Purple Loosestrife Infestation Comparison at same location from 1999 to 2003.
The top picture was taken in 1999 when the water levels of the Platte River were higher. Since a drought has caused the water levels to decrease over the past 5 years, sandbars are becoming vegetated (mostly with invasive plants). As you can see in the bottom picture (from 2003), the water has receded to reveal a large sandbar island. The top picture was taken from near the same location the bottom was taken. The rocks and dead tree are located just out of view on the lower right of the bottom picture. The trees to the rear of the photos are the same.