Grand Canyon Railway to apply herbicide along tracks inside Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - Grand Canyon Railway, in consultation with the National Park Service (NPS), will be applying herbicide along their railroad tracks including those within Grand Canyon National Park starting on March 25 or 26.

The application is to inhibit the growth of vegetation adjacent to the railroad tracks which helps lower the risks of train wheel sparks igniting a fire.

Once the treatment is completed, this area will act as a firebreak for any fires originating elsewhere in the park.

In addition to reducing fire hazards, the herbicide will aid in the battle against invasive plant species in the park.

The railroad tracks create an environment of disturbance that encourages the spread of invasive plants. Currently, more than 30 non-native species are found in close proximity to the railroad tracks. This treatment will help reduce the number of invasive plants and will reduce the transportation of seeds and plant parts that spread these species.

The herbicides being used for this project are ThrottleTM and Landmark®, which are broad-spectrum herbicides. ThrottleTM and Landmark® work through inhibiting plant specific enzymes necessary for healthy plant growth.  These herbicides will kill live vegetation and break down quickly once applied and will provide pre-emergency control. 

ThrottleTM and Landmark® are rated low in toxicity.

Weather permitting, the railroad tracks within the park will be treated on either March 25 or 26 using a 16-foot boom sprayer.

The project will be paid for and implemented by Grand Canyon Railway.

Pedestrian areas near the tracks will be appropriately signed to notify residents and visitors of the application.

In spring of 2009, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared for implementation of the park's Exotic Plant Management Plan. The regional director signed a Finding of No Significant Impact in July of 2009. The EA identifies the need to use an integrated approach to exotic plant management, which includes the use of herbicides.

It also stresses the necessity for collaboration such as this joint effort between the NPS and Grand Canyon Railway.

More information can be found by contacting vegetation program manager Lori Makarick at (928) 638-7455 or Ken Stephenson with Grand Canyon Railroad at (928) 635-5359.