Nevada Division of Forestry to host public workshops to review status of rare Tiehm buckwheat

Nevada Division of Forestry to host public workshops to review status of rare Tiehm buckwheat wildflower species; virtual attendance strongly encouraged

The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) is pleased to announce that it has rescheduled two planned workshops regarding the status of Nevada’s rare Tiehm buckwheat species, both of which were previously canceled and postponed in accordance with the State of Nevada’s COVID-19 health response. 

Details on the rescheduled public workshops are below. Attendees are strongly encouraged to participate virtually. Limited in person participation will also be available in accordance with COVID-19 public health guidelines. 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 (pursuant to NAC 527.010):

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. Written comments will be included in the official record. Please send written comments via email to: TiehmBuckwheatComment@forestry.nv.gov, or by mail: Attn: John Christopherson, 2478 Fairview Drive, Carson City, NV 89701. 

Given the interactive nature of these workshops and capacity limits, virtual attendance is strongly encouraged. Please be advised that in-person attendance at the Tonopah facility will be limited to the occupancy listed above in accordance with the State of Nevada’s safety restrictions on public gatherings. Again, we are encouraging public comments to be submitted in writing in advance of the public workshops. 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 

Please note that facility occupancy limits and health requirements are tentative and subject to change, given the evolving and fluid circumstances to address the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.

Background Information: 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.

Given these developments, in November 2019, the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) announced that it would undertake a comprehensive review to determine if enhanced protection under state law is needed for the rare Tiehm buckwheat. Input from the Nevada citizens and other stakeholders will help inform an updated review of the species using the best available science and data to determine whether enhanced protection for the Tiehm buckwheat is necessary under NAC 527.010. If NDF determines that the Tiehm buckwheat warrants addition to Nevada’s List of Fully Protected Species of Native Flora, a formal announcement will be made at a future public hearing.

The Nevada Division of Forestry is a Division within the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources whose mission includes protecting Nevada’s precious native species and sustaining the state’s diverse biological heritage. For more information on the upcoming Tiehm buckwheat public workshops, please call 775-684-2500.