Nevada Department of Wildlife. Duck Stamp Program. Fiscal Year 2015 June All Photos by Tim Torell

Nevada Department of Wildlife Duck Stamp Program Fiscal Year 2015 June 2014 All Photos by Tim Torell

Table of Contents Page Relevant Duck Stamp Nevada Revised Statutes... 1 Progress Report on Duck Stamp Projects Funded in FY 2014... 2 Summary of Proposed FY 2015 Duck Stamp Projects (table)... 9 Duck Stamp Account Budget Status (table)... 10 Proposed FY 2015 Duck Stamp Projects... 11

Relevant Duck Stamp Nevada Revised Statutes NRS 502.310 Duck stamps: Deposit of fees; accounting records; reimbursement of administrative costs. All money received pursuant to NRS 502.300 must be deposited with the State Treasurer for credit to the Wildlife Obligated Reserve Account in the State General Fund. The Department shall maintain separate accounting records for the receipt and expenditure of that money. An amount not to exceed 10 percent of that money may be used to reimburse the Department for the cost of administering the state duck stamp programs. This amount is in addition to compensation allowed persons authorized to issue and sell licenses. (Added to NRS by 1971, 940; A 1979, 300, 900; 1981, 539; 1985, 1708; 1993, 1668; 2001, 976; 2003, 1542, 2548) NRS 502.322 Duck stamps: Use of money received pursuant to NRS 502.300. 1. Before the Department may undertake any project using money received pursuant to NRS 502.300, it shall analyze the project and provide the Commission with recommendations as to the need for the project and its feasibility. 2. Money received pursuant to NRS 502.300 must be used for projects approved by the Commission for the protection and propagation of migratory game birds, and for the acquisition, development and preservation of wetlands in Nevada. (Added to NRS by 1979, 300; A 1981, 539; 1985, 1708; 1993, 1668; 2001, 976; 2003, 1542) NRS 502.324 Duck stamps: Reports to Legislature regarding program. The Department shall, not later than the fifth calendar day of each regular session of the Legislature, submit to the Legislature a report summarizing any projects undertaken, receipt and expenditure of money, and public benefits achieved by the program for the sale of state duck stamps. (Added to NRS by 1979, 300; A 1985, 1353; 1993, 1668; 2003, 1543) 1

Progress Report on Duck Stamp Projects Funded in FY 2014 Overton WMA Water Delivery Pipe Project A total of $41,500 was spent on water supply pipe and valves extending from Center Pond to the C 4 Field. Approximately 2,700 feet of 18 inch diameter PVC pipe and necessary fittings were purchased to replace deteriorated concrete ditches. This allows better management of our delivery system and conserves valuable water resources. The pipe is currently being installed by Wildlife Management Area (WMA) personnel and should be finished in early FY 15. Overton WMA Farming Approximately 50 acres were seeded this spring with barley, cereal rye, alfalfa and wheat. Ammonium sulfate fertilizer also was purchased to increase productivity of the fields. This project was completed by the Cooperator under the terms of the current farming and agricultural lease agreement. A total of $3,500 was spent on seed and fertilizer. 2

Overton WMA Water Outlet Structure Replacement A total of $3,200 was spent on pipe materials and water control structures. This improves our ability to effectively control water levels to improve habitat conditions in moist soil units and fields which benefit waterfowl and marsh birds. Installation of the materials is expected to be completed this spring or early summer by WMA staff. Overton WMA Vegetation Control A total of $3,100 was expended on herbicides to treat Russian olive, salt cedar, cocklebur, puncturevine, Russian knapweed, foxtail, yellow starthistle and other invasive weeds. Approximately 30 acres were treated. Herbicide applications were done by WMA staff. Key Pittman WMA Vegetation Control A total of $3,500 was spent on herbicides for noxious weed control and miscellaneous parts to repair sprayers. This funding was used to treat hoary cress, Russian olive, saltcedar, hardstem bulrush, cocklebur, puncturevine, phragmities and other invasive weeds. Approximately 25 acres have been treated and an additional 65 acres will be treated by the end of FY 14. Herbicide application was done by WMA staff. 3

