Native species returning to Carson City's Prison Hill burn scar thanks to reseeding efforts
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Thu, 03/28/2024 - 10:38am
In July 2021, a dry lightning storm caused a number of fires throughout Carson City, the largest being the Prison Hill fire, burning roughly 175 acres in a matter of hours, and came dangerously close to homes.
Because of sheepherder practices a century ago, cheatgrass is the most prevalent invasive species in our hills, which loves to take up in burn scars and creates a significant danger for future fires.
In order to combat this danger, the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space division quickly got to work reseeding the burn scar with native indigenous plants in an attempt to reestablish the local flora.
According to Marenna Lovejoy, senior natural resource specialist for Carson City, the seeding of native plant species was conducted by hand and by helicopter in December 2021, which is the most appropriate time to put seed down in order to take advantage of winter precipitation to help the seeds establish.
“Monitoring was conducted in spring 2022 and 2023, and results indicate the area is slowly starting to revegetate,” Lovejoy said. “Species that were seeded are beginning to establish, though it can take several years for their presence to dominate the landscape; some vegetation such as shrubs are growing back naturally as well.”
Some of the species included were Wyoming Sagebrush, Antelope Bitterbrush, Sandberg Bluegrass, Great Basin Wildrye, Squirreltail, and Yarrow.
“Invasive species such as cheatgrass are present, which is not unsurprising considering it’s prevalence in this area and throughout the Great Basin, though staff are encouraged by the levels of native species and hope that future years will bring greater establishment,” Lovejoy continued.
Monitoring of the burn scar will continue in May or June of this year. If needed, additional seeding and planting efforts can be taken, but at this time, the department is hopeful the burn scar will continue to revegetate on its own.
