PROJECTS FUNDED AND/OR CONSTRUCTED BY WHIN

WHIN has been supporting wildlife and habitat improvement projects since 1992.

 

 

  • The last week of April we joined the Nevada Department Of Wildlife (NDOW), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Southern Nevada Conservancy (SNC) and the Nevada Naturalists at the 2022 Carp Rodeo. There was a great turn out where men, women and children could be seen enjoying their time fishing, and at the same time helping to get rid of invasive species. We provided prizes for all the kids that attended and the grand prizes of four kayaks! There was a total of 150 plus carp caught during the event and a great lunch provided to all guests afterwords.

 

2022

  • 3rd week of July we completed Perris Springs project, reports that we recently made needed repairs to bring this water source back to full functionality. Joined by Bernie, from Sunnyside, they ran 500 feet of new pipe and installed three new tanks. Game in the area should now have plenty of water to get them through the remainder of this hot summer and beyond.

 

  • 2nd week of July We headed up to Key Pittman to cut down some cattails. We had so many hard working people show up we ended up not only cutting some cattails but installing 6 new goose nesting boxes, working on every blind and planting 50 pounds of mix feed grain seeds. All of that before 11 AM. Thanks to Andrew, the WMA manager, we were able to add some new projects on the fly. We are lucky to have great volunteers and government partners working with us to improve habitat throughout the state.

 

  • 1st week in May, WHIN went to Pine Spring to check on the water flow and the condition of the stock tank, float and water supply line. This spring has always been a low flow spring. The water flow was normal, and the float was in good working order. So was the water trough and water line. Cattle have been a serious problem for this water source. The steel corral was donated by a local construction company, who wishes to remain anonymous. They also provided all the time and labor to secure this water source. 

 

  • 2 week of April at the Overton WMA,  Waterfowl were captured using cannon or rocket nets at natural feeding areas or at sites where birds have been attracted with bait. The Ducks were then Banded.  One of the primary motivations for banding ducks was to identify the wintering areas and migration routes used by ducks. Band recovery distributions during the past fifty years are the foundation of the familiar flyways-based management system that we use today.

 

  • 2nd weekend in march we were busy installing 10 wood duck nesting boxes in the Alamo area in southeastern Nevada. We had a great volunteer turnout with several clubs joining in, including the Las Vegas Retriever Club and the Las Vegas Woods and Waters Club. Man-made nesting boxes have been an important means of increasing wood duck populations going back at least to the 1930s and  the rise of modern, conservation-based wildlife management.

 

  • 4th Weekend in February at Key-pitman Wildlife management Area, a group kayaked a boated to all the nesting boxes and prepped them for the nesting season. Loose vegetation is the most common material used in structures. Loose vegetation must be protected from wind loss in most types of structures. The Nesting material was secured with hemp cord. 

 

  • 2nd  weekend in February:  60 youth hunters and their mentors joined  for  a Youth Waterfowl Hunt held at the Overton Wildlife Management Area outside of Las Vegas.  In addition to a fun day outdoors, the hunters each received a duck call and gear awarded through a drawing. One Lucky kid went home with an Armscor shotgun presented by Shawn Fairbairn, Armscor manager.  WHIN donated money to help fund this event. 

 

2020

  • 1st week of October at Frenchie Lake, 12 goose nesting boxes were installed around the lake. During spring, pairs break out from flocks and begin defending territories. Spacing of these pairs is variable and depends on availability of nest sites and population density; where population is large, even after a great many fights birds may end up nesting in view of one another, and some populations are semi-colonial.

 

  • 2nd weekend of August, At the Overton WMA: We went and harvested Millet from the surrounding Bulrushes. Millets are popular plantings for waterfowl because these “crops” are relatively inexpensive and easy to grow and is very attractive to ducks. 

 

  • 2nd week of July McFarland Spring water delivery system: Routine maintenance was completed in  which included cleaning out the main spring box, removing a rock from the mainline, replacing floats and valves along with repairs on feeder lines.

 

  • 4th weekend of June: A small group drove to Wayne E Kirch Wildlife Management and repaired cement benches, checked in on the trees that were planted in the campgrounds and scouted out locations to place goose nesting boxes. 

 

  • 3rd Weekend of a small crew of 7 went and team up with Las Vegas Fishing Club  to clean up the shore line at lake mead. There was the usual trash, tires, aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic, and broken car pieces. We had 7 WHIN members come and pick up trash along the beach. We filled up about 2 truck beds of trash. 

 

  • 2nd weekend of June: A small group went to Overton WMA to check on the goose’s nesting boxes and measure the current design to fabricate new nesting boxes for the other wildlife management areas in Nevada.

 

  • 4th weekend of May:  WHIN went to McFarland Spring to run new piping from drinker #2 and about  to drinker #3. This pipe weighs about 200+ pounds and is very difficult to move in rough terrain. We were very grateful to the laborers who helped us heft  and roll this pipe up the hill. These drinkers are located in a wilderness area so we are not allowed to use any motorized equipment. The group also fixed several drinkers and patch the line in other places.  This project was a great success with approximately 15 adult volunteers and 11 youth helpers.  

 

2019

  • 1 week in November:  At the Dave Deacon Campground in the Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area; a group of 4 volunteers finished installing the wood benches on 10 large metal campground shade structures.

