Largest Private Gift in Chapter's History Leads to Acquisition of River Fork Ranch in Carson Valley

In the spring of 2000, The Nature Conservancy of Nevada launched a community-based conservation initiative in the Carson Valley, announcing its plans to work with local leaders, ranchers, and residents to protect the Carson River's riparian and wetland habitat. Preserving the Carson Valley's ranching landscape was identified as a key strategy in achieving that goal. Thanks to the largest private gift yet made to TNC's Nevada chapter, the initiative is off to a tremendous start.

In July the Timken-Sturgis Foundation contributed $1.2 million towards the $1.53 million purchase price of the River Fork Ranch. Nestled south of Genoa at the confluence of the two forks of the Carson River, this 788-acre ranch has supported cattle and one of the area's premiere nesting and migratory water bird sites for over a century. This acquisition will secure the long-term protection of vitally important wetland and riparian habitats that occur on the property's three-mile section of the Carson River. Previously ranched by the Kidman and Easterwood families, the River Fork Ranch is considered the most important biological site in the Carson Valley.

The River Fork Ranch is rich in freshwater wetlands and wet meadows which provide habitat for nesting water birds, including cinnamon teal, Sandhill crane, willet, and Wilson's phalarope. In addition, the ranch attracts large numbers of migratory and wintering birds, including Bald and golden eagles. Linking the high Sierra Nevada to the Carson Valley, these habitats attract mule deer, bobcat, and mountain lion.

The Conservancy and Timken-Sturgis Foundation are drawing up plans to incorporate public access, cattle ranching, and ecological restoration for the property. A high priority for both partners is to provide opportunities for school children, weekend hikers and others to enjoy the Carson Valleys natural and cultural heritage.

The River Fork Ranch acquisition is an inspiring example of ranching and environmental communities working together to protect some of the West's last open spaces. In addition to the Timken-Sturgis donation, the Malkmus Foundation, Smallwood Foundation, Dean and Meredith Meiling, and others have made significant contributions toward the remaining $340,000 needed to complete the acquisition, as well as an additional $1.5 million in expected capital costs needed to create trails, restore habitat, and endow the ranch's operating costs.