[TITAN]

Its natural condition? I want to transform about 5 acres back into what it was before it got plowed up and used as farm land. The area I live in is the typical dry western sagebrush/grasses/small trees type.

Anyone know of any resources for this type of thing? Should I contact the BLM?

[Kylon]

Why not plant an orchard? That way you don't need to tend it as much, and you've got fresh fruit every year.

[TITAN]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Kylon', 'W')hy not plant an orchard? That way you don't need to tend it as much, and you've got fresh fruit every year.

[Kylon]

Then find plants that grow great naturally around your area, and begin planting them.

That should cause the land within time to revert to what it would be like if it had never been farmed(minus soil erosion).

Make sure they are plants that will grow without any intervention(wild grasses, what people would call "weeds", maybe some sort of native resilient pestilent bush).

That should fix your land up.

[Tyler_JC]

What's the harm in just letting the land grow back to its natural state on its own?

Any money spent hurrying up the process of ecological succession seems like a waste.

[BigTex]

You might want to put in some erosion control measures before it gets too overgrown.

We used to do those small retaining wall projects (6-12 inches) in scouting and it can help, especially on paths on inclines.

[strider3700]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Tyler_JC', 'W')hat's the harm in just letting the land grow back to its natural state on its own?

Any money spent hurrying up the process of ecological succession seems like a waste.

[joeltrout]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('TITAN', '
')
Anyone know of any resources for this type of thing? Should I contact the BLM?

[Ludi]

Some states have restoration organizations which can help you with information or possibly even grants. Try googling your state and "land restoration"

[joeltrout]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Ludi', 'S')ome states have restoration organizations which can help you with information or possibly even grants. Try googling your state and "land restoration"

[Ludi]

Yes, I agree. Make sure you know exactly what you're getting into.

[TITAN]

The land is directly adjacent to my home, so I would retain complete control, I would only contact agenices for advice.

I have tried planting sagebrush before, with very little success.

I have given serious thought to 'just leaving it alone' but the problems with invasive species i.e. noxious weeds like kosha (sp*), puncture vine, cheat grass (which isn't really so bad) and thistles, makes it seem like the native species probably won't be able to take hold.

Also, it is somewhat level property, so any kind of modifications/fortifications wouldn't be necessary.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, though. :)