 

  • 2nd weekend in October:  40 youth hunters and their mentors joined NDOW staff for “Ducks and Donuts” event at the Youth Waterfowl Hunt held at the Overton Wildlife Management Area outside of Las Vegas.  In addition to a fun day outdoors, the hunters each received a duck call and gear awarded through a drawing. In a surprising twist, 10-year-old Levin Nelson of Logandale went home with an Armscor shotgun presented by Shawn Fairbairn, Armscor manager. WHIN donated money to help fund this event. 

 

  • 1st weekend of July: At the Dave Deacon Campground in the Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area over 96 elm and ash trees were planted at all of the campsites. Over 5000 feet of drip irrigation systems were installed and now over half the campground will have trees to enhance the campers experience. This was accomplished through the efforts of 15 volunteers that put in a very long weekend.  Also a big thank you to the local residents who came out with a backhoe and helped us dig the trenches for the drip line.

 

  • 3rd weekend in May: At the Dave Deacon Campground in the Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area a group of 4 volunteers finished installing the wood covers on 10 large metal campground shade structures. We will need to return and finish installing the wood on the benches to complete the shade structure.

 

  • 1st Saturday of March: WHIN went to Lincoln County to do our spring adopt a highway clean-up, we met at Love’s Truck Stop and car-pooled to mile marker 32 where we started the clean-up.  There was the usual trash, tires, aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic, and broken car pieces. We had 7 WHIN members come and pick up trash along the highway. We filled up about 2 truck beds of trash.  It took about 4 hours to clean up, then we put all the trash bags in the pick up point for NDOT to come and pick-up. We then went to the Windmill for breakfast (a WHIN tradition), the food was great as usual and then we headed home.

 

2018

  • 2nd week of November: Overton WMA asked WHIN to assist them in repairing a  pit blind. The hole was located and several fiberglass patches were applied. This was a small project. A big thank you to a couple of WHIN members who completed this project.

 

  • 1st weekend in November: A group of volunteers from WHIN gathered to finalize the forgoing maintenance project.  The old existing pipe was removed and replaced with 2” High Density Polyethylene pipe. New stainless steel 2” fittings were attached to the spring pipe. The HDPE pipe was rolled out along the ground surface and then sent into the existing trough. Rocks were piled over the end of the pipe to hold it in place inside the trough and to create an escape ramp for small animals should they become trapped inside. A 48’ by 48’ two-rail, pipe-rail fence was constructed around the trough to keep the surface water wildlife specific. The top rail is between 43” and 42” from the ground surface, and the bottom rail is between 23” and 22” from the ground surface. Rails are held in place by steel corners and upright posts. The distance between the posts is approximately 12’. Posts are held in place by having up to 2’ of post buried in the ground; posts are also held in place with 0.3 cubic yards of concrete per post. The 2” pipe was buried in a trench 2’ wide for ≤50’ near where it entered the trough. This was done to reduce the likelihood of damage from animals near the water source. Water was allowed to pour over the side of the trough saturating the ground on the downhill side. 

 

  • 3rd weekend in October: At the Dave Deacon Campground in the Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area a group of 8 volunteers fabricated 10 large metal campground shade structures. The fabrication was very skill intensive and was not a quick process. A huge thank you to the skilled volunteers who came up and welded the structure together. We will need to return and finish installing the wood to complete the shade structure.

 

  • 2nd weekend in August: Four 1,800-gallon tank wildlife guzzlers were set upon graded and leveled tank pads measuring 16’x36’.  The system when full will have a capacity of 7,200 available gallons of water. The entire system relies on rainfall exclusively for recharge and will accomplish this by collecting precipitation on a 60’x40’ on-ground steel apron. The apron is capable of collecting 1,496 gallons per inch of precipitation. Given the average rainfall in the area is approximately 10”, the apron is capable of collecting up to 14,961 gallons of water during an average rainfall year hedging its ability to withstand drought. The apron is set upon steel purlins which are anchored to the ground using a combination of angled steel and rebar. Water is made available at an external drinker set at the same level as the tanks. As the water column in the drinker declines, the water column in the tanks does so at the same rate. This is a simple design with no moving parts which tend to fail and therefore interrupt the common water flow. This maintenance free design, with no moving parts, minimizes any significant issues which limits the water resource to our wildlife. A 96’x96’ pipe rail fence will be constructed around the drinker to ensure the water is kept wildlife specific.  This Project was accomplished by teaming up with NDOW and Mule Deer Foundation which resulted in over 30 volunteers working together to get this project completed. 

 

  • 3rd week of July: We went to Moapa Valley and refinished the WHIN sign. A new sign was installed. The posts that had rotted out were replaced and weatherized.  New holes were dug and our sign was installed. A big thanks to the 4 volunteers that took time to get this sign back up. 

 

  • 2nd weekend of July: WHIN went to McFarland Spring to run new piping from drinker #3 and about halfway to drinker #4.  This pipe weighs about 200+ pounds and is very difficult to move in rough terrain. We were very grateful to the laborers who helped us heft  and roll this pipe up the hill. These drinkers are located in a wilderness area so we are not allowed to use any motorized equipment. This project was a great success with approximately 6 adult volunteers and 10 youth helpers.  

 

  • 4th week in May: WHIN went to McFarland Spring to run new piping from the spring head to drinker #1 and drinker #2. This pipe weighs about 200+ pounds and is very difficult to move in rough terrain. We are very grateful to the Back Country Horsemen Club who assisted us in moving this pipe via “horse power”. These drinkers are located in a wilderness area so we are not allowed to use any motorized equipment. This project was a great success with approximately 20 volunteers who contributed. 

