It is estimated the tamarisk plant and Russian olive trees, both of which are nonnative species, occupy up to 1.6 million acres in the West...
“According to the Tamarisk Coalition, the western U.S. is probably losing anywhere from 2 to 4.5 million acre-feet of water per year,”...
A family of four uses about half an acre foot of water per year.
From a wildlife point of view, the tamarisk has little value and is usually considered detrimental to native animals.
The leaves, twigs and seeds are extremely low in nutrients, and, as a result, very few insects or wildlife will use them.
In one study along the lower Colorado River, tamarisk stands supported less than 1% of the winter bird life that would be found in a native plant stand.
Because of the tamarisk's ability to eliminate competition and form single-species thickets, wildlife populations have dropped dramatically.
http://www.nps.gov/whsa/tamarisk.htm
"Russian olive trees"
I will be out killing stragglers for the 7th year in a row at the dynachrome mansion. Previous owners used them as an addition to the fence. (and then several years of neglect) I will say no one could climb over the fence without risking their lives!