Open Spaces, Special Places
Clouds over Washoe Valley.
If the view over a pristine ridgeline is important to you, or if you value Nevada's rivers and the streams that feed them…
If you want to see wildlife habitats preserved, or be able to hike to the top of a favorite mountain…
If you see open space as critical to your quality of life…
You are not alone.
The Nevada Land Conservancy is Nevada's “homegrown” non-profit land trust working with landowners and communities to protect and preserve open space for an enhanced quality of life. We invite you to learn more about our mission, the special places we protect, and how to get involved.
NEW!
Nevada Land Conservancy and BLM protect 17,493 acres in Northern Nevada
RENO, NV -- August 27, 2008
More than 17,000 acres of prime wildlife habitat in northern Washoe County, including formerly private inholdings in federally-designated Wilderness Study Areas, now belong to the public, thanks to Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) funding for the $6,000,000 purchase price and a strong partnership between the Nevada Land Conservancy, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and landowners Todd and Sam Jaksick. Almost every parcel contains a spring, wet meadow, or stream which support a rich, diverse wildlife population across the region
"Our family spends a tremendous amount of time in Northern Washoe County," said Todd Jaksick, "We think it's a great place and we're honored to be a part of protecting these lands for future generations."
BLM State Director Ron Wenker calls this acquisition one of the most important wildlife protection initiatives since the inception of the SNPLMA program. "The acquisition will directly affect our ability to safeguard, among other things, what many consider to be the healthiest mule deer and California bighorn sheep herds in Nevada, as well as critical sage grouse breeding grounds and the only known home of the endangered Wall Canyon sucker fish," Wenker said.
Jim Nelson, President of the Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Reno Chapter, is among those in favor of the project. "Nevada Bighorns Unlimited is strongly supportive of the recent conversion of these prime acres to public land," Nelson stated. "This area supports one of Northern Nevada's most important mule deer herds, as well as antelope, California bighorn sheep, sage grouse, chukar and much, much more. All outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from this, not only hunters but also hikers, photographers, bird watchers and explorers. This is truly a win-win situation."
Nevada Land Conservancy President, Alicia Reban, continued, "The Nevada Land Conservancy was created to foster partnerships between landowners and agencies to protect what is most special about the Silver State. We've been at it for ten years now, and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our anniversary than being part of this gift to the people of our state and our country."
BLM and the Nevada Land Conservancy, have been working with the landowners since 2003 for federal acquisition of the land in order to protect the wide variety of resources on the property. This is the largest and most complex SNPLMA acquisition to date, with more than a hundred distinct parcels with appurtenant water rights across three BLM administrative areas -- the Winnemucca field office in Nevada, and the Surprise and Eagle Lake Field Offices in California. The parcels, all within Nevada, are scattered throughout the Granite Range north of Gerlach, and include portions of the Buffalo Hills, Twin Peaks, and Poodle Mountain Wilderness Study Areas, and range from high alpine meadows to sagebrush lowlands.
"From the beginning, this acquisition had the support of multiple wildlife advocates, hunting and fishing enthusiasts, and recreationists. It is an exceptional opportunity on all those fronts, as well as for the cultural resources that will be protected," stated Alicia Reban, President of the Nevada Land Conservancy.
Washoe County Manager Katy Simon also praised the project"s success. "We applaud the vision and foresight of our Congressional delegation, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, the Southern Nevada Public Lands Executive Committee, and the Jaksick family for preserving one of the last magnificent landscapes of the West - the 17,000-acre Granites in northern Washoe County - for this and future generations," said Simon, who is also a board trustee for Nevada Land Conservancy. "Those who come after us will thank them for having the courage to keep Nevada wild."
Nevada Land Conservancy is Nevada's first independent, non-profit land trust working with landowners and communities to protect and preserve the special places and open spaces of Nevada for future generations. NVLC is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and has protected more than five acres a day in the past decade. For information on Nevada Land Conservancy's projects, please call
775-851-5180 or visit nvlc.org.
The BLM is authorized to sell land in the Las Vegas Valley under the authority of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (SNPLMA), as amended (Public law 105-263). The proceeds from the disposal of these lands are held in a special account used to fund projects in Clark, Lincoln, and White Pine counties including acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands throughout Nevada.
