CARSON CITY — The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) has rescheduled two planned workshops regarding the status of Nevada’s rare Tiehm buckwheat species, both of which were previously canceled and postponed due to COVID-19 closures. The workshops are intended to gather input on the status of the Tiehm buckwheat to help inform whether the species warrants inclusion on the State of Nevada List of Fully Protected Species of Native Flora.
Nevada is home to more than 150 plant species that live exclusively within Nevada, including the Tiehm buckwheat, a rare desert wildflower that is only known to exist in particular geologic conditions in the Silver Peak Range of Esmeralda County. Since its discovery in 1985, the Nevada Division of Natural Heritage has monitored the status and risks to the Tiehm buckwheat in its native habitat. Until recently, the species did not face any significant impacts in its remote location in Nevada. In recent years, however, there has been increased interest in mining and exploration for mining critical minerals, such as lithium, in the buckwheat’s limited known habitat.
One such mining company, ioneer which operates the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project site, has partnered with the University of Nevada Reno to study and propagate the Tiehm buckwheat plant.
Attendees are strongly encouraged to participate in the workshops virtually, but limited in person participation will also be available following public health guidelines.
Tonopah
When: July 15, 2020 at 10:00am
Where: Tonopah Convention Center (301 Brougher Ave., Tonopah)
Maximum in-person capacity: 50 total attendees
Attend virtually: Join the meeting (video and audio): https://call.lifesizecloud.com/4236997
Or, call in by phone (audio only): +1 (877) 422-8614, Meeting extension: 4236997#
Carson City
When: July 20, 2020 at 9:00am
Where: Virtual participation only
Attend virtually: Join the meeting (video and audio): https://call.lifesizecloud.com/4236997
Or, call in by phone (audio only): +1 (877) 422-8614, Meeting extension: 4236997#
The public is encouraged to provide written comments prior to the scheduled public workshops, which will be included in official record to, via email to: TiehmBuckwheatComment@forestry.nv.gov, or by mail: Attn: John Christopherson, 2478 Fairview Drive, Carson City, NV 89701.
In-person attendance at the Tonopah facility will be limited to 50. In addition to controlled and limited public access, to help protect the health and safety of all participants, those who attend in person must follow certain precautions:
- Wear a face covering or mask
- Elevator occupancy will be limited to no more than two people at a time
- Practice social distancing and maintain at least 6 feet of personal space at all times
- Follow CDC health and hygiene guidelines, including washing hands for at least 20 seconds and using hand sanitizer after touching surfaces
If there are any changes to the public health guidelines for in-person attendance, NDF will send out an update as soon as possible prior to the meeting. You may also visit ndf.nv.gov or call 775-684-2500 one week prior to the scheduled public workshops for the most up-to-date information.