 

  • 2nd week of May: The WHIN project trailer was upgraded with new shelf. This should help make projects go faster. A big thanks to Greg Clark and his crew to getting it done. 

 

  • 1st week of April: WHIN returned to McFarland Spring to see how far the water had flowed to the other drinkers and to check for more leaks. There were several more leaks found and repaired between drinker #3 and #4. We continued to check the rest of the line for damage to the water supply line and to check the floats to make sure they were in good working order.  After checking the rest of the line for any issues, we decided that we needed to upgrade the drinkers from 30-gallon to 55-gallon drinkers and replace all floats and valves. This would take some planning and a lot of manpower to get it accomplished. 

 

  • 2nd Saturday of March: WHIN went to Lincoln County to do our spring adopt a highway clean-up, we met at Love’s Truck Stop and car-pooled to mile marker 32 where we started the clean-up. There was the usual trash of blown tires, pop cans, glass and plastic bottles and broken car pieces. We had 5 WHIN members come out to help pick up trash along the highway. We filled up almost 2 full truck beds of orange trash bags. It took over 4 hours to clean up, then we dropped off the trash bags at the pick-up point for NDOT to come and pick up. We then went to the Windmill for breakfast (a WHIN tradition).

 

2017

  • On the 2nd week of July our pipe order came in so we went to McFarland Spring again. We were able to reach drinker 1 and had enough pipe to start toward drinker 2. We ran out of daylight so we stashed the 2nd roll on the hill. This section of the line is on steep ground and we were trying to find a better way to string the line along the hill side. Bill contacted the Back Country Horseman who had been such a great help to us on this project in 2015 and was told that they were busy doing trail restorations until some time in late September, but they were all about helping us out then. We will wait to hear from them so we can finish this part of the project.

 

  •  On the last week of June Bill DeJuncker went to Pine Spring to check on the amount of water in the trough. The cattle had it bone dry and Bill found a dead deer laying next to the trough. This is very upsetting and we hope that in 2018 we can get the steel fence built around the corral so we don’t lose any more deer.

 

  • In the first week of June WHIN went back to McFarland spring with 1000 feet of new pipe to replace the old pipe with. Water was over flowing at the stock tanks at the end of the line so our repairs had held up until we got back to the spring. It took all the rest of the day to get the new pipe installed, and we found out that we were at least 2 rolls of pipe short of reaching drinker 1. We went back to town and ordered 2000 feet of pipe and are waiting for it to arrive.

 

  • On the 2nd week in May WHIN went to McFarland Spring to turn on the water and fix any leaks that we find. Winter was very good to us as above average snow fall was recorded. The spring flow was much improved over the previous year and water would not be a problem this year. What was a problem were the numerous leaks from the spring head to drinker 1. Most of the day was spent fixing all the leaks. The poly line that feeds all the drinkers is 25 years old and needs to be replaced, so after returning to town Greg Clark said he would find a source for WHIN to purchase new pipe. Greg found a source and we ordered 1 roll of pipe (1000 feet), it took two weeks for the pipe to arrive and another trip to the spring was scheduled.

 

  • On the 4th Saturday of March WHIN went to Lincoln County to do our spring adopt a highway clean up, we met at Love’s truck Stop and car pooled to mile marker 32 where we start the clean up. There was the usual trash, tires cans glass bottles plastic and broken car pieces. It took about 2 hours to clean up, then we put all the trash bags in the pick up point for NDOT to come and pick up. We then went to the Windmill for breakfast ( a WHIN tradition), the food was great as usual and then we headed home.

 

2016

  • In later October WHIN went to Lincoln County to do the Fall adopt a highway clean up. Due to hunting season we had a low turn out for this project. It took about 2 hours to complete and then breakfast was served at the windmill, a WHIN tradition. We look forward to the spring clean up in 2017.

 

  • In August WHIN once again went to McFarland Spring, this time with a roto rooter with a 100 foot long snake. We had great expectations of being able to increase the water flow but there was nothing in the pipe preventing water flow as had been in the past. What we need is a very wet winter and hopefully that will restore the normal good flow to the spring. We will pray for rain and hope it happens.

 

  • In July WHIN was asked to help NDOW and the Meadow Valley Mule Deer Association build a new elk drinker in area 23 in the Mount Willson Range. Work started early, there needed to be an apron built 2 water tanks and the drinker placed and all the plumbing run to everything. Old fencing also need to be removed and a new fence built to keep the horses out so they would not be able to destroy all the  work that had been done. It took till dark but all the work was completed, thanks to everyone that showed up to help with this project.

 

  • In the 3rd week of June our roto rooter was repaired so WHIN went back up to McGFarland Spring to try our luck again. Water was finally at all the drinkers so we went to the spring head and started to work on improving the water flow. We used all of the 75 foot line that our roto rooter has and after chasing the pipe many times, we had not improved the water flow. A decision was made to rent a roto rooter with a longer snake on it, so we left with water to all the drinkers but with very low flow from the spring.

 

  • WHIN made it back to McFarland Spring in the 3rd week of May, the water made it to drinker 1 and was on its way to drinker 2 but there were a couple of major breaks in the line. All the breaks were fixed and water was starting to flow into drinker 2. We then headed back to the spring head with the roto rooter and started to clean the pipe when the roto rooter broke so we had to stop and plan another trip after the roto rooter was fixed.

