CLIFTON, Colo. — For three days this week, the familiar hum of nature along the Colorado River will be replaced by the roar of chainsaws and wood chippers. Mesa County officials have announced a temporary closure of the Clifton Nature Park and a section of the popular Riverfront Trail to wage war against an aggressive invader: the tamarisk tree.

From February 17 to February 19, crews will descend on the park’s southern and eastern pathways to remove these invasive shrubs. The goal is not just to clear brush but to tackle a three-pronged threat involving wildfire risks, water conservation, and the survival of a rare, elusive bird known as the “rain crow.”

Scheduled Closure and Public Safety

The closure is strictly scheduled to ensure the safety of residents, cyclists, and dog walkers who frequent the area. The park and trail will officially close on Tuesday, February 17, and are expected to reopen on Friday, February 20, after 5:30 p.m.

During this 72-hour window, heavy machinery will be active in the river corridor. Crews from Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest and Mesa County Trails will use industrial wood chippers to process the removed vegetation on-site. Officials warn that the risk of falling debris makes the area dangerous for the public.

“Closing the area ensures the safety of pets, cyclists, pedestrians, and other park users while crews are on site,” a county representative stated. Advance signage is already being posted at trailheads to alert commuters who rely on the Riverfront Trail for their daily routes.

The War on ‘Saltcedar’: Why Tamarisk Must Go

To the untrained eye, the tamarisk (or saltcedar) might look like just another shrub lining the riverbanks. However, conservationists view it as an ecological bully. Introduced to the American West in the 1800s for erosion control, the plant has since become a nightmare for local ecosystems.

Tamarisk is notoriously thirsty. A single mature tamarisk tree can guzzle up to 200 gallons of river water per day, outcompeting native cottonwoods and willows that are vital to the Colorado River’s health. Furthermore, as its nickname suggests, the plant secretes salt into the soil through its leaves, effectively poisoning the ground so that native plants cannot grow nearby.

By removing these “water hogs,” the county aims to restore the natural balance of the riverfront, allowing native vegetation to reclaim the soil and support a healthier water table.

A Lifeline for the ‘Rain Crow’

Beyond water and soil, this project is a rescue mission for the western yellow-billed cuckoo. Federally listed as a threatened species, this secretive bird—often called the “rain crow” for its tendency to call before storms—has seen its population plummet due to habitat loss.

The yellow-billed cuckoo relies heavily on dense, native riparian forests of cottonwood and willow for nesting. Invasive tamarisk thickets do not provide the complex canopy structure these birds need to thrive.

By clearing out the invasive undergrowth, land managers are opening up space for native trees to flourish. This restoration work creates the specific multi-layered habitat that the cuckoo and other local wildlife need to breed and raise their young safely.

Reducing Fire Risk in the River Corridor

Perhaps the most immediate benefit for Clifton residents is the reduction of wildfire danger. Tamarisk is distinctively dangerous because of its growth pattern. It creates a “fire ladder,” growing low to the ground and connecting dry surface fuels with the taller tree canopy.

Ryan Surad, coordinator for Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest, explained the mechanics of this threat. “Tamarisk specifically has these very fine leaves and obviously it’s a larger shrub, so it tends to connect these low-lying shrubs with cottonwoods,” Surad noted.

When a fire starts in a tamarisk thicket, it burns intensely and climbs quickly. This can turn a manageable brush fire into a crown fire that destroys mature trees and threatens nearby homes and structures. Removing these fuel ladders creates a defensible space that protects both the natural parkland and the neighboring community.

The county’s proactive approach this February is a calculated move to prepare the riverfront before the dry heat of summer arrives. While the brief closure may be an inconvenience, the result will be a safer, greener, and more vibrant river corridor for years to come.

Residents are encouraged to plan alternative routes for their commutes and exercise routines during the closure dates. When the tape comes down on Friday evening, the park will not only be open—it will be on its way to recovery.

What do you think about the county’s efforts to restore native habitat? Let us know in the comments below. If you are a local trail user, share your favorite alternative routes on X (formerly Twitter) using #CliftonNaturePark.