Grants available for conservation projects

The U.S. Department of the Interior has awarded the Nevada Department of Wildlife $617,000 to assist private landowners who carry out conservation projects that benefit rare species.

"Our goal is to protect wildlife and their habitats while taking into account the 'working landscape,'" said Connie Lee, landowner incentive program coordinator with the Nevada Department of Wildlife. "Healthy aquatic and riparian habitats benefit landowners as well as wildlife by maintaining water supplies necessary for crops and livestock," she said.

Although private citizens own only 11.5 percent of Nevada's lands, that small percentage is important to the survival of many aquatic species Ð several species of fish and amphibians Ð plus birds. Nevada was settled along wetland and riparian areas that provide the water necessary to sustain families, grow crops and water animals.

These same areas are also essential to the state's wildlife.

Nevada ranchers are finding that conservation practices can often enhance the overall productivity of their land.

Recently a collaborative group of ranch managers called the Shoesole Management Team applied holistic range management practices on their Elko County ranches, in an effort to increase overall productivity for all creatures, domesticated and wild.

Quantifiable results include increased condition of streams and positive economic change for ranchers.

In Nevada, the focus is riparian and aquatic habitats, and those habitats that support threatened and endangered species.

The program is a cost share program with 25 percent coming from a non-federal source.

Landowners are encouraged to contribute the 25 percent which may be his or her time, materials, labor or equipment directly related to the habitat restoration project.

Other sources of in-kind match may be available should the landowner be unable to contribute.

Lee is working statewide with private landowners to provide financial and technical assistance to restore sensitive species habitat on private lands. For more information, contact Lee at (775) 777-2392.