Carson River Project

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
Originating in the Sierra Nevada south of Lake Tahoe, the two forks of the Carson River create a series of broad flood plains from the Carson Valley to the Lahontan Reservoir. More than 200 bird species can be found throughout the Carson River watershed, making it one of the richest bird sites in the entire state of Nevada.

The Carson watershed is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, making it one of the fastest growing in the country. Thousands of new residents are attracted to the area's scenic beauty, pastoral feel, recreational opportunities and unique cultural heritage.

Carson River © Jim Stimson

Partners
In 2000, the Conservancy secured the long-term protection of key wetlands and riparian habitats along a three-mile section of the Carson River by partnering with the Timken-Sturgis Foundation to purchase the River Fork Ranch, located south of Genoa at the confluence of the river's two forks. The 788-acre property's wet meadows, pastures and patchwork of wetlands have supported cattle and the only known nesting site for sandhill cranes in the Carson Valley for more than a century.

In partnership with the region's largest cattle rancher, Bently Agrodynamics, the Conservancy is developing rotational grazing programs and a restoration design for River Fork Ranch that demonstrates environmentally compatible agriculture for Northern Nevada. The project is also developing riparian conservation easements for purchase by the Bureau of Land Management.

In 2001, the Sturgis family donated a conservation easement on their 734-acre working ranch to the Conservancy, ensuring that their property and its floodplain will be protected in perpetuity.

In 2008, Clear Creek Tahoe donated an 853-acre piece of land that protects critical riparian  habitat on Clear Creek, the only tributary to the main stem of the Carson River that flows year-round.

Carson River © Jim Stimson

Recent News

Kirman Field Trail Building
3.5 miles of trail is under construction at the Kirman Field.  Click here to learn more. 

 Carson City Lands Bill
20,000 acres of land is now protected near Carson City thanks to the Carson City Lands Bill that was signed into law by President Obama on March 30, 2009 as part of the historic Omnibus Lands Bill. The Conservancy played a key role as facilitator among many partners in crafting the bill, which benefits conservation and the community by preserving open space, conserving critical riparian habitat, and strengthening flood control measures.  Read more about the benefits of the Carson City Vital Community Act. (pdf)

Carson River Project Facts

• Length: 135 miles
• Species: Waterfowl including redhead and cinnamon teals; shorebirds such as long-billed curlews and willets; bald and golden eagles and other raptors; migratory songbirds like the yellow-breasted chat; deer, mountain lion, bear, several rare butterfly species including the Carson Valley silverspot; rare and threatened aquatic species such as the Western Pond turtle; native fish including Lahontan cutthroat trout, Lahontan speckled dace and Lahontan tui chub.
• Threats: New development and invasive weeds are the two greatest threats.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
In the fall of 2001, The Nature Conservancy convened a diverse group of stakeholders, biologists and land managers to establish three conservation priorities for the Carson River project area:

1. Protect and restore the riparian woodland habitat.
2. Protect the floodplain through the use of conservation easements, county zoning and public policy.
3. Protect - and where possible reestablish -  the natural function, structure and composition of the river and its riparian and wetland ecosystems.

The Conservancy helped write and worked to pass a conservation bond initiative approved by Nevada voters in November 2002 -- Question 1: The Nevada Clean Water, Parks and Wildlife Bond. Of the $200 million authorized, $10 million is earmarked for restoration and enhancement of the Carson River corridor, with additional funds allocated for the acquisition of ecologically sensitive lands and conservation easements in the project area.