What a difference a year makes. At this time last year, the Nevada Department of Wildlife launched rehabilitation of critical wildlife habitat burned by the summer's devastating wildfires.

The department acted quickly to treat 40,000 of the more than 1.3 million acres burned.

Approximately $700,000 was spent, comprised largely of sportsmen's conservation fees, donations collected by Nevada Bighorns Unlimited and Question 1 bond funds approved by voters in 2001. Donations to the NBU's fund for rehabilitation can be made at The Heritage Bank of Nevada, account No. 3030003481.

The department prioritized rehabilitation efforts where they would result in the greatest benefit to the largest number of species.

The department's dedicated volunteers racked up more than 650 hours valued at $15,500 in rehabilitation efforts.

The department will continue its restoration efforts this winter through the spring of 2008 with greater intensity. Plans include a cheatgrass conversion project involving tillage, herbicide application, seedling plantings and seeding.