ATTACK! of the invasive Eastern Redcedar

From the Nature Conservancy...

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oklahoma/about/invasives.html

Eastern redcedar is actually native to Oklahoma, but with the absence of fire on the landscape this juniper is estimated to be spreading at the rate of 720 acres per day in our state- creating relatively sterile cedar forests and increasing soil erosion underneath its canopy. Control options include controlled burning and mechanical removal.

And an article from last June, discussing the impacts and potential benefits of the Eastern Redcedar.

http://southwestfarmpress.com/news/eastern-redcedar-0605/index.html?imw=Y

• In Oklahoma, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) estimates the number of Eastern Red Cedars is increasing at an estimated rate of 852 acres a day or over 300,000 acres a year. It is estimated that at this rate of spread, the red cedar population doubles every 18 years. ·The trees are affecting people’s health, reducing productivity from grasslands and destroying wildlife habitat, all of which is costing the state millions of dollars each year, according to the Red Cedar Task Force formed in 2002 by the Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of the Environment.

• Oklahoma State University research shows that one acre of cedar trees can absorb 55,000 gallons of water per year, which means less water goes into lakes and aquifers, threatening water supplies for cities and towns.

• In 2000, it was estimated that red cedars cost Oklahoma $218 million dollars annually through catastrophic wildfires, as well as loss of cattle forage, wildlife habitat, recreation and water yield. By 2013 that figure is expected to increase to $447 million if major preventative control steps are not taken to control the invading cedars.

Is the Redcedar good or bad?