Authored by Brian Tonetti

$20,000 from the Utah Department of Agriculture will fund the removal of noxious weeds and plant desirable vegetation to restore habitat value and enhance the Mill Creek Confluence in South Salt Lake, UT.

The Utah Department of Agriculture provided $20,000 through the Invasive Species Mitigation program for the restoration at the Mill Creek Confluence. This project will remove noxious weeds and plant desirable vegetation to restore and enhance this area. On the south-side of the Mill Creek Confluence, noxious weeds, including Russian olive, tamarisk, and scotch thistle, will be targeted for removal and revegetated with an upland seed mix of grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers. The north-side of the project area is managed for flood control, meaning there can be no woody species. This has caused a large disturbance area, opened for colonization of scotch thistle, hoary cress, and puncturevine. A grass seed mix will be piloted to crowd out noxious weeds, while presenting a more aesthetically pleasing option that works with management goals.

Project activities:

Utilize an experienced restoration expert, field crews, and volunteers to conduct on-the-ground integrated weed management to prevent colonization and spreading of invasives;
Track tangible progress of the project using photo points and invasive species mapping;
Utilize online resources and social media to educate participants and trail users; and
Begin the first phase of a larger restoration and enhancement project for the area.