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HINES, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management, Burns District, plans to implement approximately 100,000 acres of aerial spray treatments targeting medusahead on public land August 1 through October 15. Both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will be used in the effort.

The treatment schedule for Harney County includes these areas: Riley, Buchanan, Happy Valley, and Steens Mountain.

Medusahead, a non-native invasive annual grass, is a prolific seed producer, able to germinate in the fall and grow while native plants are dormant, and are generally avoided by grazing animals, except on occasion in the fall and winter. Medusahead can out-compete other grasses by extracting the majority of moisture well before perennial grasses have begun to grow. It is also able to create a thatch layer due to its high silica content litter that prevents perennial species from germinating yet favors non-native invasive grasses that thrive under these circumstances. Dense infestations of non-native invasive annual grasses often lead to more frequent large, fast-moving wildfires as well. Once land is invaded by this species, it becomes almost worthless, supporting neither native animals, birds nor livestock.

The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive. There are many things you, too, can do to help prevent the introduction and spread of noxious weeds. First and foremost, become familiar with the noxious weeds in your area and treat them to prevent their spread. Wash your vehicles and equipment before venturing into new areas to prevent dispersal, and report weed sitings on BLM-administered lands to your local BLM office.

For more information about weed treatments on public land, contact Sam Cisney at the BLM Burns District office at 541-573-4443.