MISSOULA, Mont. — As part of a collaborative effort to protect riparian and meadow habitat and improve public access to it in northern Nevada, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation worked with a conservation-minded landowner, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and Nevada Division of State Lands to conserve 1,560 acres of wildlife habitat.
“We appreciate NDOW for requesting our assistance in this transaction. We also salute the landowner and recognize his strong conservation ethic in the way he managed his land for the benefit of wildlife and livestock alike,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “It is now protected and in the public’s hands to use and enjoy.”
The property is immediately northeast of the small community of Battle Mountain about halfway between Elko and Winnemucca. The newly acquired lands will be part of the soon to be established Argenta Wildlife Management Area.
“This property has a high wildlife value for elk, mule deer, wild turkey, migratory birds and other species because of its shrub-steppe sagebrush, grasslands and riparian areas from several miles of the Humboldt River that crosses it,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “Elk have demonstrated use of this property and the river channel as cover as part of their movements across and through the surrounding uplands.”
In addition to big and small game, the immediate area is home to more than 90 species of shore, wading and songbirds. Raptors and waterfowl also take advantage of the seasonal flooding of the meadows, sloughs, swamps, river channels and dense intact willow stands.
NDOW and RMEF’s Torstenson Family Endowment provided funding for the project.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded more than 37 years ago and fueled by hunters, RMEF maintains more than 225,000 members and has conserved nearly 8.4 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.