Eastern Sierra Land Trust expands conservation reach
Group marks inaugural conservation project in Nevada
Eastern Sierra Land Trust announced this week the conservation of Desert Creek Ranch, a historic and ecologically significant ranch located in Smith Valley, Nevada.
This marks the organization’s inaugural conservation project in Nevada and a huge achievement for sage-grouse habitat in the state.
A milestone conservation project
The quest to conserve Desert Creek Ranch began in 2012 when securing a conservation easement for the area was identified in the 2012 Bi-State sage-grouse Action Plan.
“It’s been a blend of challenges, learning, and ultimately, success, but our commitment to the land and our perseverance brought us here today,” said landowner David Park.
Funding was provided through the Livestock in Harmony with Bi-State Sage-Grouse project under USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which provided $7.2 million for the purchase of conservation and wetlands easements in Nevada and California. For the Desert Creek Ranch project, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provided $1.545 million under RCPP, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) provided an additional $190,417 in funding, and the landowner also made a personal donation to the purchase of the easement.
This funding partnership between ESLT, NRCS, NDOW and the landowner is a primary example of how Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) leverage local partnerships to match NRCS funding and local partners that are responsible for the longterm stewardship of the easement on working farms and ranches.
“Projects like this highlight the need for collaboration between federal, state, and non-government partners like ESLT to support landowners who want to maintain or enhance their land in a way beneficial to agriculture and/or the environment,” said Greg Becker, acting Nevada State
Conservationist for NRCS.
Desert Creek Ranch is more than just a ranch; it’s a designated grassland of special environmental significance. The property is home to the Bi-State Sage Grouse (BSSG), a sagebrush steppe species of paramount ecological importance. Additionally, its proximity to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National
Forest accentuates its role in conserving the biodiversity of the region. From mule deer to sage grouse, Desert Creek Ranch is a treasure trove of biodiversity.
The ranch, with Desert Creek running through it, has a rich history, deeply intertwined with the growth and development of Smith Valley.
Landowner at the heart of conservation
“We have a deep history of ranching and have always wanted to continue this legacy. It seemed like the right thing for the ranch, especially given the vital role of water on this property,” said Park, a longtime Carson Valley resident. “Preserving this land in perpetuity for agriculture and habitat for sage grouse is a perfect fit for the community, the Eastern Sierra, and for Park Ranch.”
Desert Creek Ranch holds senior water rights and plays a pivotal role in the Smith Valley ecosystem. Surface water from Desert Creek irrigates pastures, and the stored water from Lobdell Lake is released seasonally, both of which are essential to Bi-State Sage Grouse habitats.
“If it wasn’t for the water, there wouldn’t be a ranch, and without the ranch, these birds wouldn’t thrive as they do today,” stated Park. “When water gets diverted, it’s generally not beneficial to wildlife, but this is an incredible exception to the rule. These birds wouldn’t be here, certainly not in these numbers, without these irrigated meadows.”
“I am personally excited that the birds have a chance somewhere where they aren’t going to be bulldozed by building. We did our part to preserve the property as a habitat for sage grouse, and hopefully others will do the same and have the same intentions in moving forward in Western Nevada,” he added.
Looking to the future While this conservation easement protects vital habitats, it also ensures that future generations will enjoy the ranch without the looming threat of development. Public lands near Desert Creek Ranch offer regional recreational draws like off-road activities, fishing, and camping, with parts of the easement located in the canyon’s recreational area.
“Ranching is my way of life and without land and water, you can’t provide otherwise. Land is the key component to raising and growing livestock and crops, which is something that I truly enjoy doing,” David emphasizes.
His advice to other landowners considering conservation is that while every property is unique, easements are a tool in the toolbox for agricultural operations.
With Desert Creek Ranch, ESLT not only celebrates its first project in Nevada but also the first time RCPP funding had been used in Nevada to purchase an easement. This project exemplifies patience, persistence, and the essence of community collaboration. Alan Jenne, Director of the Nevada
Department of
Wildlife, stated that “Seeing this project come to fruition reflects a tremendous commitment to a true collaborative effort that will benefit multiple species and their habitat for generations to come”.
Kay Ogden, ESLT ED/ CEO shared, “This isn’t just about ESLT expanding its reach. It’s about celebrating the spirit of conservation, honoring the dedication of landowners like David, and setting a gold standard for future endeavors in Nevada.”