Cost Estimates

The process for developing costs algorithms by the Tamarisk Coalition was a product of an economics assessment by the National Invasive Species Council.

These algorithms comprehensively assimilate all aspects of costs associated with a successful approach to tamarisk management (i.e., planning, control, revegetation, monitoring, and maintenance).

Costs used to develop the equations assume an “Integrated Pest Management” approach will be used; i.e., use all the tools available and apply the best to each specific situation.

The cost equations are based on three primary variables – infestation as a percentage of canopy cover (0 to 100%), accessibility (good or poor), and width of infestation (less than or greater than 50 feet). They are presented as low-end, high-end, and most-likely average costs per acre. 

Although these cost equations are appropriate for planning purposes, individual project areas must identify site specific conditions and chose control/revegetation approaches accordingly. The chosen approaches should then be used to develop refined cost estimates.

These cost equations can be found in Table 1 and Figure 17-23 of Riparian Restoration: Assessment of Alternative Technologies for Tamarisk Control, Biomass Reduction and Revegetation.