Groups working to conserve the bi-state sage grouse population, as well as experts from throughout the West, are coming together to address the next steps facing the species’ decline: the expansion of pinyon-juniper vegetation that crowds out the sagebrush-dominated sage grouse habitat.
The Bi-State Pinyon-Juniper Expansion Forum will be held Feb. 25-26 at CVIC Hall, 1604 Esmeralda Ave., in Minden, Nev. The Bi-State Local Area Working Group is hosting the event, and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension‘s Steve Lewis, Douglas County Extension educator, has worked with a bi-state subcommittee to plan the event.
Lewis has been working on the sage-grouse conservation issue with working groups in Nevada and California for several years. This forum will bring together a number of experts to specifically look at the issue of pinyon-juniper expansion, what has been done, what’s working and what’s not. It aims to fine-tune pinyon-juniper treatments identified in the Bi-State Action Plan.
“Really, we want to gather all the current available research-based knowledge on this particular aspect, so that we can apply it to achieve effective treatment,” Lewis said. “We also want to develop and improve partnerships to facilitate further action.”
The event is open to the public, but Lewis says the 5:30 p.m., Feb. 25 event is most geared for the general public. It is an Open Rancher & Public Conversation on Pinyon-Juniper Management. Earlier that day, some of the sessions will explore the current understanding of pinyon-juniper treatments; strategies from other Western states; and tools, habitat use models and concepts for prioritizing future projects.
There is no registration fee, and meals and refreshments will be provided, but registration by Feb. 20 is required. Go to http://www.monocounty.ca.gov/community-development/page/pinyon-juniper-expansion-forum to see the complete agenda or to register. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call Lewis at least three days prior to the event. For more information, contact Lewis at [email protected] or 775-782-9960, or Lori Reed with Intermountain West Joint Venture at [email protected] or 406-549-0732.
SOURCE: UNCE.
