Truckee Meadows Nature Study Area: First Year Operational Phase

Project Description:

The property formerly known as the Rosewood Lakes Golf Course is one of the last vestiges of wetland habitat in the Truckee Meadows. The proposed Truckee Meadows Nature Study Area (TMNSA) has been overtaken by multiple non-native plant species listed on the Nevada Noxious Weed List and the (WSCWMA) high-priority list. Noxious weeds presently include, but are not limited to, tall whitetop (Lepidium latifolium), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), and saltcedar (Tamarix spp.). These invasive plant species are known to outcompete and exclude most native plants.

Over the course of the operational year, environmental data will be collected, analyzed and used to evaluate the effectiveness of the different restoration practices. Techniques can then be adjusted to ensure best practices are being utilized for weed removal. These analyses will consist of a multi-year monitoring plan to assess the success of control efforts, as AmeriCorps grants typically run on three-year cycles. Data will also be captured in GIS and provided to the Nevada state weed mapper throughout the project. Furthermore, Steamboat Creek runs contiguous with this parcel, and therefore, restoration of this land reduces the potential for weed spread to the Truckee River and adjacent properties.

TMWA Benefit:

The Truckee Meadows Nature Study Area project advances priorities VI (Stewardship and Environmental Awareness) and VIII (Leverage Stakeholder Assets and Participation). The Truckee Meadows Nature Study Area project advances priority VI in that Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation will use the property as an outdoor classroom where community members can participate in volunteer and restoration events and educational programs related to weed awareness, water, water quality, and watershed protection. Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation has leveraged community members from a breadth of disciplines willing to contribute time and expertise for the Truckee Meadows Nature Study Area advisory board, therefore advancing priority VIII.