Steptoe Valley WMA Noxious Weed Control Duck Stamp funds were used to purchase herbicides to spot treat hoary cress, Canada thistle, Scotch thistle and Russian knapweed throughout the WMA. Herbicide application was done by WMA personnel and approximately $3,500 was spent on herbicides. Locke s Ranch Noxious Weed Control A total of $1,600 was expended on herbicides and miscellaneous sprayer parts. These purchases were used to treat hoary cress, tall whitetop, Russian olive and saltcedar on treatments of the 440 acre parcel. Herbicide application was done by in house personnel and NDF Conservation Crews. Wood Duck Project Field work occurred continuously from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, including winter banding (hunting season) for the fourth time. A total of 320 Wood Ducks were banded for the first time (300 in 2012/13 and 768 in 2011/12), 74 of which occurred during the winter (compared to 13 in 2012/13 and 204 in 2011/12). A total of 261 (compared to 322 in 2013/14 775 in 2011/12) previously marked Wood Ducks were recaptured as part of the banding program. As this project also uses individually coded tarsal bands which are readable up to 100 yards with a spotting scope, an additional 648 (compared to 511 in 2012/13 and 716 in 2011/12) marked individuals were encountered. From this information it is quite clear that numbers were reduced substantially from the 2011 12 field season and remains unclear why. The extremely prolonged cold winter weather of both 2012/13 and 2013/14 clearly played a role in the numbers encountered during the winter efforts. The first nest checks were initiated during the 3 rd week of March, 2014. Nest initiation will end in early July, but as of the end of May 2014, 65 nests have been located (compared to 56 at end of May 2013 and 63 at the end of May 2012) in which 28 nests have hatched (compared to 14 at end of May 2013 24 at end of May 2012), 13 have abandoned, and 24 are still active. Therefore, the nesting effort in 2014 seems like a slight increase from 2013 & 2012 which had been in decline from 2009 to 2012. Forty seven (compared to 141 in 2012/13) banded Wood Ducks were shot and reported in the 2013/14 waterfowl hunting season, including 28 shot in Nevada (108 in 2012/13). California hunters shot and reported 14 bands (28 in 2012/13), suggesting harvest was reduced in the west possibly due to dry conditions. The 2013/14 hunting season estimated apparent harvest of 4.3% was slightly above the 0 3% desired for the restrictive harvest experiment treatment, but was better than the 9.2% in the 2011/12. When compared to the 2011/12 and 2012/13 harvest 4

treatments, this is the first time in the 3 years that the prescribed harvest objective was met. The prescribed experimental harvest rate for the 2014/15 hunting season will be similar to the liberal 2012/13 season at 20 30%. We have already made an announcement that a raffle will be held in March 2015 in which people can only enter with wood duck bands to help encourage a higher harvest rate. Ben Sedinger was supported as a PhD student at the University of Nevada, Reno from July 1, 2013 through the present. A technician, Walker Price, is supported from March 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014. North American Waterfowl Management Plan Implementation Support A total of $10,000 was donated to Ducks Unlimited to help them implement the migratory bird projects that were developed as a result of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The projects primarily consist of wetland restoration, forage establishment and production, and the purchase of conservation easements in the prairie potholes regions of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Band return data shows that these two Canadian provinces serve as the sources for a significant number of waterfowl that pass through Nevada each year. 5

Mason Valley WMA Cattail Control A total of $3,500 was spent on herbicides to control cattail and hardstem bulrush in and around various ponds on the WMA. The herbicide will be applied aerially to approximately 170 acres by a private contractor in the fall of 2014. Mason Valley WMA Redhead Pumping Station A total of $5,500 from the Duck Stamp account was used to help pay the electrical power bill for the Redhead pumping station. With the use of this station and its associated well, approximately 700 ac ft of water from the Mason Valley State Fish Hatchery was moved to specified points in the eastern ponds of the WMA. The water from this well was used to create over 500 acres of suitable waterfowl habitat. Mason Valley WMA Joggles Well Pumping A total of $5,800 was expended on electrical costs for pumping at the Joggles Well. This pump was used from September 15 th October 15 th, 2014. The well enabled WMA staff to enhance roughly 500 acres of wetland for fall waterfowl migration. Carson Lake and Pasture Vegetation Control A total of $9,500 was spent on herbicides to be used for aerial spraying this fall at Carson Lake and Pasture. Approximately 250 300 acres will be treated at various ponds and drains located on the property. Scripps WMA Well Pumping The Scripps Well will be operated to add water to the tanks of spray rigs used to mix up herbicides to treat tall whitetop at the Scripps WMA. Mason Valley WMA personnel will target the areas in need of treatment. A total of $6,000 will be expended on electrical costs for well pumping by the end of FY14. 6

