Friends of Nevada Wilderness, the only statewide environmental organization dedicated to Nevada’s wild lands, has begun a series of restoration work in the Hunter Creek drainage in Mt. Rose Wilderness, the area recently affected by the Hunter Falls fire. This Saturday, June 7th, and next Tuesday, June 10th, the organization will be leading groups of volunteers to the affected areas to remove hundreds of invasive weeds before they spread to the recently burnt acreage. Removal of invasive weeds will allow the time and space needed for native plants to revegetate the area and re-create the habitat necessary for wildlife to thrive in the area.
After a large fire like the Hunter Falls, it is important to develop an invasive weed management plan for the affected and adjoining areas since burnt areas are conducive to soil nutrient conditions that favor the establishment of noxious weeds. Perennial pepper weed and musk thistle are the two most common invasive weeds in the Hunter Creek drainage area and pose a particular threat due to their hardiness and quick proliferation of an area – a single musk thistle flower head can produce over 1,000 seeds for the wind to disperse. Noxious weed removal thus requires proper monitoring and a long period of time in order to manage effectively.
Friends of Nevada Wilderness, partnering with the U.S. Forest Service, has been closely monitoring and removing noxious weeds in the Mt. Rose Wilderness for the past three years. “This year alone, our committed volunteers have removed over 5,000 musk thistle plants from the Mt. Rose Wilderness area and we are hoping that in these next two trips, our volunteers will double that number,” says Richard Bednarski, Stewardship Technician for Friends of Nevada Wilderness, “By removing noxious weeds in the same area year after year and educating the public about how they can prevent invasive weeds, our hope is that slowly we will be able to eradicate invasive weeds entirely in the Mt. Rose Wilderness.” Friends of Nevada Wilderness’ invasive weed removal efforts are funded by the Truckee River Fund, established by the Truckee Meadows Water Authority.
What you can do to help prevent invasive weeds:
-Volunteer for upcoming efforts in invasive weed removal with Friends of Nevada Wilderness.
-Know your weeds! Contact Friends of Nevada Wilderness about upcoming invasive weed trainings.
-Clean hiking boots, equipment, vehicles, and pets to help stop the spread of invasive weeds.
WHEN: Saturday, June 7th and Tuesday, June 10th. Contact event organizer for times.
WHERE: Mt. Rose Wilderness: Hunter Creek Trail.
MEDIA: Attend for photo, video, and interview opportunity.
To get more information on this event, please contact Shevawn at [email protected] or call the office at (775) 324-7667. Get information about future projects with Friends of Nevada Wilderness at our website www.nevadawilderness.org/
