Project Profile: Remove Invasive Species to Protect Native and At-risk Species in the Colorado River

The Milky Way reflected in the Colorado River.

NPS / Travis Spake

Inflation Reduction Act
Restoration | FY24-26 $2,108,000

The National Park Service (NPS) will launch a landscape-scale conservation effort that seeks to re-establish control over populations of invasive species in the Colorado River as well as engage youth and Tribal Conservation Corps in a multi-park approach to ensure climate resilience, restoration, and response. Across parks connected to the Colorado River, the NPS will combat rapid changes due to climate change at Dinosaur National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Grand Canyon National Park.

Why? Invasive species, both terrestrial and aquatic, negatively impact the Colorado River Basin and climate change is exacerbating these impacts rapidly. In Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, high-risk invasive predatory brown trout have rapidly increased in numbers over the past decade. Likewise, two invasive species – smallmouth bass and green sunfish – pose a threat to federally threatened native humpback chub species and other natives in Grand Canyon National Park. To protect these species, invasive fish surveillance and removal will occur in the Colorado River throughout 15.5 miles of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and 277-miles of Grand Canyon National Park, and in sanctuary tributaries to the river. Meanwhile, to control invasive plant species, Dinosaur National Monument is taking an" inundate biocontrol strategy" (high intensity/long duration) to scale up the number of approved biocontrol insects released and their geographic distribution within the Green and Yampa Watersheds.

What Else? This project’s goals of the protection of native species aligns with the NPS mission, is mandated by the Endangered Species Act, and is congruent with the Grand Canyon Protection Act. Additionally, the project is committed to employment of local youth. Youth engagement will include internships, volunteer opportunities, training and mentorship.

About the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act provides the National Park Service with an historic opportunity to address critical ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs. Projects funded in national parks represent broad-scale and impactful resource investments across every corner of our nation—from Alaska to Florida to Maine.