Key Pittman WMA Prescribed Fire A prescribed burn was performed on approximately 50 acres at the upper end of Nesbitt Lake to improve public access and habitat conditions for waterfowl and shorebirds. NDF Conservation Crews and WMA personnel constructed a fuel break in the fall of 2013 and the burn was completed on February 12, 2014. A total of $3,000 was spent on NDF Conservation Crew labor. Eastern Region WMA Weed Control A total of $3,750 was spent on herbicide treatments at the Bruneau River and Franklin Lake WMAs. Canada thistle, Scotch thistle, hoary cress, perennial pepperweed and leafy spurge were treated on State owned lands in a cooperative effort with USFS to clean up important waterfowl habitat. This effort will reduce further weed encroachment at these sites and diminish transportation of noxious weed seeds to other areas. Kirch WMA Vegetation Control A total of $2,000 was expended on herbicides, miscellaneous sprayer parts and personal protective equipment. Approximately 40 acres of phragmites, saltcedar, and Russian olive have been treated and an additional 190 acres of hoary cress, perennial pepperweed, Russian knapweed, and hardstem bulrush will be treated in June of 2014. Herbicide applications are performed by WMA personnel. Mason Valley WMA Noxious Weed Control A total of $1,500 was used for the purchase of herbicides to control noxious weeds. These funds were used in the spot treatments of hoary cress, perennial pepperweed, Canada thistle and Russian thistle by WMA personnel. 7

Mason Valley WMA Prescribed Burns Funding in the amount of $6,000 was used for NDF Conservation Crews to assist with a prescribed fire at Greenwing Pond and Swan Lake within the Mason Valley WMA. This allowed WMA staff to improve approximately 150 acres of habitat for waterfowl and public recreation. Mason Valley WMA Utility Terrain Vehicle A total of $6,750 was spent on a side by side all terrain vehicle with a sprayer installed for herbicide treatments. Noxious and invasive weeds will be treated using this vehicle. This project will allow WMA staff to improve habitat for waterfowl and improve access for public recreation. 8

FY 2015 Duck Stamp Proposals Title of Project Project Manager Funding Requested Overton WMA Pintail and Wilson Pond Tim Wood $13,613 Improvements Carson Lake and Pasture Sprig Pond Mike Zahradka $53,500 Improvements Carson Lake and Pasture Vegetation Russelle Smith $4,000 Control Key Pittman WMA Wildlife Food Plots Ron Mills $6,200 and Habitat Enhancement Key Pittman WMA Wetland Ron Mills $16,985 Enhancement Project Mason Valley WMA Cattail Control Russelle Smith $4,000 Mason Valley WMA Joggles Well Russelle Smith $5,800 Pumping Mason Valley WMA Prescribed Burns Russelle Smith $6,000 Mason Valley WMA Redhead Pumping Station Russelle Smith $5,600 Carson Lake and Pasture Prescribed Russelle Smith $12,000 Burns North American Waterfowl Management Mike Zahradka $10,000 Plan Implementation Support Overton WMA Farming Tim Wood $3,500 Overton WMA Water Delivery Pipe Tim Wood $40,000 Project Overton WMA Water Outlet Structure Tim Wood $4,000 Replacement Wood Duck Project Russell Woolstenhulme $21,000 Geolocators for Waterfowl Dispersal Russell Woolstenhulme $23,175 Patterns Project Eastern Region WMAs Weed Control Steve Foree $3,750 Total $233,123 9

Duck Stamp Account Budget Status (as of 5-29-14) Balance in the Account at Start of FY 2014 $ 531,085 Estimated Revenue Accrued During FY 2014 Estimated Total FY 2014 Expenditures Estimated Administrative Costs (10% of Revenue) $ 92,441 $ 142,950 $ 9,244 Estimated Balance at End of FY 2014 / Start of FY 2015 $ 471,332 Estimated Revenue to be Accrued During FY 2015 $ 92,441 Estimated Administrative Costs (10% of Revenue) Proposed New Project FY 2015 Expenditures $9,244 $ 233,123 Estimated Balance at End of FY 2015 $ 321,406 Note: The budget information in this table is preliminary and subject to change. 10

