Invasive Plants in O'Neil Basin, Elko County

Remote parts of Elko County are seen by only a handful of people each year. The O'Neil Basin, near the Idaho border, has more cattle and elk living there than people.

When I first saw these amazing landscapes last week, and started photographing them, Invasive Plants were pointed out to me. Some of them have beautiful flowers, like Bull Thistles, and their patches are often the greenest spots around. However, they keep spreading until they choke out everything else. I was told of a thistle patch covering 2,000 acres, and patches can spread by 10% or more each year.

Panorama of invasive nettle patch - O'Neil Basin, Elko County, Nevada (click to view)

So, I have decided to start a calendar of scenic Elko County landscapes, including their Invasive Plants, to help educate people about this growing problem.