Carson Lake and Pasture becomes Nevada’s newest Wildlife Management Area

The Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation are transferring thousands of acres of wetlands and pasture southeast of Fallon to the state.
Photo by Steve Ranson.

Nevada News Group

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

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Nevada’s Division of State Lands and Department of Wildlife is transferring more than 23,000 acres of wetlands and pasture from the Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management.

The transfer is occurring in the Carson Lake and pasture area in Churchill County south of Fallon. The Nevada Department of Wildlife said this will ensure the long-term management and protection of crucial wetlands that provide habitat to shorebirds and waterfowl, while expanding both wildlife viewing and recreation opportunities.

According to NDOW, this newly acquired parcel was officially transferred from Reclamation and the BLM from the Secretary
of Interior to Nevada and is now open to the public. NDOW will manage the property, and it will soon be designated as NDOW’s 12th Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

Steve Ranson/LVN
Carson Lake and miles of pasture southeast of Fallon feature numerous ponds and abundant wet-meadow habitat.

“Carson Lake and Pasture is one of the most important wetlands in Nevada, supporting thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds during their spring and fall migrations,” said Tony Wasley, director of the NDOW. “We thank the many state and federal partners who made this historic land transfer possible to ensure the protection of critical habitat to these species, in addition to providing Nevadans, families, and visitors with opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy myriad outdoor adventures, including wildlife viewing, bird- watching, hunting, and more.”

Carson Lake and pasture is located about eight miles southeast of Fallon and features numerous ponds and abundant wet-meadow habitat when water supplies are available. The protection of seasonal wetland habitat in this area will considerably aid the North American Waterfowl

“The Nevada Division of State Lands, together with our many state and federal partners, is excited to establish Carson Lake and Pasture as the State of Nevada’s newest wildlife conservation area,” said Charlie Donohue, administrator of the Nevada Division of State Lands. “Through this landmark land transfer, we look forward to seeing this spectacular natural treasure protected and preserved. I thank our partners for their collective efforts and support to advance this undertaking and elevate the Silver State’s celebrated outdoor heritage.”

Management plan goals show increasing foraging habitat for breeding and migrating waterfowl. NDOW said surveys on Carson Lake during the past 65 years show that annually up to 150,000 geese, ducks, swans and other waterfowl can use the area with approximately 1,200 using the area for breeding.

The wetland area is also recognized as having global importance to migrating shorebirds as part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, an international conservation initiative dedicated to protecting critical habitats for shorebirds. Annual counts of migrating shorebirds exceed 250,000 birds some years, with more than 10% of the total United States’ populations of both American avocets and long-billed dowitchers.

The official land transfer from Reclamation and BLM to the State of Nevada was made possible through collaboration with the Nevada Division of State Lands, NDOW, Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, and other conservation partners that include the Nevada Waterfowl Association, Audubon and Ducks Unlimited. The century-old Greenhead Duck Club has successfully managed and operated the area since 1912.

Carson Lake and Pasture becomes Nevada’s newest Wildlife Management Area

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