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Summary Project Title: Overton WMA Pintail and Wilson Pond Improvements Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Tim Wood PM Phone Number and Email Address: (702) 397 2142; tlwood@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $13,613 Other Funds to be Used by Source: $5,906 approved in FY 12 from Habitat Conservation Fee account Total Project Cost to be funded by All Sources: $19,519 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: This project would involve the leveling of Pintail and Wilson ponds at the Overton WMA. Both ponds are manmade and were constructed without a great deal of design criteria integrated into their development. Consequently, they do not have the topographical characteristics to provide the quality and quantity of habitat consistent with their potential. Due to a lack of design features, they tend to be too deep in some areas while being completely dry in others. The result is excessive production of emergent vegetation, a lack of balance between the amount of open water and vegetative cover, reduced acreage of quality wetland, diminished production of quality feed and feeding conditions for waterfowl and decreased hunting opportunity for sportsmen. In addition, these ponds currently require a great deal of water to fill with much of the water being wasted because it is not available for use by the waterfowl because of excessive vegetative growth. II. Project Location: This project is located on the Overton WMA near Overton, NV in Clark County. 11

III. IV. Project Approach: To determine how best to improve the Pintail and Wilson ponds, Ducks Unlimited will conduct a topographic survey and prepare a 1 foot contour interval topographic base map, and in association with NDOW prepare a detailed engineering design for the two ponds during the fall winter of 2014. The design will be a cut and fill balance that will result in more uniform pond bottoms that eliminate overly deep areas and spread water to areas that in the present state do not support shallow ponded conditions. The design will also improve water delivery and drainage providing improved overall habitat management ability. These improvements will allow NDOW staff to more readily conduct moist soil management to increase production of preferred waterfowl food plants. Besides the habitat improvements, with deeper areas within the two ponds filled, less water will be required to manage the units and provide optimal habitats for both waterfowl and hunters. The final design will include earthwork calculations that will be useable for preparing construction cost estimates for Phase 2 of the project. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: Providing desirable habitat and quality feed in these fields will attract and hold geese, ducks and shorebirds throughout the winter migration and nesting season. Hunting conditions will be improved in these ponds. Both wildlife and hunter use will be monitored throughout the season by either the check station or user activity cards. V. Project Schedule: Phase 1 of surveying & project design will be completed by Ducks Unlimited during late summer/early fall of 2014. Project construction will likely take place during FY 16 or 17 when other grant funding is available. VI. VII. Relationship to NDOW Plans, Policies and Programs: Nevada Board of Wildlife Commission Policy 66, states that primary management emphasis at the Overton WMA will be placed on the production of quality waterfowl habitat and the provision of hunting opportunities. Improvements to these ponds will greatly enhance the chances of meeting the intent of that policy. This project also will help achieve the following goal from NDOW s Comprehensive Strategic Plan prepared in 2004: NDOW will preserve and protect quality habitat and enhance deficient habitat; as well as the following related objective from the same document: Maintain, protect and enhance wildlife habitats on wildlife management areas by applying good science and best management practices through implementation of the WMA s Comprehensive Management Plan. Other Projects or Activities that Need to be Accomplished Before this Project Can be Completed and the Status of Such Activities: None Project Costs and Funding VIII. Cost Summary: All of the awarded funds ($13,613) would be used for Ducks Unlimited s survey and engineering design services. 12

IX. Would Funds from this Program Be Used for State Matching Purposes? Yes X No X. If Yes, Which Federal Grant Would the Matching Funds be Used For? WMA System Grant XI. XII. Is this Project Going to Continue After FY15? Yes _X No If Yes, is this Going to be an Annual, Recurring Project? Yes No _X If it is not going to be an Annual Project, What Fiscal Year is it Expected to End? FY_2017_ For Projects that will Continue After FY15, Define Dollars to be Spent by Fiscal Year: An estimate of the construction costs to level Pintail and Wilson Ponds is not available at this time. An estimate will be conducted once the survey of the project area has been completed and the design is done. 13

