BLM summarizes recent lightning-caused fires and post-fire rehab plans near Tuscarora and Cornucopia
Summary
BLM reported on several recent fires including a lightning-caused fire near Montello and two fires on the Tuscarora side (Sheep Creek and Cornucopia). Sheep Creek burned about 3,400 acres (roughly 400 on public land) and Cornucopia about 3,000 acres (about 95% on public land); BLM outlined reseeding and weed-treatment plans.
Elizabeth Buentes and other BLM staff briefed the commission on recent wildfire activity and planned rehabilitation work. Why it matters: fires can reshape land management, require reseeding and invasive-weed treatments, and affect grazing allotments and reclamation plans. Buentes said the Montello fire was lightning-caused and challenged by winds; the agency called in a complex incident management team. On the Tuscarora side, the Sheep Creek Fire burned about 3,400 acres of which roughly 400 acres were on public land; BLM said reseeding this fall with Mazapic to address cheatgrass and aerial seeding next fall were planned in partnership with Ndau and Nevada Gold Mines. The Cornucopia Fire burned about 3,000 acres, approximately 95% on public lands; field tours suggested much vegetation would recover naturally, but weed treatments and aerial seeding are planned along with erosion-control work in drainages this fall. Buentes said some allotments held by Nevada Gold Mines were affected by the Cornucopia fire (Moray, Andrea, and Spanish Ranch named); she offered to provide specific allotment names for another mine area. The commission received the update; no formal action was taken during the meeting.
