Ecology Program

The mission of the Nevada Division of Natural Heritage (NDNH) includes the coordination of resource needs of Nevada's diverse biological heritage with human activities. Since species do not live in isolation from each other or the landscape, this coordination naturally involves many ecological issues. The emphasis of ecology at NDNH is mapping and tracking at-risk vegetation types and the factors contributing to risks. Plant communities can be used to assess the condition of ecosystems and the landscape. Plant communities also provide habitat for the thousands of native animals. Through a better understanding of plant communities across the landscape, we can be better prepared to deal with issues of rare species as well as a variety of human issues that involve land use. 

Projects

  • Methods Report and Map of Non-native Annual Species Percent Cover, by The Nature Conservancy, December 2021. 
  • International Vegetation Classification Alliances and Associations Occurring in Nevada with Proposed Additions, by Eric B. Peterson, March 2008.
  • A Synthesis of Vegetation Maps for Nevada: Initiating a 'Living' Vegetation Map,  by Eric B. Peterson, March 2008. Associated GIS data.
  • A Map of Annual Grasses in the Owyhee Uplands, Spring 2006, Derived from Multitemporal Landsat 5 TM Imagery, by Eric B. Peterson, March 2007. Reports, Posters, GIS Data.
  • Annual Grass Index of Nevada, by Eric B. Peterson, March 2006.  Reports, Posters, GIS Data.
  • Mapping Percent-Cover of the Invasive Species Bromus tectorum (Cheatgrass) over a Large Portion of Nevada from Satellite Imagery, by Eric B. Peterson, December 2003. Reports, Posters, GIS Data.
  • Nevada Natural Resources Status Report, by Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, June 2002. Carson City, Nevada.

Staff Members

  • Janel Johnson