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Summary Project Title: Carson Lake and Pasture Sprig Pond Improvements Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that Would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Mike Zahradka PM Phone Number and Email Address: (775) 688 1563; mzahradka@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $53,500 Other Funds to be Used by Source: $15,000 NFWF Grant, $3,500 Nevada Ducks Unlimited and $10,000 in kind services (composed of NDOW equipment and operator time) Total Project Cost to be Funded by All Sources: $82,000 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: The proposed project will enhance approximately 1,200 acres of seasonal and semi permanent wetlands in the Sprig Pond Unit at the 30,000 acre Carson Lake and Pasture (CL&P) site by providing improved water delivery to portions of the Unit. It is complementary to a collaborative project between Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Ducks Unlimited (DU) and North American Wetlands Conservation Council that is being funded by a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant to enhance over 2,700 acres of wetlands in the Rice and York Units at CL&P. II. III. Project Location: Carson Lake and Pasture located in Lahontan Valley south of Fallon, NV. Project Approach: To complete this project, DU will conduct a topographic survey of the project site and prepare a 1 foot contour interval topographic base map, and in collaboration with NDOW prepare an engineering design, bid project construction, award the bid to the low bidder, and manage the construction effort. The design will include cleaning approximately 5,000 feet of the Lee Drain water conveyance canal, improving the flow line, rebuilding deteriorated canal banks, and installing four new water control structures. 14

IV. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: The amount of water available for habitat management at CL&P is limited and must be used as efficiently as possible. Canal cleaning will remove years of sediment build up, re grade the flow line, and increase canal capacity by up to 200%. Increased canal capacity and flow line improvement coupled with a new water control structure will greatly increase the speed of water delivery to wetland habitats in Sprig Pond. Reconstructed ditch banks will also aid in water conservation by reducing or eliminating water losses due to ditch overtopping and seepage as currently happens. The completed work will dramatically improve NDOW s water management capability, thus improving its ability to provide quality wetland habitat at CL&P. It will also reduce the amount of NDOW labor needed to deliver water to and flood the Sprig Pond, freeing staff to complete other on going maintenance and management efforts at CL&P. With an estimated 90% loss of historic Lahontan Valley wetlands, any work that improves the resiliency of this critical habitat is desperately needed. V. Project Schedule: The topographic survey and design will be completed between fall 2014 and spring 2015, with construction to occur during summer 2015. VI. VII. Relationship to NDOW Plans, Policies and Programs: The importance of Nevada to migratory birds was recognized in 1988 with the designation of the Lahontan Valley Wetlands (Churchill County) as a Site of Hemispheric Importance in the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network (Nevada Wildlife Action Plan 2013). Marshes are among Nevada s most diverse and prolific wildlife habitats. The occurrence of marshes on the landscape is critical to both the breeding and migratory needs of many species of birds. Nevada s marshes have astonishing capability to produce abundant populations of macroinvertebrates that fuel food chains, either through being consumed first by fishes or directly by shorebirds and small water birds. Hundreds of thousands of shorebirds migrate north and south through Nevada annually and are dependent on the availability of these highvolume invertebrate stocks to restore the fat reserves critical to reaching their breeding and wintering destinations. Arctic breeding shorebirds that depend on Nevada marshes for transitory fuel include Long billed Dowitcher (up to 100,000), Western Sandpiper (60,000+), and Red necked Phalarope (30,000+). These transient shorebird flocks are followed by migratory Peregrine Falcons en route between their wintering and Arctic breeding grounds. Up to 12,000 Tundra Swans and 30,000 Snow Geese also winter or migrate through Nevada. This project would help achieve the following goal from NDOW s Comprehensive Strategic Plan prepared in 2004: NDOW will preserve and protect quality habitat and enhance deficient habitat; as well as the following related objective from the same document: Maintain, protect and enhance wildlife habitats on wildlife management areas by applying good science and best management practices through implementation of the WMA s Comprehensive Management Plan. Other Projects or Activities that Need to be Accomplished Before this Project Can be Completed and the Status of Such Activities: A NEPA analysis of the project will be conducted in coordination with and by BOR staff from the Lahontan Basin Area Office in Carson City. 15