 

  • In the second week of May, WHIN went to McFarland Spring to turn on the water to the elk drinkers and to check the entire system for any repair that might be needed. The water flow was the lowest we have seen in 25 years, we fixed all the leaks between drinker 1 and the spring head. Water flow was so slow that we will be back later in the week to see how far the water had traveled. We also decided to bring the roto rooter on the next trip to see if we could increase the water flow.

 

  • In the last week of April, WHIN went to Pine Spring to do our spring check on the water flow of the spring and the condition of the feed line, float and trough. The feed line was in good condition, the water flow was normal and the float and trough were also in good condition. Cattle are the problem and keep the trough empty in the summer months and we are loosing deer because of them. Matt Flores of NDOW has got approval to put a steel pipe fence around the existing corral, but not until 2018.

    

  • In the first week of April WHIN went to Lincoln County to do the first of 2 adopt a highway clean ups. As usual we all met at Love’s at I 15 and the 93. It is only about a 40 minute drive to our section of highway and the weather was cool and clear. We finished the clean up in about an hour and a half, and then went to the Windmill for breakfast. The highway looks so much better after we clean it up and kind of makes you feel proud that you were part of doing it. WHIN welcomes anyone that would like to help, just check our web site for the month and time.

 

2015

  • In November it was again time to do our fall adopt a highway clean up. As usual we met at the Loves Truck Stop at 7am and car pooled from there to the site. WHIN had 9 members show up to help and the work went fast. You can really tell a difference to the highway when we are done. Per our custom, Breakfast was had at the Windmill in Alamo and then back to Love’s and then home.

 

  • WHIN had put the word out on social media and some phone calls, that help would be needed to complete the work in just one day. We had a great response to our call for help as there were 35 to 40 people that showed up to help! We had to figure out how to keep that great food from the Road Kill Grill warm all day as the work took place. Cindy Picardo and the Four Seasons Hotel came thru for us by letting us borrow a commercial grade warming cabinet so everything would be hot and ready at dinner time (Thanks Cindy). The Back Country Horsemen were there and ready to go when we pulled up to the staging area. A plan was quickly put together end everyone started up the mountain. It was a long day and work went on till dark. The last 3 off the mountain were Dave Czarneki, Don Nash, and BIG Jim Sage and his horse. Dinner was served as a buffet style and every one was pleased with our choice of food from the Road Kill Grill ( Thanks Chuck ). Thanks to EVERYONE that helped with this project, this work would never have gotten done if it weren’t for the Back Country Horsemen (Thanks Terry, Big Jim for your efforts).

 

  • At June’s monthly meeting we now had a date from the Back Country Horsemen, we would do the complete rebuild at the end of July. This would be the first upgrade since building the drinker system in 1992 and we were excited to see it get done. WHIN decided that we would supply a dinner after the work was completed and the food would be purchased from the Road Kill Grill. All supplies needed had been secured and we can’t wait for July to get here.

 

  • At WHIN’S monthly meeting in May a plan was devised to improve the McFarland drinker system by replacing and upgrading the drinkers from 30 gallon to 55 gallon with new floats and valves. Greg Clark found all the new improved floats and valves need to make the upgrades, and Bill Halverson located a good source to get the 55 gallon poly drums and then painted them in camo so they would blend into the landscape. Bill also located a good place to buy the rebar that would be needed to secure the drinkers in place. We new that this would be a huge undertaking to place the new drinkers and remove all the old drinkers so we called on our friends from the Back Country Horsemen. Terry Jones and Big Jim Sage said that they would be happy to pack everything in and out for us but they had a very busy schedule and would get back to us with a time they could help.

 

  • In May WHIN went to Pine Spring to check on the water flow and the condition of the stock tank, float and the water supply line. This spring has always been a low flow spring and the water flow was normal. The float was in good working order and so was the water trough and water line. Wild cattle have been a serious problem to this water source as they drink it dry and the flow can not keep up with the demand, so in the summer months the trough is dry and the deer that use it are suffering and dying because of the lack of water. These are wild cattle that should have been removed and were not. The State owns the cattle as they are not branded. There has been feeble attempts by the state to remove the cattle but no real effort has been put forth. Matt Flores of NDOW has been trying to get BLM’S blessing on putting up a steel pipe fence around the corral where the water trough sits to keep the cattle out but it would allow the deer access to the water. We will keep you informed of the progress on this.

      

  • WHIN returned to McFarland Spring to see how far the water had flowed to the other drinkers and to check for more leaks. There were several more leaks found and repaired between drinker 1 and 2. We the continued to check the rest of the line for damage to water supply line and to check the floats to make sure they were in working order. After checking the rest of the line for any issues we decided that we need to upgrade the drinkers from 30 gallon to 55 gallon drinkers and replace all floats and valves. This would take some planning and  a lot of man power to get done. We scheduled to make a plan to proceed at our next meeting.

 

  • In early April WHIN went to McFarland Spring to turn on the water to our drinker system and check for leaks, water flow and float issues. There were many leaks between the spring head and drinker one. The water flow was very slow. All the leaks were fixed and water finally made it to drinker one. WHIN will have to come back in a week or two to check for leaks further down the line and bring our roto rooter to try to improve the water flow.

 

  • On March 20, 2015, WHIN went to Lincoln County to clean up the highway.  With lots of help for the volunteers we cleaned the up the roadside and then had a delicious breakfast at the Windmill courtesy of WHIN.  Great times and good food.

