BLM Nevada News
ELY FIELD OFFICE NO. 2008-036
FOR RELEASE:  Wednesday, April 23, 2008
CONTACT:  Chris Hanefeld, (775) 289-1842; chris_hanefeld@nv.blm.gov

Cost-Share Program Helps Private Landowners Combat Noxious Weeds

The Steptoe Valley Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) encourages private landowners seeking to control Nevada noxious weeds on their property to learn more about a cost-share program established to collaboratively combat the growing weed problem in Butte and Steptoe valleys.

Funding for the three-year program is provided through the White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006, which made White Pine County and federal agencies managing public land within the county eligible to apply and compete for revenue derived from land sales through the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA).  The $790,000 grant was obtained by the Bureau of Land Management Ely District and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Ely Ranger District through SNPLMA Round 8, which was approved in February.

SNPLMA revenues are split between the State of Nevada General Education Fund, Southern Nevada Water Authority and a special account available to the Secretary of the Interior for Parks, Trails and Natural Areas; Capital Improvements, Conservation Initiatives, Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plans, Environmentally Sensitive Land Acquisitions and Lake Tahoe Restoration Act projects.  Other provisions in SNPLMA direct certain land sale and acquisition procedures, direct the BLM to convey title of land in the McCarran Airport noise zone to Clark County, and provide for the sale of land for affordable housing.

The CWMA is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, at the Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition office, 1776 Aultman Street, in Ely, to discuss the cost-share program, 2008 growing season and weed treatments, and public outreach opportunities.  The public is invited to attend.

To learn more, call Paula Carson, Steptoe Valley CWMA chairperson, at (775) 289-3665.

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