Project Costs and Funding VIII. IX. Cost Summary: The $53,500 contract with Ducks Unlimited is composed of the following elements: Ducks Unlimited personal services: Survey, Engineering Design, Construction Management, Environmental Compliance coordination costs = $10,415 Construction Materials (3 stop log type concrete water control structures, 1 culvert) = $6,800 Construction Contract = $36,285 Would Funds from this Program Be Used for State Matching Purposes? Yes _X_ No X. If Yes, Which Federal Grant Would the Matching Funds be Used For? WMA System Grant XI. XII. Is this Project Going to Continue After FY15? Yes No X If Yes, is this Going to be an Annual, Recurring Project? Yes No If it is not Going to be an Annual Project, What Fiscal Year is it Expected to End? FY For Projects that will Continue After FY15, Define Dollars to be Spent by Fiscal Year: N/A 16

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Summary Project Title: Carson Lake & Pasture Vegetation Control Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that Would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Russelle Smith PM Phone Number and Email Address: (775) 463 2741; rsmith@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $4,000 Other Funds to be Used by Source: $0 Total Project Cost to be Funded by All Sources: $4,000 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: This project would fund the purchase of herbicides and aerial application used in the control of undesirable vegetation such as cattail and hardstem bulrush at Carson Lake and Pasture. The vegetation control improves appearance, public access and wildlife habitat. Aerial spraying will be utilized to treat roughly 200 acres of emergent vegetation. II. III. IV. Project Location: Carson Lake & Pasture near Fallon, NV Project Approach: Herbicides such as AquaNeat and Rodeo will be purchased and used to treat approximately 200 acres. The aerial application will be done by a private contractor. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: Currently, cattails and hardstem bulrush have infested the York, Rice, Big Water and Sprig units. The long term goal is to reduce these invasive weeds and have more productive native aquatic vegetation emerge in the wetlands such as sago pondweed and alkali bulrush. Also, eradicating the cattails and hardstem bulrush will increase the habitat for shorebirds and wading birds. 17

V. Project Schedule: Vegetation control is an ongoing, yearly habitat management activity. The aerial spraying will occur during August September. VI. VII. Relationship to NDOW Plans, Policies and Programs: Managing Nevada s wetlands is a main priority set by the Commission. This will also allow us to achieve management objectives of 70% open water to 30% vegetative cover, which a common goal in all WMA Conceptual Management Plans. Other Projects or Activities that Need to be Accomplished Before this Project Can be Completed and the Status of Such Activities: None Project Costs and Funding VIII. IX. Cost Summary: $4,000 will be used to fund the purchase of herbicides and aerial application. Would Funds from this Program Be Used for State Matching Purposes? Yes _X_ No X. If Yes, Which Federal Grant Would the Matching Funds be Used For? WMA System Grant XI. XII. Is this Project Going to Continue After FY15? Yes _x No If Yes, is this Going to be an Annual, Recurring Project? Yes x No If it is not Going to be an Annual Project, What Fiscal Year is it Expected to End? FY For Projects that will Continue After FY15, Define Dollars to be Spent by Fiscal Year: Spraying emergent vegetation is a vital part of managing the Carson Lake & Pasture and the cost of herbicides and acreage to be sprayed will determine how much is spent each year. 18

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Summary Project Title: Key Pittman WMA Wildlife Food Plots and Habitat Enhancement Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that Would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Ron Mills PM Phone Number and Email Address: (775)725 3521; rmills@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $6,200 Other Funds to be Used by Source: $0 Total Project Cost to be Funded by All Sources: $6,200 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: The goal at Key Pittman is to maintain the existing habitats and enhance the habitats when and where possible for the benefit of wetland dependent species as well as other wildlife species. This will be achieved by completing annual plantings and vegetation manipulation to enhance habitats on the management area for the benefit of wildlife and increased hunter success. II. III. Project Location: Key Pittman WMA is located in the northern end of Pahranagat Valley in Lincoln County, Nevada. Project Approach: The food plot cycle begins October 1 st following the dove season. Fields are mowed, disked and seed drilled and irrigated. At the same time, the NW corner of the Frenchy Unit is mowed. In December and January, grass seed is broadcast in deficient habitats mostly created by noxious weed control. In February or March, the food plots are over seeded with additional cereal grains and sunflower. At this time, the northern impoundments are drained. In June, millet and sunflower is broadcast along portions of the pond edges. In mid July, grazing begins. During the last week of July, the food plots are strip mowed for the dove season. In mid August, the desirable vegetation (goose foot and alkali bulrush) has matured and the northern impoundments are mowed and flooded. At the end of September, the dove season ends and the grazing lease ends and the cycle starts again. 19

