Tamarix: A Case Study of Ecological Change in the American West

The invasive species Tamarix first attracted the public eye in the 1990's when it was suspected of contributing to widespread drought and wildfires in the Western United States. Once purported to consume as much water as entire cities, very few plant species have received as much scientific, public, and political discussion and debate as Tamarix. Written by 44 of the field's most prominent scholars and scientists, this volume compiles 25 essays on this fascinating species--its biology, ecology, politics, management, and the ethical issues involved with designating a particular species as "good" or "bad". The book analyzes the controversy surrounding the Tamarisk's role in our ecosystems and what should be done about it.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Julie Stromberg 1. Introduction to the Paradox Plant Anna Sher PART I: BIOLOGY AND RANGE 2. Genetics of Tamarix John Gaskin 3. Measuring Extent and Projections of Tamarix distribution in North America Catherine Jarnevich, Paul Evangelista, J. Graham 4. Evapotranspiration by tamarisk in the Colorado River Basin Erika Zavaleta 5. Tamarisk: Ecohydrology of a Successful Plant Pamela Nagler and Edward Glenn 6. Water use by Tamarix James Cleverly 7. Tamarix, hydrology and fluvial geomorphology Daniel A. Auerbach, David M. Merritt, Patrick B. Shafroth 8. Tamarisk and Salinity: an overview Michelle Ohrtman, Ken Lair PART II: ECOLOGY 9. Tamarix from organism to landscape Kevin Hultine+ and Tom Dudley 10. Tamarix as Wildlife Habitat Heather Bateman, Eben Paxton and William Longland 11. Tamarisk in riparian woodlands: a birds eye view Mark Sogge, Eben H. Paxton, and Charles van Riper III 12. Tamarix as invertebrate habitat Stephanie Strudley and Peter Dalin 13. Tamarix and soil ecology Kelley Meinhardt and Catherine Gehring 14. fire ecology of Tamarix Gail Drus 15. Tamarix: passenger or driver of ecosystem change? Tyler D. Johnson PART III: THE HUMAN ELEMENT 16. Tamarisk Introduction, Naturalization and Control in the United States, 1818-1952 Matthew Chew 17. The Politics of a Tree: How a species became national policy Tim Carlson 18. A Philosophical Framework for Assessing the Value of the Tamarisk Naomi Reshotko 19. The horticulture of Tamarix Martin F. Quigley PART IV: MANAGEMENT 20. Tamarix management: Lessons and techniques Cameron Douglass, Scott Nissen and Charlie Heart 21. Tamarisk management at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Gina Dello Russo 22. Bring on the beetles! The history and impact of tamarisk biological control Dan Bean, Tom Dudley and Kevin Hultine 23. Riparian restoration in the context of Tamarix control Patrick. B. Shafroth, David Merritt, Mark Briggs, Vanessa Beauchamp, Kenneth Lair, Michael Scott, and Anna Sher 24. Revegetation After Tamarisk Removal: what grows next? Robin Bay 25. The future of Tamarix Anna Sher GLOSSARY INDEX

About the Author :
Anna Sher has been investigating the ecology of tamarisk trees since 1993 and on two continents. She is a biology professor at the University of Denver, where her lab is currently focused on restoration of riparian ecosystems and plant communities that arise after the removal of Tamarix. Martin F. Quigley is a plant ecologist and licensed landscape architect. He is the Kurtz Professor of Botany at the University of Denver, where he teaches Conservation Biology, Ethnobotany, Ecology, and Restoration Ecology.

Review :
"Tamarisk is not just about the impacts of an exotic species, but is in fact an outstanding entry pointinto many of the most important ecological and conservation questions that scientists and land managers are grappling with today; Do non-native species provide important ecosystem services? What is the best way to manage a landscape dominated by non-native species? What are the ethical and ecological reasons for removing non-native species? Because of this well-written book, the tamarisk will become a key example for introducing young scientists and land managers to the complexities of dealing with exotics species in established ecosystems." -- Richard Primack, Boston University and author of Essentials of Conservation Biology "A comprehensive treatment of one of the highest-profile invasive species in North America, and surely the most controversial. We owe Sher and Quigley a hearty thanks for assembling a cast of authorities on the biological, historical, sociological, political, and economic facets of the spread and management of salt cedar. Everyone from concerned laypersons through ecologists and botanists will enjoy reading this book and learn a lot from it." -- Daniel Simberloff, Nancy Gore Hunger Professor of Environmental Studies, University of Tennessee and founder of the Institute of Biological Invasions "This book represents the most comprehensive work yet published of the biology, ecology, and sociological impacts of Tamarix. Most impressive is the unbiased approach, broad perspective, and science-based standards used to address the many controversial issues related to positive benefits or negative impacts of Tamarix." -- Joe DiTomaso, University of California, Davis, and author of Aquatic and Riparian Weeds of the West "With 44 of the world's top Tamarisk researchers, Drs. Sher and Quigley have assembled the first comprehensive book on this important woody genus in the western United States. This is tremendously valuable book is a must have for all who study or manage Tamarix." -- Mike Dombeck, Chief Emeritus, U.S. Forest Service