 

2014

  • On February 15th WHIN working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service went to Wamp Spring located on the Desert National Wildlife Refuge to remove a poachers blind as well all the wood and metal and garbage from an old cabin site located just below the spring. This is one of the few year round springs located on the north side of the refuge and the primary user of this spring are mule deer. Within a mile of the spring we spotted 3 mule deer bucks that reaffirmed the use of the spring by mule deer. One pickup load of lumber and metal were removed and hauled off to Vegas and disposed of. WHIN would like to thank Matt and Harry of USFWS for bringing this project to our attention and of course all the WHIN members that came out and helped on the project.

 

  • On February 8th the Fraternity of the Big Horn Sheep had a project named Ken located in the Last Chance Range. The scope of the project was to update Ken to the new maintenance free system that included placing new water tanks and a new drinker as well. Approximately 40 members and friends of the Fraternity showed up to help. WHIN had 5 to 10 members show up to help out and the project was completed in just one day. WHIN looks forward to working with the Fraternity on future projects.

 

2013

  • On August 3rd WHIN had a winter feed planting project at the Overton WMA There was a good turn out of about 15 people to help with the project. When we arrived we found out that Tim and his staff at Overton had already planted the seed. Brock Perry knew that the blinds needed repair so a new plan was devised to get that work done. 8 blinds were worked on and put back to hunting condition. With winter feed in the ground and the blinds back in shape we should have good hunting out in Overton this coming season. Thanks to everyone that helped on this project.

 

  • On July 14th WHIN went to Key Pitman and planted winter feed to encourage ducks and geese to stay on the refuge and encourage nesting as well. We also put up an electric fence to keep the cattle out of the newly seeded areas. There were also three new blinds built and some blind repair as well. WHIN would like to thank Brock Perry for bringing this project to our attention. If this planting works as well as the Overton planting did last year we should have many happy hunters at Key Pitman. Thanks to everyone that came out and helped with this project.

 

  • On June 24th 7 members of WHIN met at Loves Truck Stop at I 15 and highway 93 to clean our section of highway in Lincoln County. We started at Lincoln mile marker 31 and cleaned up two miles of discarded trash that is thrown from cars and trucks as they travel down the highway. We were blessed with a cloudy morning and a gentle breeze that kept us cool while we worked. Thanks to everyone that helped.

 

  • WHIN had 2 members help with the Fraternity of the Desert Big Horn Sheep on May 4th with their tank replacement of project Judy. The reason for this was that a wild fire had destroyed the existing tanks. The first thing to be done was to cut up the melted tanks and fly the debris out, then fly the new tanks in and plumb them to the drinker. Keven Picardo and Michale Guest arrived to late to be flown up on the mountain to help. So they stayed at the landing site and unloaded and reloaded on trailers the melted tanks as they came off the mountain. Then as the project was ending they unloaded all the equipment used on the project and loaded it into the fraternity trailer so that when the people started to be flown off the mountain the work of cleaning up and loading up was already done. After a little ribbing for not being on the mountain they were thanked for their efforts.

 

  • WHIN was asked by the Las Vegas Hunting and Retriever Cub to help them out with their spring hunt test on February 23rd and 24th. This was held at the Overton Wildlife Management Area. There were over 100 dogs that tested that weekend. Dogs came from all over the west some from as far as Colorado. Saturday night they held their annual fundraising Banquet and it was a huge success. Sunday the test continued and at the end of the day a special raffle was held for the volunteers that helped out. Robert Werner was the proud winner of a Weatherby Shotgun. WHIN looks forward to working with the LVHRC again.

 

  • On April 13th and 14th WHIN worked with the Fraternity of the Big Horn on their Bare # 1 project located just south of Beaty. This was an overnight project and most everybody brought their trailers and camped out. The project consisted of a complete new build. There was a 80X40 foot metal apron constructed on site 5 tanks were installed along with all the plumbing and a new drinker as well. Almost all of the work got done on Saturday leaving small chores and the installation of the new drinker for Sunday. Saturday night Jelindo Tiberti cooked 40 steaks and I can tell you you have never had a better steak anywhere. Sunday proved to be challenging for a while but with persistence the drinker was finally in place. What a transformation from a sage brush covered hillside to a beautiful sheep drinker. The Fraternity knows how to get things done.

 

  • In late March Ron Reed went to cold creek to turn on the water to the drinkers and access the mile and a half water lines for breaks and the floats for repair. There were several small leaks that he repaired and one big leak that was needing more attention. Ron reported back to WHIN the status of the line. In early may 6 members of WHIN went to cold creek and repaired the major leak in the line. They also walked the line and did a temporary repair on a float valve and found that the water had reached all 6 drinkers and was spilling over the stock tanks at the end of the line. WHIN has decided to replace drinkers 4, 5, and 6 with new 55 gallon poly drums, they have been purchased and are waiting to be painted in camo before they are installed. Stay tuned for the date this project.

 

  • On February 9th WHIN assisted the Fraternity of the Big Horn Sheep with a complete rebuild of their Poppy drinker located in the North Mc Cullough range. WHIN was asked by then President Paul Harris if we could supply labor for the rebuild. We had 15 people show up to help. If you have never been to a sheep guzzler built by the Fraternity you should make plans to help them on one of their projects. They are things of beauty, and the sheep like them too! It is a lot of work but well worth the effort. You will get a free helicopter ride in and out of the project, plus the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping the sheep. They helicopter everything they need up to the site, like pallets of cement, generators, new tanks, cement mixers, all tools, piping, and they fly out ALL the old tanks and anything that needs to come off the mountain. WHIN looks forward to helping the Fraternity on future projects later this year.

