RCI to present at the Pinyon-Juniper Summit December 8th and 9th in Las Vegas.

RCI is assisting the Nevada Pinyon-Juniper Partnership to identify locations most ideally suited for a landscape level demonstration area for treatment of expanding, aging and overstocked pinyon-juniper (PJ) woodlands in Nevada.  High-density stands of pinyon and juniper are experiencing insect and disease problems and are at risk of catastrophic fires that would be followed by invasive species, and reduce critical wildlife habitat for species such as sage grouse and mule deer.  Scientists and land managers agree that the majority of these high-density areas could benefit from vegetation treatment.

Senator Reid has challenged the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to establish an interagency Demonstration Project, designating one or more landscape-scale areas of PJ woodland for treatment in rural Nevada.  Identification of the project area will be based on stakeholder input with the focus on areas that are in need of treatment for a myriad of resource values, are accessible, and are supported by key stakeholders.

The Nevada PJ Partnership is holding its inaugural the Pinyon-Juniper Restoration and Utilization Summit in Las Vegas at the Aliante Hotel on December 8 & 9.  The goal is to bring experts, land managers, economic development staff, private and non-profit partners and tribes together to examine the proposed demonstration area and clarify the partnership among them.  The partnership includes the resources and authorities that will be requested of the federal and state land management agencies.  Day Two will share information about other regional projects, environmentally sound approaches, and cutting edge technologies.

John McLain, Principal at RCI has long been an advocate of pinyon-juniper woodland treatment and biomass utilization to benefit rangeland health, wildlife habitat, and provide new economic opportunity in our rural areas.