Special Place: Granite Range / Wall Canyon / Buffalo Hills

Words hardly do justice to the incredible natural resources of northern Washoe County. To try and describe the top of of the Granite Range, with its lush native grasses, aspen stands, and wet meadows, with the Black Rock Desert in sight just over the east edge, or adequately convey the significance of the springs and streams of Buffalo Meadows and Wall Canyon to the region’s wildlife is almost impossible. One official described the area as the “holy land” for its diverse and abundant wildlife, which includes Bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn, sage grouse, chukar, trout and more. To others, these areas are prime hiking, camping, and bird watching destinations. No matter one’s interest, these are perhaps the finest examples of Nevada’s rich natural heritage, worthy of belonging to the future generations of our fine state.

Public support was essential to this Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act nomination, officially identified as the Granite-Wall Buffalo Hills nomination because:

  1. The nomination will strenghten and protect prime California Bighorn Sheep habitat throughout the Granite Range; potential habitat within the Buffalo Hills, and create an important buffer for the sheep in the Hayes Range by acquiring the Wall Canyon parcels.
  2. In addition to Bighorn sheep, this nomination includes vital habitat for sage grouse, chukar, pronghorn, mule deer and many non-game species as well.
  3. The diverse habitat represented by this nomination is possible because of the creeks, springs, seeps and ponds found on these parcels. Their protection is essential to the healthy wildlife population.
  4. Finally, public roads will no longer cross private lands, reducing conflict and making access easier.

Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act

We're pleased to be working with Carson City, Douglas County, Washoe County, and the owners of a number of properties for public acquisition through Round 5 of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. Contact us for more information on how you can support these critical nominations. If successful, the nominated lands would be purchased for the public, access made permanent, and the natural and historical values of each parcel protected.