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Lander County Conservation District buys tractor, plans rental program and looks at drone spraying
Summary
Conservation District director told commissioners the district purchased a tractor and implements with a BLM grant; the district plans rentals, training and may subsidize reseeding after weed spraying. The district also discussed drone spraying capabilities presented at the state meeting.
Wayne Hebicker of the Lander County Conservation District addressed the commission during public comment and said the district approved purchase of a Ford New Holland tractor, a brush hog and other implements funded by a Bureau of Land Management grant. Hebicker said the district attempted to purchase locally but sourced equipment in Winnemucca and will post the rental offering on the county site once the vehicle is insured and training is completed.
Hebicker said the district has modified its approach to rangeland cedar work so the equipment is usable by more residents and will offer training before rentals. He also told the commission that state conservation‑district meetings highlighted a Fallon firm using drones for spraying; Hebicker said the technology could increase efficiency for some weed‑control projects. The district voted in December to also offer seed‑purchase assistance for landowners who reseed areas after spraying.
Commissioners asked about rental procedures and insurance; Hebicker said the district will publish the process and provide trained operators if necessary. Hebicker said the drone‑spray outfits quoted at the state meeting cost roughly $40,000 and that an operations demonstration may be scheduled for a future conservation‑district event.
