The sale of hay from this area is used to help fund efforts for trout conservation. Approximately 50 acres are infested with perennial pepperweed . In order to effectively control this plant, the residual grass and other vegetation must be burned away so that herbicide may be applied to the perennial pepperweed. The meadows were burned in April and May and herbicide was then applied to the rosettes. The area will then be irrigated to provide a fresh crop of hay, free of noxious weed seeds.
Noxious weeds can easily establish themselves in wildland fire affected areas.
Part of the fire rehabilitation effort is to remove the noxious weeds so that the native vegetation can return and restore the landscape to a healthy condition. The Elko Field Office is conducting numerous treatments in areas burned in 1999 and 2000. When using pack animals, carry only feed that is certified weed-free. Within 96 hours before entering back country areas, feed pack animals food that is certified weed-free. Remove weed seeds from pack animals by brushing them thoroughly and cleaning hooves.