BLM to begin post-fire herbicide treatments north of Reno
CARSON CITY, Nev. – Over the next few weeks, the Bureau of Land Management and Nevada Department of Wildlife will begin herbicide treatments targeting cheatgrass and medusahead in recently burned areas north of Reno on BLM-administered lands. Treatment is expected to last approximately three to five days.
“The BLM’s objective with this treatment is to safely apply herbicide to reduce future wildfire spread and restore ecosystem function on our public lands,” said BLM Acting Carson City District Manager, Matt Magaletti.
The areas subject to treatment include 18,600 acres previously burned within the 2026 Bug Fire boundary, located approximately 2.5 miles north of Cold Springs and encompassing the Petersen Mountains, portions of Antelope Valley, Bedell Flat and the Dogskin Mountains. Private lands and a surrounding half-mile buffer will not be treated with herbicide by aircraft.
The herbicide treatment will consist of an aerial application of a pre-emergent herbicide using a fixed-wing aircraft to target cheatgrass and medusahead, both of which are invasive annual grasses. Unless necessary, it is recommended that people avoid entering the treatment areas during treatment and for up to one day afterward.
The purpose of this project is to significantly reduce the number of annual grasses to promote fuel reduction, improve seeding treatment effectiveness and restore ecological function in recently burned areas. These treatments are part of a larger rehabilitation effort within the BLM Carson City District Office aimed at mitigating future wildfire risk and restoring areas burned by the 2026 Bug Fire.
Treating invasive species before they become established is the first step in restoring burned areas because it allows existing native vegetation, as well as seeded or transplanted native vegetation, to compete and eventually reclaim these areas. Planning for additional seeding and hand-planting efforts is also underway as part of the larger Bug Fire Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation Project to restore burned areas and protect and improve high-value wildlife habitat.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.