Research indicates more severe wildfires will result in more water quality challenges

Research indicates more severe wildfires will result in more water quality challenges

RENO, Nev. – As outdoor recreationists are packing their bags to enjoy Nevada’s many scenic recreation areas, many will be heading to northeastern Nevada’s Ruby Mountains to hike Lamoille Canyon. Anglers are also heading out to fish trout, including the Lahontan cutthroat trout, out of the creek that runs through it. But, a study recently published by University of Nevada, Reno researchers finds that increasingly severe wildfires and drier condi…

Nevada wildfires will result in more water quality challenges, study shows

University of Nevada, Reno researchers studied how wildfire can affect water quality in Lamoille Canyon, a popular choice for hiking and fishing in eastern Nevada. (Photo courtesy Erin Hanan)Six years ago a massive wildfire blackened one of Nevada’s most popular recreation areas in Elko’s Ruby Mountains. Much of it has recovered since then, but the fire caused lasting harm to water quality and aquatic habitat in the area. That’s according to a r…