The reno FWO partners for fish and wildlife program (PFW program) will work with a private landowner, a multi-generation family owned and run livestock operation in elko county, nevada, to protect…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 8 awarded $175,000 under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife federal grant program (CFDA 15.631) to Boies Ranch Inc. to implement grazing management practices that will enhance habitat for wildlife on the ranch's property in Elko County, Nevada from August 1, 2023 through September 30, 2027. Specifically, the Cooperative Agreement will support installing exclusionary fencing and developing off-site water sources across two project sites totaling 30 acres to protect riparian meadows and streams from livestock grazing. This aims to conserve habitat that supports Department of the Interior priorities through voluntary partnerships with private landowners, like Boies Ranch. The straightforward activities funded under this award are expected to yield high returns by improving both wildlife habitat and grazing land management.

The reno FWO partners for fish and wildlife program (PFW program) will work with a private landowner, a multi-generation family owned and run livestock operation in elko county, nevada, to protect mesic areas to enhance habitat for wildlife while making improvements for grazing management practices. There are two project areas within core habitat in the oneil basin, a priority area for multiple public and private partners. The primary land use in the area is livestock grazing and project activities are primarily grazing management practices (e.g., fencing, off-site water development.)site 1: pipe-rail fence will be installed that will protect and enhance 15 acres meadow 0.6 mile stream channel. A low water crossing water GAP will also be a part of this project so livestock will have access to water off the meadow.site 2: fencing will be installed that will enhance 15 acres meadow 0.4 mile stream channel. Pipe rail is preferred but wildlife friendly, three-strand wire could work for this site. An off-site water development (pump, pipeline and trough) will provide water for livestock while the meadow is protected and enhanced through fencing. These are straightforward projects that have a high return on investment. The PFW program has implemented similar projects with the landowner in the past, and the likelihood of success of these activities is very high.