BLM Plans Medusahead Treatments in Oregon's Burns District
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HINES, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management, Burns District, plans to implement approximately 50,000 acres of aerial spray treatments targeting medusahead on public land beginning August 1 and lasting for approximately ten weeks. Both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will be used in the effort.
The treatment schedule for Harney County includes these areas: Riddle Mountain, Happy Valley, Riley, Neils Hill and Burnt Flat (east Steens), and Frazier (west Steens). In cooperation with High Desert Partnership and the Harney County Wildfire Collaborative, and as part of the Southeast Oregon Wildfire Resiliency project, an additional 20,000 acres of roadside and rangeland treatments may also occur in the Stinkingwater and Beaver Tables areas.
Medusahead, a non-native invasive annual grass, is a prolific seed producer, able to germinate in the autumn and grow while native plants are dormant, and are generally avoided by grazing animals, except on occasion in the fall and winter. Medusahead is able to 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 sightings 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.
The BLM manages more than 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.