The Nevada Division of Natural Heritage works closely with the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) to support "a program for the conservation, protection, restoration and propagation of critically endangered species of native flora" (NAC 527, NRS 527.260 - 527.300). Activities include:
- Keeping up to date on research and data concerning native flora, and maintaining a database with distribution, biology, threats, and conservation status of rare species.
- Providing recommendations to the State Forester regarding composition of the state list of fully protected species of native flora, and regarding establishment or boundary modifications for management areas for such species.
- Upon request from NDF, providing recommendations and consultation regarding permits for activities that may affect plants on the state list of fully protected native flora. This may include assessing potential impacts of activities on likelihood of persistence in the wild, best management practices, additional research, etc.
Recent projects
In October 2024, after over a year of development, the Nevada Division of Natural Heritage has released a first of its kind recommendation for establishment of a management area for a plant on the list of fully protected species of native flora, Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae (Steamboat buckwheat). This management area and associated conservation measures would serve to protect and restore Steamboat buckwheat habitat, prevent indirect impacts to the species from incompatible land uses, and preserve existing evolutionary potential to maximize long-term viability of the species.
The recommended management area is comprised of two sub-units: a transitional management zone designated as the Steamboat Hills Buffer Zone, and a smaller, nested management zone designated as the Steamboat Buckwheat Core Habitat Area.
- Within the Steamboat Hills Buffer Zone, recommendations focus on measures to guide sustainable land use and protect the Steamboat Buckwheat Core Habitat Area from indirect impacts that may result in habitat degradation or otherwise pose a threat to the species, and on measures that promote pollinator abundance and diversity in the Steamboat Hills.
- Within the Steamboat Buckwheat Core Habitat Area, recommendations focus on measures that directly seek to understand, protect, and restore Steamboat buckwheat habitat and preserve or increase plant abundance.
For full text of the management area recommendation, click HERE, and for shapefiles of the recommended boundaries, click HERE.
