Burns District BLM Plans Medusahead Treatments
HINES, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management, Burns District, plans to implement approximately 40,000 acres of aerial spray treatments targeting medusahead on public land beginning August 1, through October 31. Both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will be used in the effort.
The treatment locations include Cow, Rock, and Pine creeks north of Highway 20 near Buchanan; the Sagehen area north of Highway 20 between Riley and Burns; the east side of Steens Mountain near Serrano Point; the north area of Steens Mountain near Diamond; and the Stinkingwater area west of Riverside. Maps of the treatment areas and additional information can be found here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/weeds-and-invasives/weed-control-strategies/oregon-washington.
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 generally avoided by grazing animals. Medusahead can out-compete other grasses by extracting most of the ground moisture well before perennial grasses have begun to grow. It is also able to create a thatch layer that simultaneously prevents regular species from germinating and 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.
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.