IV. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: Benefits: The food plot program incorporates cover crops, nitrogen fixing plants and cereal grains to provide forage to wildlife and maintain and/or improve the soil for better production, reduce noxious and invasive weeds and eliminate the need for commercial fertilizer. Results: Increased documented use of waterfowl, quail, dove, cottontail rabbit and deer, improved harvest of game species and a reduced need for noxious and invasive weed control. Benefits to non game species such as small mammals, raptors, song birds, reptiles and many others is another bonus of this project. The KPWMA Food Plot program is an ongoing, yearly habitat management activity. The results of food plots in FY15 will be evaluated for their effectiveness and benefit to wildlife and sportsmen. The results of this evaluation will determine what species will be planted in subsequent years. V. Project Schedule: Food plot plantings are an annual project at KPWMA and plantings are done in the spring and fall of each year. VI. VII. Relationship to NDOW Plans, Policies and Programs: Annual Habitat maintenance and enhancement is identified in all of the current WMA Conceptual Management Plans. Desired Outcome: Wildlife habitats that are in good ecological condition, capable of supporting a diverse array of wildlife species. Goal: Habitat is the key to the success of all wildlife populations. Effective habitat is an integral function of the Department of Wildlife. NDOW will preserve and protect quality habitat and enhance deficient habitats. Objective: Maintain, protect and enhance wildlife habitats on wildlife management areas (WMA s) by applying good science and best management practices through implementation of Comprehensive Management Plans on all WMA s (Comprehensive Strategic Plan). Achieve an overall goal of no net loss of wetland area or function and the long term goal to enhance and increase wetland quantity and quality within the WMA (Wetland Conservation Plan). Other Projects or Activities that Need to be Accomplished Before this Project Can be Completed and the Status of Such Activities: None Project Costs and Funding VIII. IX. Cost Summary: All of the project s funds will be used to purchase seed. Would Funds from this Program Be Used for State Matching Purposes? Yes _X No X. If Yes, Which Federal Grant Would the Matching Funds be Used For? WMA System Federal Grant XI. Is this Project Going to Continue After FY15? Yes X No If Yes, is this Going to be an Annual, Recurring Project? Yes X No If it is not Going to be an Annual Project, What Fiscal Year is it Expected to End? FY 20

XII. For Projects that will Continue After FY15, Define Dollars to be Spent by Fiscal Year: This project cost is dependent on the cost of seed in future years and is estimated that $6,200 would be spent annually. 21

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Summary Project Title: Key Pittman WMA Wetland Enhancement Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that Would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Ron Mills PM Phone Number and Email Address: (775) 725 3521; rmills@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $16,985 Other Funds to be Used by Source: None Total Project Cost to be Funded by All Sources: $16,985 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: This project would involve hiring Ducks Unlimited to perform survey and design work that would facilitate an improvement project on the north ponds at the Key Pittman WMA. Like many of the man made ponds on NDOWʹs WMAs, the north ponds were constructed without the benefit of engineering expertise and consequently do not provide the type of waterfowl habitat and hunting opportunity that they are capable of. In addition, the relationship with NDOWʹs neighbor to the north has been damaged because water from the furthest north pond occasionally floods his pasture which diminishes the available feed for his livestock. II. III. Project Location: Key Pittman WMA is located in the northern end of Pahranagat Valley in Lincoln County, Nevada. Project Approach: To determine how best to improve the north ponds, Ducks Unlimited will conduct a topographic survey and prepare a 1 foot contour interval topographic base map, and in association with NDOW prepare a detailed wetland enhancement design for the ponds. The design will result in more uniform pond bottoms that eliminate overly deep areas and spreads water to areas that in the present state do not support shallow ponded conditions. The design will also improve water delivery and drainage providing improved overall habitat management 22

