State treating wildlife habitat lost in fires

The Nevada Department of Wildlife has rehabilitated 40,000 acres of the more than 1.3 million acres of wildlife habitat burned last summer.

Approximately $700,000 has been spent, comprised largely of sportsmen's conservation fees, donations collected by Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, and Question 1 bond funds approved by voters in 2001. The state prioritized rehabilitation efforts where they would result in the greatest benefit to the largest number of species.

Treatments have ranged from bitterbrush seeding, sagebrush seeding, and applying a special riparian seed mix in watershed areas. Project managers applied a variety of methods, from hand-planting to aerial seeding, depending upon the terrain and the goals of the projects.

The state will continue its restoration efforts this winter through the spring of 2008 with greater intensity.

Donations for rehabilitation can be made at The Heritage Bank of Nevada, account No. 3030003481.