 

2012

  • On December 2nd WHIN did our first clean up of our adopt a highway in Lincoln County. We had a good turn out for this project and our section of highway looks great. Thanks to everyone that participated in the clean up.

 

  • On November 17th WHIN members and eager youths planted grasses, shrubs and trees in degraded and altered sites on Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established September 10, 1979, to secure habitat for the endangered Moapa dace, a small fish commonly found throughout the headwaters of the Muddy River system. In the last decade, dace populations have declined due to habitat destruction and modification. Competition with introduced species such as the mosquitofish and shortfin molly have also added to the dace’s decline. The Moapa White River springfish, however, compatibly coexists with the dace. The refuge is located on 116 acres in northeastern Clark County and is approximately 60 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada. Dace habitat on the refuge consists of stream channels supported by six thermal springs emerging near the center of the refuge. The refuge strives to re-create and restore the natural habitat for a variety of the indigenous local species including the endangered Moapa dace. Planting native plants is an important part of the restoration process as they compete against exotic species, stabilize disturbed soils, and provide a natural habitat for wildlife.

 

  • On August 5th WHIN along with the Las Vegas Retriever club planted winter feed at Overton Wildlife Management Area to promote the nesting of all waterfowl that use the OWMA. At least 9 areas were planted and are doing very well. WHIN would like to thank Brian Passow and Jason Peterson from the Mossy Oak Pro staff for helping obtain the proper seed that was used in this project.

 

  • On April 21st The Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn with members of WHIN performed minor repairs, painting, etc. at 7 projects at the Last chance range, located just north of Pahrump. Craig Stevenson had the great idea to do all the maintenance on the project in one weekend which saved money and time. We broke up into small work parties of 4 to 6 people, and were air lifted by helicopter to the various projects so as to get all the work done in one day. After a long day of work the Fraternity brought out the big BBQ pit and World Renowned Chef from Italy, Jelindo Tiberti and his sous chefs, to burn some nice thick steaks with all the fixings for everyone that stayed for dinner.

 

  • On April 18th a couple of WHIN members went up to Cold Creek for the annual spring opening and checking the drinker system. There was still snow pack on the peaks and small patches along the trials. The spring head was reached with no challenges and water was restored to the system successfully. The line and six drinkers are all in tact and minor repairs were made where possible. There were about three (3) dozen elk spotted grazing in and around the lower tree lines as well as on the trail heading down the hill. There are still a couple repairs needed that we are looking to schedule in the upcoming week or two. Contact us to get the schedule and come help us finish the spring project.

 

  • On March 31st WHIN along with US Fish and Wildlife Service Planted over 500 trees and plants. We had a good turn out of 14 WHIN members. With Keven and Trevis on the auger it took only 2 hours to complete the planting. Then we traveled to the Alamo Truck Stop and put up our new sign. A special thanks to Kes Anderson of Pathfinder Signs for the complete donation of the sign.

 

  • On March 18th 10 members of WHIN went to Pine Spring for Phase 2 of an ongoing project. First thing done was to camo paint the old large steel storage tank. The next step was to remove and haul away all the old sinks, tubs, and galvanized drinkers that were not in use.Next step was to place a new drinker one canyon over from the existing stock tank drinkers located inside the coral. Then we ran a new water line to the drinker. Next there were numerous leaks at the pipe coming from the spring head that were repaired. When we left, water was flowing freely to the stock tanks as well as the new drinker. A special thanks to our youth members Wally, James, and Robert Werner along with Vikki Werner and Mike Guest for being the Rembrandt’s on the tank.

 

  • On January 22nd 6 members of WHIN went to Pine Spring for some repair and restoration work. The spring was roto rooted and the water flow was increased from 4 1/2 gallons per hour to about 10 gallons per hour. Then we repaired 5 bullet holes in the large storage tank. Phase 2 is in the planning stage and will be done soon.

 

2011

  • WHIN in partnership with U S Fish and Wildlife Service Planted over 100 plants and trees at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge ( Corn Creek ). This project was the final step in restoring a wetlands area that used to be there in the early days of the refuge.

 

  • 5 WHIN members along with 1 NDOW Biologist and 1 U.S. National Park Serviceman and 2 Nevada Bass Anglers volunteered on completing phase 2 of building and placing fish habitat structures in coves just south of Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mojave. This was a lot of fun. If you can ever make it, you won’t regret it.

 

  • WHIN donated $1,500.00 to NOW, (Nevada Outdoorsmen in Wheelchairs) a non profit organization providing hunting and outdoor experiences to individuals with disabilities who are confined to a wheelchair. The funds will be used to assist two wheelchair bound individuals to hunt antelope on a private ranch for the 2011 season. For more information about NOW, visit their website. www.nvoutdoorsmen.com

 

  • WHIN and 13 members walked the McFarland Spring drinker line in Cold Creek. They removed many fallen trees that were restricting the water flow to the drinkers. 1 float repair and 1 tank repair were also completed to the overall system. After all the work was completed everyone enjoyed hot dogs and burgers. Thanks go out to the Werner family and everyone that helped with the repairs. WHIN would like to extend an extra “THANK YOU” to Ron Reed for his continued support with this annual project. Ron has spent time over the past several years checking and making minor repairs to the drinker system on his own and providing updates to the WHIN team.

 

  • WHIN along with 2 NDOW and 1 AGF biologists and 15 volunteers from Creech AFB completed phase 1 of building and placing fish habitat structures in coves just south of Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mojave.

