Tamrisk and Arrundo are termed "invasive species"; meaning they are not native to the area. Tamrisk (AKA Salt Ceder) was imported from the Middle East in the late 1800s and used as a wind break around ranch houses and watering holes. However, it is fast growing and requires a lot of water. And, it increases the alkalinity of the soils around the tree; hence, the term Salt Ceder.

Arrundo is a reed-type plant that chokes out springs. Both have extensive root systems and regenerate from roots.

BLM has been working on projects to remove Tamrisk and Arrundo. The treatments are a combination of burning, cutting, digging and poison.

Afton Canyon is one area where they have been experimenting with different methods to determine which is best and when a re-treatment is required.

Within a couple of weeks of a major treatment project in Afton Canyon, surface water began flowing in the treated area where it was previously dry.

Keep in mind, the Mojave River does provide a continuous year-around water flow. Due to geology and soils type, most of the time it is an underground river.

By removing the vegetation consuming the water, surface flow began.