BLM Nevada News
ELY DISTRICT OFFICE NO. 2008-042
FOR RELEASE:  Wednesday, May 28, 2008
CONTACT:  Chris Hanefeld, (775) 289-1842; chris_hanefeld@nv.blm.gov

Steptoe/Butte Valley CWMA Hosts Free Noxious and Invasive Weed ID Class

The Steptoe/Butte Valley Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) will host a noxious and invasive weed identification class on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the Mt. Wheeler Power conference room, 1600 Great Basin Blvd., in Ely.  Participants will learn about the major weed species that threaten White Pine County, as well as available treatment options.  The class is free and open to the public.

A noxious weed is any plant designated by a federal, state or county government as injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property. Invasive plants include not only noxious weeds, but also other plants that are not native to this country.  Noxious and invasive weeds destroy wildlife habitat, reduce opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping and other recreational activities; displace many threatened and endangered species, reduce plant and animal diversity, disrupt waterfowl and neo-tropical migratory bird flight patterns and nesting habitats, and cost millions of dollars in treatment and loss of productivity to private land owners.  Nationwide, millions of acres of once healthy, productive rangelands, forestlands and riparian areas are overrun by noxious or invasive weeds.

The Steptoe/Butte Valley CWMA includes members of the general public, Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition, City of Ely, Tri-County Weed Program, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management Ely District and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Ely Ranger District.

For more information, call Paula Carson, Steptoe/Butte Valley CWMA chairperson, at 775-289-3665.

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