The difference between failure and success.

Successful Great Basin native grass restoration relies on four basic concepts:

1. Set up test plot areas, using local genetic material. Never using cultivars or non-local seed.
2. Use small test plot sizes and many species and varied treatments.
3. Achieve successful test plots.
4. Expanding successes over larger areas, using the techniques learned from the test plots. Use ecotypes collected locally by professional collectors, and contract for commercial reproduction of local seeds.

Performance standards for local Great Basin native grasses, when your planting techniques are based on successful test plot outcomes, within 2 years from sowing should produce the following plant diameters: Blue bunch wheatgrass = 3 inches, Great Basin wild rye = 5 inches,
Indian Ricegrass = 3-5 inches, Poa = 2 inches, Sitanion = 6 inches, Thurber's Stipa = 4 inches.

If your native grass diameters are much less than these numbers after two years, start over with new test plots, to invent the techniques necessary to achieve these results.

Ecological restoration technologies and processes at http://www.ecoseeds.com/standards.html

Photos below, a successfully restored grassland, cheatgrass-free.

Photos and text copyright © 1997 and 2001 by Craig C.Dremann - web page www.ecoseeds.com/greatbasin.html

The Reveg Edge, Box 609, Redwood City, CA 94064 (650) 325-7333 - email

Updated October 17, 2006