The BLM is one of five federal agencies that manage environmentally sensitive lands acquired by the United States as a result of the SNPLMA legislation. For more information on SNPLMA and projects approved for funding visit the SNPLMA website at http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/snplma.html.
More Images of the Granites Acquisition -- Click below!
Photos by Mike McCurry
Centennial Ranch in Fallon Protected by Nevada Land Conservancy with Conservation Easement
Four Generations of Farming History Preserved for the Future
FALLON, NV -- July 14, 2008. A bit of ranching history has been preserved in Churchill, County with the permanent protection of the Cushman-Corkill Ranch in Fallon, Nevada. Family members sought a conservation easement to preserve the property as a working ranch and also to protect it from development, and the Nevada Land Conservancy, a local non-profit land trust, was able to secure funding to purchase and hold a conservation easement in perpetuity.
The 430-acre Corkill ranch, located in a prime agricultural area, was one of several properties identified by Naval Air Station Fallon as important to protect in order to secure a buffer zone around the base against future urban development and challenges to military activities. Naval Air Station Fallon is providing funds through their Encroachment Management Program, which is matched with funds from the Nevada Division of State Lands State Question One Program. The protection of the property will help to preserve the rural character of Churchill County for the future.
"We are very happy that NAS Fallon, in our continuing efforts to be good neighbors and find compatible uses for the land surrounding the base, is able to team up with groups such as the Nevada Land Conservancy and the State of Nevada to protect and preserve historical properties such as the Cushman-Corkhill Ranch," commented Commanding Officer, Captain Michael Glaser, NAS Fallon. "By contributing funds to purchase a restrictive use easement on this property, the Navy is helping to protect the agricultural and historical values that have contributed so much to Fallon's heritage and frontier spirit."
In addition to its value to the family, the United States Navy and Churchill County, the ranch provides important benefits to native wildlife. The abundant water on the property helps to provide for habitat, enhancing the additional wildlife habitat and wetlands on its southern border. Roughly 100-acres of wetland and riparian areas have been created by an agricultural drain field. Species noted on the property include mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, ring-necked pheasant, white-faced ibis, blue heron, quail, egrets, and various migratory birds.
Becky Stock, Nevada Land Conservancy's Project Manager commented, "Preserving working ranches is a key element of the Conservancy's land protection goals. In the case of this property, we are fortunate to work with a family who cares so passionately for their land and the surrounding community."
The Cushman-Corkill Ranch also has been designated a Nevada Centennial Ranch by the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office's Nevada Centennial Ranches and Farms Program. Purchased in 1861 by Josiah Cushman, it is the oldest continuously operating, family-owned ranch in the state of Nevada. Furthermore, Josiah Cushman was the first to begin irrigating the lands of Churchill County. Early western emigrants stopped at the Cushman ranch to rest and feed their cattle before crossing the Sierra. Since its beginning, cattle have been produced on the ranch, and hay was originally grown and freighted throughout the West. After irrigation came to the valley and the Newlands Project was established, corn, potatoes, Sudan grass and small grains were also produced. Four generations have lived and worked on this property and the family intends to keep it as a working ranch.
Josiah Cushman met his first wife, Mary, when her family stopped at his ranch before pressing on for California. Josiah Cushman had two children with Mary and seven children by his second wife, Elizabeth. The youngest of these children was Pete Cushman, who ran the ranch with his brothers and mother after Josiah’s death in 1913. Pete and his wife Mabel remained on the property until it was purchased by the Corkill Brothers in 1969, nine years after their daughter Bunny married Bill Corkill. Bill and Bunny's son, Bruce, now operates the ranch with his wife Mitzi. They have a son, Jade, and a daughter, Bailey, who also love life on the family ranch.
Nevada Land Conservancy is Nevada's first independent, non-profit land trust working with landowners and communities to protect and preserve the special places and open spaces of Nevada for future generations. NVLC is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and has protected more than five acres a day in the past decade. For information on Nevada Land Conservancy's projects, please call 775-851-5180.
Brews & Views! Mt. Rose Beer Hike with Silver Peak
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Save the date! Join Nevada Land Conservancy, Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery, and our trusty beer sherpas for a pint on the peak on Saturday, September 27. Donations for beer benefit our efforts to protect special places and open spaces!
Hike begins at 8:30 a.m. at the new Mt. Rose trailhead at the summit of State Route 431. It's roughly a 5 mile hike to the Peak with a 2,000 foot elevation gain. Please remember to drink lots of water when hiking!
