Large wildfires burning near Gardnerville and Las Vegas this week have some Nevada big game hunters concerned that prime hunting areas could be affected by this year’s wildfire season……
There’s the immediate concern of wildfire leading to death/movement of big game out of the area, but the long term impact of wildfires on Nevada wildlife and habitat is equally concerning.
Historically, Nevada wildfires intervals have been documented to follow cyclical patterns in a range from 100-300 years according to fuel loads, however evidence suggests a pattern of fires now occurring in a 10-20 year interval .
http://muledeerfanatic.com/2007/08/15/2006
More frequent fire intervals lead to a perpetuation of growth of the non-native, invasive cheatgrass species; cheatgrass creates an ongoing cycle of forage and habitat loss for Nevada wildlife.
Cheatgrass, native to Asia, aptly named as the species greens earlier and “cheats” native grasses for water and nutrient resources. Considered to be one of the most invasive non-native grass species in the Western states, cheatgrass is extremely fire prone.
The cheatgrass problem for Nevada wildlife is two-fold~
First, as noted above, the species greens earlier, thereby competing and often obliterating native Nevada wildlife forage such as sage and perennial grasses. If native forage does survive, the quality of the nutrients may be reduced, creating nutritional deficits for wildlife.
Secondly, the accelerated growth cycle of cheatgrass leads to earlier drying of the grass, creating an excellent fuel source, and ultimately more wildfire potential and larger areas of wildfire.
Obviously, the effect of Nevada wildfires do not just affect big game. Upland game birds including sage grouse, as well as native Nevada fish populations are equally at risk of wildfire devastation.
In August 2012, the Holloway fire on the Nevada-Oregon border impacted 700 square miles of critical habitat for numerous species.. According to Trout Unlimited, essential habitat for Nevada’s native Lahontan cutthroat trout was in serious jeopardy, prompting quick action by the local Sagebrush Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
http://troutunlimitedblog.com/fire-and-fish-restoring-lahontan-habitat-in-nevada/
So what’s to be done? In addition to being fire-safe in camp and on your hunt, a long-term view is required here. …..
If you’re truly concerned about the impact of Nevada wildfires on our native wildlife, get involved with local wildlife conservation groups in re-seeding efforts, and other conservation initiatives…
Remember, the next generation of Nevada hunters and anglers will benefit from your efforts!