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EPA Gives Havasupai Tribe $180,000

Release Date: 3/24/2003
Contact Information: Wendy L. Chavez (415) 947-4248

     SAN FRANCISCO   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded the Havasupai Tribe in northern Arizona a $180,000 grant to remove non-native species threatening the Grand Canyon watershed.

    The grant, provided under provisions of the Clean Water Act, will allow tribal members to remove invasive species such as the Tamarisk and Salt Cedar, which suck up rainwater that could otherwise flow into Havasu Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River.

     "This project will help restore native habitat in one of the country's most delicate and beautiful environments," said Catherine Kuhlman, the director of the U.S. EPA's water division in San Francisco.  "We are are happy to help fund the tribe's important work in protecting the Grand Canyon's ecosystem.  Anyone who has seen the beautiful turquoise hue of Money Falls will understand that this is money well spent."

    Tribal members will coordinate their revegetation efforts with the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the National Park Service.  Tribal officials will continue the program   estimated at five growing seasons   until native species have been firmly re-established in the area.

    Every year, the EPA's Pacific Southwest Office in San Francisco awards millions of dollars to tribes throughout California, Arizona and Nevada to run their environmental programs.