|
|
Sagebrush seeds collected to restore burned areasBOISE, Idaho (AP)--Volunteers have collected about 1,000 pounds of sagebrush seeds that will be planted in areas burned by a massive wildfire last summer, to try to restore sage grouse habitat in southern Idaho. Mary Dudley, volunteer coordinator with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, said more seeds will be collected Dec. 8 and on Dec. 15. The Murphy Complex of fires, started by lightning in late July, burned an area on the Idaho-Nevada border larger than Rhode Island. The fire blackened grassland used by cattle, and wildlife habitat that supports sensitive species such as sage grouse. The seeds will be spread across more than 22,000 acres of burned sage grouse nesting and wintering habitat. The seeds will be distributed this winter and spring, officials said. Sagebrush helps other species as well. A study in Wyoming found that sagebrush ecosystems support about 90 species of mammals, nearly 300 types of birds, and provides homes for reptiles and amphibians. Mike Young, a volunteer coordinator with Fish and Game, called this year's collection of seeds "unprecedented." He said the demand for the sagebrush seeds has created a shortage in commercial markets. "The price is doubling, and because it's a hot commodity, it's not going to last very long," Young told the Idaho Statesman. Officials with the Bureau of Land Management said they paid $12 million for 1.2 million pounds of seed to rehabilitate burned areas. Officials hope to thwart the return of cheatgrass and other invasive weeds that populate the region and have fueled wildfires that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres in the West. Besides planting sagebrush, Fish and Game officials also plan to plant other native and nonnative grasses and shrubs on more than 8,000 acres. Bitterbrush will be planted on more than 1,200 acres. Date: 12/18/07
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
