STEP 5: SEED STORAGE

Seed is a valuable resource that requires specialized conditions and facilities to maintain its viability. Adequate storage capacity is necessary for Federal agencies to provide genetically appropriate materials – seeds or plants – for habitat restoration following intense wildfire seasons or to conduct proactive restoration.

An orange forklift in front of tall pallet shelves lifts a pallet of white bags onto the shelf. The bags are filled with seeds.

Managing over 245 million acres, the Bureau of Land Management can buy over 7 million pounds of seed in a single year during especially bad wildfire seasons. The BLM’s Regional Seed Warehouse System consists of two facilities. Pictured above, the Boise Regional Seed Warehouse was established in 1992 and has the capacity to store 800,000 lbs of seed in dry storage and 35,000 lbs in cold storage. The seed is stored on pallets on shelving organized by variety, allowing the oldest seed to be sent out first before its viability has decreased. The National Seed Warehouse System expanded in 2013 with the opening of the Ely Regional Seed Warehouse. At 14,500 square feet and with floor capacity for 1,800,000 pounds of seed, it is the largest seed storage facility in Nevada. Stored seed can be custom mixed for individual projects. The BLM Boise Regional Seed Warehouse’s seed mixer and bagger can handle up to 5,000 lbs at a time.