The tamarisk were lovely in the soft, stormy morning light. Their invasive nature is not so lovely. This invader species, also called salt cedar, is reaking havoc on river systems across the Untied States. Originally brought to the US in the 1800s, tamarisk were planted in the millions during the 1930s by the federal government experimenting with public works programs to help address the hard financial times.

Environmental organizations are trying to do what's described as scrubbing them out. Efforts to remove them in several states have met with mixed results. They are extemely hardy and prolific plants making them very difficult to eradicate. Some hope the current economic situation will benefit their removal with new federal programs.

In a way, we are still paying for the descructive nature of the first Great Depression. An effort back then has unintended consequences for us now, 80 years later... Makes you wonder what the government is screwing up now someone will pay the price for in the future...