Introduction

    In the Four Corners, Eleagnus angustifolia, more commonly known as Russian Olive is becoming a problem. This invasive plant was first introduced to the United States in the late 1800’s as an ornamental or wind-breaking shrub that helped with erosion control. It was favored for its hardiness and self-sustaining nitrogen fixed roots. Now, however, it is rampantly taking over.

    In our hometown of Shiprock, New Mexico our water source is the San Juan River. It provides water for drinking, farming, and recreation. Whenever we view it, it is choked with Russian Olives. These trees have out-competed many native species like Cottonwood as well as soaked up valuable water near irrigation canals. In addition it of no benefit to farmers or livestock owners. For these reasons it is rated as a Class C noxious weed in New Mexico. (Class C meets definitions of a noxious weed and is of some concern but not federally recognized.)

    Unfortunately, Russian Olives are difficult and expensive to eradicate.  They can reproduce both sexually and asexually, reducing treatment options.  Any part of the tree left in the ground could re-sprout. The most effective treatments involve the use of herbicides, which are expensive and labor intensive.

    At the start of our project we wanted to test different eradication methods to see which were most effective and cost efficient. We soon discovered that the methods would all give us similar results.  We then decided to focus on one method, cut-stump. This treatment cuts a tree’s trunk allowing a herbicide to be sprayed onto the stump.

    Our project will create a starlogo model to show how long it would take to eradicate Russian Olives on a riparian (wet) area. The model will show a river with Russian Olives and birds. It will represent how Russian Olives grow and how birds distribute its seeds. This simplification helps us narrow our scope and get better results.