Nevada Natural Resource Management Highlighted in 2025 IMAGINE Workshop

Authors: Clements, Darin; Harmon, Daniel

Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/26/2025
Publication Date: 7/8/2025
Citation: Clements, D.D., Harmon, D.N. 2025. Nevada Natural Resource Management Highlighted in 2025 IMAGINE Workshop. Popular Publication. 25(7):25-28.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Institute for Managing Annual Grasses Invading Natural Ecosystems (IMAGINE) held its' 2025 Workshop in Elko, Nevada on June 11 and 12, where challenges in managing invasive annual grasses in northern Nevada were highlighted. Attendees toured sites where there was no medusahead control compared to sites treated with Rejuvra (indaziflam). The efficacy of Rejuvra on medusahead was very apparent as control levels were very high. Attendees also visited USDA-ARS research plots that tested pre-emergent herbicides on effectively and efficiently controlling cheatgrass densities and the proper use of seed mixes and seeding rates that resulted in an increase in perennial grasses from less than 50 per acre to more than 100,000 per acre. Discussion also took place on Bureau Land Management and Nevada Department of Wildlife collaboration and partnership on dealing with numerous large wildfires and prioritizing where to apply the very limited resources. This partnership and the successes that follow were on display and impressive as the need to improve post-fire restoration is critically needed for wildlife and grazing resources. Targeted grazing was also a topic that was covered, whereas Nevada Gold Mines personnel discussed the use of targeted grazing to reach stated objectives such as reducing carry-over fuels and targeting cheatgrass prior to the wildfire season. BLM personnel complimented the practice as firefighters have commented on the decrease in flame length and continuity that assists firefighters as they battle these cheatgrass fueled wildfires. The IMAGINE group is doing a very good job of touring on-the-ground experiences when managing habitats invaded by annual grasses. The focus on seeing firsthand what works and what does not work when it comes to managing invasive annual grasses will provide land managers and property owners with the necessary information to make informed decisions that will ultimately benefit rangelands and reduce the negative impacts associated with invasive annual grasses. Improved partnerships and collaborations among the numerous federal, state and local governments as well as private landowners will be critical in implementing successful rangeland management projects, which was on display during the IMAGINE 2025 Workshop.