Project Profile: Improve Recreation on San Juan River in Glen Canyon Recreation Area

Cutting down a Russian olive tree.

NPS Photo / Gerry Nealon

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Recreation | FY22 $45,000

Along the San Juan River in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, park staff and partners are controlling invasive plants that out-compete other plants and form impenetrable stands limiting access to the river. Removal of invasive plants improves camping, wildlife viewing and photography, fishing access, and visitor safety at campsites and along 39 miles of the San Juan River.

Why? Invasive species such as Russian olive, ravenna grass, camelthorn and Russian knapweed grow in dense stands along the San Juan River. These plants can be extremely fire prone and when people brush up against them, they can cause an allergic reaction. Thorns penetrate shoes, rafts, and skin, limiting access to fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.

What Else? The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports the removal of these invasive plants and allows the park to restore the habitat along the river for the benefit of native plants, animals, and park visitors. In addition, this project also involves America’s youth and provides training, work experience, and an opportunity to be a part of the stewardship of our national parks.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Ecosystem Restoration

This project was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Ecosystem Restoration, signed on November 15, 2021. It is a historic investment in the restoration and protection of the environment.