Tamarix spp.). Not only does salt cedar replace native plant communities,
but the rate at which it uses water generally exceeds that of native plants.
Additionally, as suggested by its name, salt cedar takes up salt from the soil
and releases it into the environment, with potentially negative impacts on
water quality.
In Del Rio, Texas, giant river cane (Arundo donax) has infested San Felipe
Creek, a Rio Grande tributary. This species out-competes native plants, has
a high rate of water use, and breaks away during floods, creating blockages
at drains and bridges and making the flooding even worse.
The border region's other major transboundary waterway, the Colorado
River, also has
suffered from invasive species infestations. In addition to salt cedar,
a floating fern called giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) has become an
increasing problem on the lower portion of the river. First detected
there in 1999, the invasive fern since has spread rapidly. Thick mats
of the plant reduce oxygen content, degrading water quality for aquatic
species. The mats also impede recreational activities such as boating
and fishing, and clog water intakes for irrigation.
Examples such as those just cited underscore the need to implement an effective
binational strategy fueled by federal support and resources that are available
for use in both countries. Unlike many issues surrounding water resources in
the border region, the issue of invasive aquatic and riparian species largely
is noncontentious and noncontroversial: virtually all stakeholders and economic
sectors in both countries agree that invasive species pose a growing problem
that needs to be stemmed. In view of this consensus, addressing the problem
may offer a rare opportunity for binational collaboration toward a common goal
that includes all stakeholder groups.
The Good Neighbor Environmental Board appreciates the opportunity to bring
this timely issue to the attention of the Administration. The Board is available
to provide additional information if requested.
(Note on the Board: The GNEB is a federal advisory committee created to advise the President and Congress on environmental and infrastructure issues and needs within the states contiguous to Mexico. It was created by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act of 1992 (EAIA 7 U.S. Code Section 5404).
| Sincerely, | |
| Placido dos Santos, Chair |
cc:
Kathleen Clarke, Director
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
John W. Keys, III, Commissioner
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Michael Leavitt, Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Gale A. Norton, Secretary of the Interior
U.S. Department of the Interior
Secretariat,
North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation
Ann M. Veneman, Secretary
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Steven A. Williams, Director
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services
Lori Williams, Staff Director
National Invasive Species Council