A new restoration project is underway along the Lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, as invasive plant species are threatening native vegetation.
The project will restore 70 acres of riparian habitat along an 11-mile stretch of the river, according to a press release from the Tonto National Forest.
Forest officials plan to accomplish that by removing exotic vegetation and planting more than 500,000 native plants.
The project’s goal is to boost water quality and quantity, decrease the risk of wildfire and improve the habitat for endangered species. The first phase will remove 50 acres of salt cedar and 20 acres of giant reed grass.
