Date: 01/02/2009
Contact: Elmer Bull
Phone: (775) 463-7816

NDOW SEEKS INPUT ON CARSON LAKE AND PASTURE

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) will hold two public meetings to gather input from stakeholders as the department begins developing a Conceptual Management Plan for the Carson Lake and Pasture area near Fallon. Carson Lake is an internationally important area for shorebird migration and is a nationally important area for numerous species of waterfowl and wading birds.

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20th at 7 p.m. at the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 1100 Valley Road, Reno. The second meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m. at the Fallon Convention Center, 100 Campus Way in Fallon. Each meeting will begin with a video presentation and overview of the Carson Lake and Pasture area followed by the public input session. Interested parties are encouraged to attend one or both of the upcoming meetings.

Public input will help guide NDOW in the development of goals, objectives and strategies for the Conceptual Management Plan. The completed plan, which will serve for 10 years, will guide management of wildlife, habitats, and programs. Upon the property transfer from federal to state ownership, Carson Lake and Pasture will become a Wildlife Management Area of approximately 30,000 acres.

If you are unable to attend one of these meetings, you may submit written comments to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 50 Hatchery Way, Yerington, NV 89447 / ATTN: Elmer Bull. Written comments should be submitted by February 15, 2009 to ensure consideration. Please contact Elmer Bull at 775-463-7816 if you have any questions about the meetings.

The Carson Lake and Pasture, together with the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, make up a majority of the Lahontan Valley wetland complex and have been identified by both the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Intermountain West Joint Venture as waterfowl habitat areas of major concern in the United States. In 1988, the two wetlands were also designated as part of the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network due to their importance to a wide variety of migrating shorebirds.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.