 

2010

  • Yearly maintenance on McFarland spring, water flow was excellent but had to repair a few leaks and two floats on the tanks. A special thanks to Ron Reed for his help with this project.
  • WHIN paid $2,800 for helicopter air time for the successful capture and placing of radio collars on three elk in area 24. This will allow NDOW to monitor the movement of a new elk heard that is migrating between Utah and Nevada.

 

2009

  • Donation of $1,000 for printing of Nevada Hunt Journal in partnership with NDOW.
  • Donation of $2,400 for purchase of tracking collars to be used in mountains to track elk migrations. Project in partnership with NDOW

 

2008

  • Donation of $425 for youth conservation coloring book in partnership with Fraternity of The Desert Bighorn.
  • Donation of $4,500 for tracking collars to be used on big game in the clover mountain range. Project was in partnership with NDOW.
  • Donation of $3,000 to assist NDOW with purchase of backhoe and trailer equipment that will be used for maintaining southern Nevada wildlife guzzlers and other habitat projects.
  • 2007
    Donation of $2,500 to NDU-Nevada Wildfire Disaster Fund.
  • Donation of $4,090 for helicopter services to assist in flying water to Southern Nevada water guzzlers during severe drought period.
  • Project was in partnership with Fraternity of The Desert Bighorn.

 

2006

  • Annual maintenance and repairs to McFarland Springs wildlife watering system. The terminal stock tank was replaced with a fiberglass tank to provide greater longevity. While cleaning the spring head, a 28 foot root was removed and the flow increased significantly providing good pressure for the system downstream.
  • With assistance from Rockway Precast, WHIN delivered four concrete picnic table sets to the Sunnyside campground area. The equipment was donated by Meadows Mall Macys store.

 

2005

  • Contributed $4,500 to Idaho State University for Nevada Sage Grouse migration and habitat research project.
  • Contributed $15,000 to Ducks Unlimited for remediation and repair of the dykes and water control structures at Ruby Lakes WMA. The project is dedicated to helping with a major NV waterfowl nesting area and fishery.

 

2004

  • Youth Fishing Clinic and Derby by Shakespeare. WHIN donated $250 to educate youth.
  • Grassy Springs Fence Enhancement. WHIN furnished parts and labor.
  • McFarland Springs Watering System Maintenance and Enhancement. WHIN furnishes parts and labor for this ongoing work.
    Nevada Youth Range Camp. WHIN plans to sponsor two or more youth to this outdoor learning experience.
    Pine Springs, McCullough Mountains. WHIN plans water delivery and retention improvements.
  • Trough Springs, Spring Mountains. WHIN plans to reseed about 2,000 acres of burn; the proposal is working its way through the USFS. Significant help will be required by other outdoor groups, to be developed.
  • Donation of $3,800 for upgrading McCulloughs II game guzzler in memory of Denny and Wanna Selleck, in partnership with Fraternity of The Desert Bighorn. Guzzler to be renamed Selleck Guzzler.
  • WHIN contributed to delivering water by helicopter to game guzzlers in the Specter and Delmar range in partnership with Fraternity of The Desert Bighorn.
  • Contribution for supplies to control noxious weeds at Key Pitman Wildlife area

 

2003

  • Youth Trap Program: WHIN donated funds to assist the Nevada State Youth Trap Program with supplies and round fees for their monthly gatherings at the Las Vegas Gun Club in Northwest Las Vegas.
  • Grassy Spring Project: In conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the fenced riparian area is being revamped so wild horses and burros cannot continue to damage the water source.WHIN provided labor and lunch for the initial project. This is a continuing project and updates will follow as the project progresses.
  • Trout Rearing Stations: This Clark County School District program allows students to experience the process of raising trout fry so they can be released in Lake Mead.WHIN donated $1000 for materials to build and maintain two new trout rearing stations.
  • Overton Wildlife Management Area Seeding Project: 180 acres have been tilled and water lines are in place to support the new fields for water foul upland game birds and turkey inhabiting the area this spring and many years to come. WHIN donated $2,500 toward the supply of seeds for the project.
  • Echo Canyon Reservoir State Park, Annual Fishing Derby for children held on the weekend of June 7, 2003. WHIN donated $250.00 to be used for awards and certificates for winners of the event.
  • McFarland Spring water delivery system: Yearly maintenance was started in May, which included various repairs from the spring to drinker #2. Additional work will be done in June including cleaning out the main spring box and further repairs on the remaining five drinkers and feeder lines.

 

2002

  • McFarland Spring water delivery system: Yearly maintenance was completed in late April which included cleaning out the main spring box, replacing drinker tank #2, replacing floats and valves along with repairs on feeder lines.
  • Emergency water project for Bighorn Sheep: Three Southern Nevada mountain ranges, including the Muddy, McCullough Specter, received water to fill guzzlers due to lack of precipitation. WHIN donated $5,000.00 toward the project.
    Nevada Youth Range Camp:High school children enjoy a week camping and learning about rangelands and natural resource management. The camp headquarters is located at the Big Creek Campground in the Toiyabe Mountain Range Of Central Nevada. WHIN sponsored two youth memberships for the event.
  • Pine Springs project: An initial survey was performed to determine viable options for clean up repairs to the spring. This project is a continuation of the flagship filing for the ongoing “Water Rights For Wildlife” projects, which are dedicated to the late Charlie Crunden. WHIN is compiling information for a proposal that will be presented to NDOW for consideration of an on going maintenance program of Pine Springs.
  • Nelson Searchlight guzzler project: Approximately 32 volunteers from various Southern Nevada organizations worked together to transport 2,500 gallons of water to 17 Southern Nevada Small Game Guzzlers on the Nelson and Searchlight mountain ranges. WHIN assisted in organizing the event and finding various sponsors for materials and over 2000 gallons of water for the guzzlers. WHIN members also provided labor some of the personal trucks used for transporting the water to the guzzlers.
  • Noxious weed removal project at Key Pitman Wildlife Management Area. WHIN donated labor and tools for the project.

