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07-15-2015, 11:58 PM #1
Congressman Cuellar looking to assist with Carrizo cane removal from border
Updated: Wed 7:27 PM, Jul 15, 2015
By: Christian von Preysing
LAREDO, TEXAS (KGNS) - The Carrizo cane is something that's been around for hundreds of years, but experts say it's not supposed to be.
It's an invasive species, and provides cover for smugglers and undocumented immigrants.
It's such a common sight you might not really notice it any more. But this Carrizo cane grows at a record-setting 25 feet a year.
A house committee started moving to do more about it.
Along the riverside, the banks are steep.
One plant holds firm. The Carrizo cane has claimed a large part.
"We don't know exactly when it got to this part of the river, but it is an exotic invasive species", said Dr. Tom Vaughan.
Dr. Vaughan is a biologist who studies the river.
"It could certainly be the fastest-growing plant on the planet", said Dr. Vaughan.
The Carrizo cane is believed to come from Spain, when the first European settlers got here.
It gives a place to hide, and soaks up water.
To reduce it, Vaughan and other biologists are introducing bugs the Arundo Wasp and a smaller insect called a scale.
Natural enemies one burrows in the cane, the other at its base.
"These two insects are attacking the plant, removing since 2009 about 22 percent of the cane biomass between Brownsville and Del Rio", said Dr. Vaughan.
But members of congress on the house appropriations committee, want to see faster results.
"We're asking the federal government and homeland to work with the state of Texas and soil and water conservation groups. People that have experience in an environmentally very safe way, to get rid of this cane", said Congressman Henry Cuellar.
Vaughan says, growing up to 30 feet, they're also thirsty plants.
"The more cane we can remove, the more water will be in the river for agricultural and domestic uses" said Dr. Vaughan.
Border Patrol agents have trouble tracking smugglers through the reeds.
"This will be good for homeland security purposes because border patrol will be able to have the line of sight to do their work", said Dr. Vaughan.
Local environmentalists say, give the bugs more time.
"Pretty much it's just getting started", said Dr. Vaughan.
They don't support what could be a faster alternative spraying the Carrizo with herbicide.
"Any of those pesticides in the river is just not healthy for the wildlife. For the humans who consume that water", said Dr. Vaughan.
At this point, the House Appropriations Committee wants Customs and Border Protection to look at the options for removal.
If the bill passes in November, CBP will have 30 days do report back, and see what can be done from there.
Congressman Henry Cuellar is also calling for Mexico to get involved in a plan to get rid of the Carrizo cane.
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