Eradicate Siberian elms, non-native thistles, & knapweeds in riparian areas on public land.

These 3 invasive species obliterate our native plants and create monocultures of each weed. Removing them will help people enjoy our publicly owned riparian areas. The project will not consist of occasional weed-pulls (which rarely have long-term benefits). Instead we hope to (1) select at least 10 publicly-owned riparian areas with weed problems, (2) tally individuals in each of the 3 focal species in year 0, reduce them by 99% in 1-3 years, have virtually no recruitment in year 4, and (3) have the City (or other public landowner) commit to annual maintenance.

No Siberian elms, no Scotch thistles, and no knapweeds here! 

Key partners: City of Flagstaff Stream Steward Program, Coconino County, Coconino National Forest. The Rio de Flag Watershed Plan (see in the take action tab) allows us to apply for Bureau of Reclamation grants to plan and implement it. Much of the work can be done by volunteers, but the work is much harder than most volunteer jobs.

Paul Beier holding a non-native thistle he removed from the ecosystem

If you (as an individual or a small group) would like to volunteer to be trained and work 40-60 person-hours in year 1, please contact paul.beier@outlook.com. After you select one small weed zone and we have a detailed conversation, you can decide “This job is not for me” or “This job is for me. Help me get started.” If you do the job right, your work will drop to 10 person-hours in year 2, and 2 person-hours in the following years. It is satisfying to know that you have made a positive impact in a place you love.