The fires that swept northern Nevada this summer burned more than 1.5 million acres, producing the largest fire event in Nevada's recorded history. The Division of Wildlife is quite concerned about the increased frequency and magnitude of wildfire events in Nevada. Although fire is a natural part of the Great Basin ecosystem, historically, catastrophic fires occurred only once every 50-100 years. Since the introduction of cheatgrass, a highly flammable, exotic grass with little nutritive value, the fire cycle has accelerated exponentially, and large-scale fires now occur an average of once every 10 years. The Division of Wildlife is requesting volunteers to help collect seed this fall in the Reno and Tonopah areas in an effort to reseed burnt lands as soon as possible.
Studies show that early seeding provides the best potential for success.
Below are other information sources on the fires and their effects on wildlife in Nevada.