Great Basin Plant Materials Center

The Great Basin Plant Materials Center is up and running. In early 2006, the NRCS signed an agreement with the University of Nevada, Reno, to locate the PMC at the University's Newlands Field Laboratory in Fallon, Nevada.

Once fully operational, the Great Basin PMC will be a source for plant materials, particularly native species, that are adapted to the harsh regional conditions found in the Great Basin. The PMC will develop native plants for the low precipitation and high salinity zones found in the Great Basin, and conduct range plant research.

The Great Basin PMC will:
    • develop plant materials for vegetating non-cropland areas,
    • develop technology for improved reclamation success,
    • communicate seed production information needed for seed growers,
    • develop a foundation seed source to meet restoration needs,
    • work closely with cooperators to monitor the success and impacts of real-life plantings in the wild, and
    • develop alternative, low-water-using crops.