$4 donation requested. Special "9th Annual Mt. Rose Hike" t-shirts available thanks to Promofessionals! For information call Nevada Land Conservancy 851-5180 or Silver Peak Restaurant & Brewery 324-1864.
Organic Beer Fundraiser for Nevada Land Conservancy -- Great Basin Brewing Company Launches "Truckee River Organic Red" on June 18, 2008
A cold, refreshing beer is even more pleasing when it tastes good, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and is good for the planet. Beer lovers who are environmentally conscious now have a home at Great Basin Brewing Company, which offered Nevada's first USDA certified organic beer with the launch of its Truckee River Organic Red on Wednesday, June 18.
"Great Basin is very excited to offer this smooth, satisfying brew," states Tom Young, owner of Great Basin Brewing Company. "This unfiltered beer explores full caramel malt flavors derived from selected organically grown domestic and German barley. Savor the flavor, relax, enjoy world-class beer, and help keep our planet green!"
To celebrate the distinction of producing Nevada's first certified organic beer, Great Basin Brewing Company hosted a launch party for its Truckee River Organic Red on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with proceeds benefiting Nevada Land Conservancy. The event featured live music by Moonlight Hoodoo Review, environmental displays, a raffle, and a silent auction. There was also a beer-themed limerick contest with the winner receiving a certificate redeemable for a keg of Truckee River Organic Red. Great Basin Brewing Company is Nevada's oldest and most award-winning brewery, located two blocks east of John Ascuaga's Nugget at 846 Victorian Avenue in Sparks.
June 28, 2008 -- Washoe Valley Field Trip: Photography and the Protected Landscape
A free guided tour of protected lands with Nevada Land Conservancy staff and award-winning photographer and author, Mark Vollmer, Saturday, June 28, 8:30 am to 11:00 am
Thanks to everyone who attended, and special thanks to photographer Mark Vollmer and sponsor REI for making the morning so special!
Hawken Fire Restoration Efforts: Update
Rehabilitation work has begun! Kelley Erosion control completed hydromulching 43 acres immediately behind homes on Friday, November 2, 2007. Washoe County Public Works also completed the construction of two drainage basins to help capture sediment before it flows out of Alum Creek into the Truckee River. Aerial seeding of 350 acres in the upper elevations and aerial mulching of 160 of those acres occured in February 2008. Hazardous trees have been removed, a new flood early-warning system has been installed on Alum Creek, and replanting of 300 Ponderosa and Jeffrey Pines, plus 75 shrubs, occurred on April 26, 2008 (thanks to Allstate Insurance and Lahontan Audubon Society!)
A big thanks is due Lynda Nelson, Kurt Latipow, and Greg Belancio of Washoe County for coordinating these treatments.
Nevada Land Conservancy is serving as the fiscal agent, principal fundraiser and volunteer coordinator for the Hawken Fire restoration effort. Project partners include Washoe County, the Caughlin Ranch Homeowners' Association, City of Reno, U.S. Forest Service, Nevada Fire Safe Council, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. To date, more than $365,000 has been raised for this effort.
Thank you for your support of wildlife, recreation, and water quality!
Hawken Fire Restoration Donors
City of Reno Ward One Neighborhood Advisory Board
City of Reno Ward Five Northwest Neighborhood Advisory Board
The Phil and Jennifer Satre Family Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Western Nevada
Sierra Pacific Resources Foundation
The Ranson and Norma Webster Charitable Fund at the Communiy Foundation of Western Nevada
Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation
Gaston & Wilkerson Management Group
...and many donations from generous individuals!
In-kind printing provided by Bear Industries
Goats graze invasive weeds at Swan Lake -- Saturday, May 12 to Thursday, May 31, 2007, and Sunday, July 1 to Monday, July 16, 2007. A herd of more than 100 goats worked to help remove troublesome tall whitetop through coordination by Nevada Land Conservancy. Funds received for this project will also be used to map trends in weed populations, educate the public on invasive weed control, and reseed high priority habitat. Partners in this project include the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Truckee Meadows Cooperative Weed Management Group, Washoe County, the City of Reno, City of Sparks, UNR Cooperative Extension, BLM, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Carson Truckee Water Conservation District. Click here to see a video of the goats in action and an interview with Project Director Becky Stock.
Contact us for information about these and other exciting happenings!