War on Cheat Grass

Cheat Grass is a problem throughout Nevada. Eradication is difficult , but possible with the use of a new herbicide called Plateau. This is a chemical herbicide that affects an enzyme the plant needs to grow. It is nontoxic to animals and native plants in the Great Basin.

Because cheat grass quickly develops a large root system in the spring by the time native grass seedlings start to grow in April or May cheat grass has taken most of the water out of the top part of the soil. Mature native perennial grasses can get water from lower soil regions but seedlings cannot get their roots deep enough to get water and die out. Cheat Grass over time increases and dominates.

WILDFIRES in Nevada are increasing in the number, size and intensity, impacting our natural resources and the ecosystem. Cheat Grass makes wildfires burn hotter and faster. Cheat Grass reestablishes quickly, sage and bunch grasses do not. Which means the next time lightning strikes in Nevada the combination of fire and Cheat Grass fuel will be worse each time.

Cheat Grass affects our bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, cattle, sheep, and pets. It is a detriment to our range. Cheat Grass often opens the way for secondary invaders like Knapweed and thistle.

As your assemblyman I will be sure to fight for funding this and other new technology development that will terminate Cheat Grass (Bromus Secalinus).