Rae Robinson started in June 2023 as the Jordan River Vegetation Project Coordinator. This is a joint position between the Jordan River Commission and the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. Rae comes to the position from the Kettenring Wetland Ecology and Restoration Lab at Utah State University where she worked as the lab manager and as a graduate student. Rae brings knowledge and expertise around revegetation of wetlands following control of the wetland invader, Phragmites. Her Master’s Thesis explored the effects of seed mix composition, sowing density, and seedling survival on plant community reassembly in Great Salt Lake wetlands. In her new role, she focuses on controlling invasive species (e.g., Phragmites, Russian olive, tamarisk, puncturevine) and restoring native plant communities along the Jordan River. Some of Rae’s primary responsibilities are:
Establish and lead collaborative efforts to manage invasive species along the Jordan River (main species of focus are Phragmites, Russian olive, tamarisk, and puncturevine)
Coordinate with partners and stakeholders to leverage funding and invasive species control efforts
Implement and guide vegetation and habitat restoration projects on lands within the Jordan River Corridor
Administer Jordan River Cooperative Weed Management Area funds
Rae presented at the December Technical Advisory Committee about her work related to the Jordan River Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA). She gave an overview of invasive plant control and revegetation on the Jordan River, including projects funded through the CWMA grant program, invasive species control efforts, tall-pot native tree plantings, and puncturevine pulling activities. There was some discussion on site prioritization for the coming year. Best Management Practice for invasive species (Phragmites, Russian olive and tamarisk) and revegetation were shared as well as information on funding resources.
Rae is looking for individuals who are interested or involved in the Jordan River CWMA to take a short survey. She is intent on capturing information about priority locations for invasive plant control and restoration, what is working well, barriers to this work, and any other insights people may have.
When Rae isn’t working on vegetation projects on the Jordan River, she can be found exploring Salt Lake City and all of the outdoor opportunities available such as hiking, mountain biking, XC skiing, or snowboarding. She also loves to play soccer, bake, make ceramics, travel, and go thrifting. We are thrilled to have Rae on the Jordan River Commission team, and are excited to see what she accomplishes this coming year. If you have any questions for her, please feel free to reach out:
Contact Information:
raerobinson@utah.gov
385-214-8942