 

2001

  • Steptoe Valley WMA – Assisting contribution to a grant to implement a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) project in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), NDOW, DU and numerous other parties for the restoration and enhancement of 2000 acres of seasonal wetlands, wet meadows and riparian habitat. WHIN donated $5,000.00 plus volunteer labor to this project.
  • McFarland Spring-Renovation of water delivery system.Inclusive of a new 150 gal. Retention tank / drinker for the benefit of the Spring Mountain Elk Herd.
  • WHIN supported funding for the development and construction of three Water Fowling Stations located on two Southern Nevada Wildlife Management Areas. The Stations are in conformity with the American Disability Act (ADA). Special thanks to Ford Contracting and the Local Carpenters’ Union. WHIN funded $1,000.00 of this project.
  • Pahranagat NWR Headquarters Field Restoration Enhancement Phase II: WHIN contributed to and assisted in securing additional funding for the habitat improvement of the approximately 300 acres at the Headquarters fields, which includes a riparian corridor and an adjoining 600 acres of Wetlands Meadows. In cooperation with U. S. FWS, DU, Nevada Division of Wildlife Heritage Trust, Red Rock Audubon Society and a Private Foundation. WHIN donated $26,000.00 to this project.

 

2000

  • Reseeding 12,000 acres, due to wildfires, of critical wildlife habitat with native shrubs. WHIN donated $7,500.
  • Financial support to NDOW to host the year 2000 annual conference of the Association For Conservation Information.
  • Purchase of temperature data loggers for trout studies at Wayne Kirch WMA.
  • Assisted funding for Phase-one (Survey Design) of Paharanagat NWR Wetlands Restoration Project in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited (DU) and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

 

1999

  • The water rights to Pine Springs that WHIN filed for on behalf of the Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW) for the beneficial use of wildlife was approved by the State Water Engineer and granted to NDOW. – McCullough Mountains, Clark County.

 

1998

  • Wetland vegetation management on Ruby Lake NWR to create open areas and more productive duck nesting and feeding areas. – Elko County. WHIN donated $10,000.
  • Boundary fence for Pahranagat Lake NWR to restrict cattle grazing on adjacent BLM allotment to protect upland wildlife habitat. – Lincoln County. WHIN donated $3,500.
  • Additional fence enclosure around McFarland and Mack’s Canyon springs and associated meadows to protect from horse damage. – Spring Mountains. WHIN donated $1,200.

 

1997

  • Constructed enclosure around Fence Spring to protect from horse damage to benefit elk, mule deer and other wildlife. – Spring Mountains, Clark County.
  • Assisted in constructing second elk water developments with 9,200-gallon capacity and sponsored BBQ for workers. – Reed’s Cabin Area, Wilson Creek Range, Lincoln County.
  • Major maintenance of McFarland Spring head box that delivers water to pipeline and seven (7) wildlife drinkers for elk and other wildlife. – Spring Mountains, Clark County.
  • Water control structure to increase waterfowl and shorebird habitat – Middle Pahranagat Lake, Lincoln County. WHIN donated in excess of $10,000.

 

1996

  • Fish Barrier to control undesirable fish – Upper Pahranagat Lake, Lincoln County.WHIN donated in excess of $10,000.00.
  • 1,000 –acre Pinion-Juniper tree chaining to enhance shrub grass cover for elk and mule deer – Woods McCullough Creek, Wilson Creek Range, Lincoln County. WHIN donated $5,000.00.
  • Assisted in constructing first of two (2) elk water developments with 9,600 gallon capacity – Reed’s Cabin Area, Wilson Creek Range, Lincoln County.

 

1995

  • Constructed access ramp out of mine pit for Desert Bighorn Sheep – Bare Mountains, Nye County.

 

1994

  • Gamble Quail trapping of approximately 250 birds and transplanting them into the Las Vegas Valley and other Southern Nevada guzzlers.

 

1993

  • Assisted with dredging bottom of lake to remove undesirable aquatic plants – Tule Lake, Floyd Lamb State Park, Clark County.
  • Constructed two (2) wildlife drinkers on the Mud Springs / Meadow Complex – Spring Mountains, Clark County.

 

1992

  • Constructed enclosure around Mud Springs/Meadow complex to protect from horse damage to benefit elk, mule deer and other wildlife – Spring Mountains, Clark County.
  • Constructed horse enclosure around McFarland Spring and associated pipeline with 7 wildlife drinkers for elk; involves annual maintenance – Spring Mountains, Clark County.
  • Assisted Division of Wildlife in radio-marking elk to determine habitat use – Wilson Creek Range, Lincoln County.
  • Assisted in the construction of the handicapped duck hunter access ramp and platform along with ½ mile of fencing for more effective livestock grazing – Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Lincoln county. WHIN provided all the materials for this project.
  • Gamble Quail trapping of approximately 300 birds and transplanting them into the Las Vegas Valley and other Southern Nevada guzzlers.
  • Tree planting – Pahranagat NWR And Overton Wildlife Management Area (WMA).