ability. The final design will include earthwork calculations that will be useable for preparing construction cost estimates for Phase 2 of the project. IV. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: This project would fund Phase I of a wetland enhancement plan intended to provide better habitat conditions for waterfowl, better hunting opportunity for area users and would alleviate the situation under which the neighborʹs pasture gets flooded. The wetland enhancement plan created by this project would be evaluated by Habitat Division staff to determine if it meets agency objectives. Once it has been determined that the design created by this project meets agency objectives, funding will be sought to perform the actual ground work to accomplish the goals of the project. V. Project Schedule: The engineering survey and design work for this project will be completed in FY15. VI. VII. Relationship to NDOW Plans, Policies and Programs: Annual Habitat maintenance and enhancement is identified in all of the current WMA Conceptual Management Plans. Desired Outcome: Wildlife habitats that are in good ecological condition, capable of supporting a diverse array of wildlife species. Goal: Habitat is the key to the success of all wildlife populations. Effective habitat is an integral function of the Department of Wildlife. NDOW will preserve and protect quality habitat and enhance deficient habitats. Objective: Maintain, protect and enhance wildlife habitats on wildlife management areas (WMA s) by applying good science and best management practices through implementation of Comprehensive Management Plans on all WMA s (from NDOW s 2004 Comprehensive Strategic Plan). Other Projects or Activities that Need to be Accomplished Before this Project Can be Completed and the Status of Such Activities: None Project Costs and Funding VIII. IX. Cost Summary: All project funds would be used for engineering survey, design, and planning services provided by Ducks Unlimited. Would Funds from this Program Be Used for State Matching Purposes? Yes _X_ No X. If Yes, Which Federal Grant Would the Matching Funds be Used For? WMA System Federal Grant XI. XII. Is this Project Going to Continue After FY15? Yes X_ No If Yes, is this Going to be an Annual, Recurring Project? Yes No X_ If it is not Going to be an Annual Project, What Fiscal Year is it Expected to End? FY For Projects that will Continue After FY15, Define Dollars to be Spent by Fiscal Year: 23

Phase II of this project will begin after completion and acceptance of a Wetland Enhancement Plan. The cost of Phase II will be determined by the Wetland Enhancement Plan. 24

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Title: Mason Valley WMA Cattail Control Project Summary Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that Would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Russelle Smith PM Phone Number and Email Address: (775) 463 2741; rsmith@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $4,000 Other Funds to be Used by Source: $0 Total Project Cost to be Funded by All Sources: $4,000 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: This project entails the application of herbicides to cattails and hardstem bulrush in the wetlands to promote more suitable waterfowl and other wetland species habitat. The vegetation control also improves appearance and public access. Approximately 200 acres will be treated by aerial application. II. Project Location: The Mason Valley WMA is near Yerington, NV. III. Project Approach: Aerial spraying of about 200 acres of wetlands will be conducted in August September with aquatic approved herbicides such as Rodeo or Aqua Neat. Fire breaks will be maintained the following spring around the areas that have been sprayed. A controlled burn in the pond(s) that have been treated with herbicide during the following season will be conducted. 25

IV. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: Sites treated with herbicide will be evaluated after application of herbicides to determine the effectiveness of the timing, method and chemicals chosen for the treatment. Effective treatments will show a significant die off of targeted vegetation after treatment and reduced regrowth the following growing season. The vegetation control will improve habitat value and public access during hunting season. V. Project Schedule: The control of undesired emergent vegetation will be an ongoing, yearly habitat management activity. The aerial spraying will occur during August September. VI. VII. Relationship to NDOW Plans, Policies and Programs: Controlling emergent vegetation will allow for a healthier wetland and produce more areas for waterfowl to use for feeding. This is also stated in the Mason Valley WMA Conceptual Management Plan to provide 70% water and 30% vegetative cover in wetland habitats. Other Projects or Activities that Need to be Accomplished Before this Project Can be Completed and the Status of Such Activities: None Project Costs and Funding VIII. IX. Cost Summary: Funds will be used to purchase herbicides to be applied to the targeted areas on the WMA. Would Funds from this Program Be Used for State Matching Purposes? Yes _X_ No X. If Yes, Which Federal Grant Would the Matching Funds be Used For? WMA System Grant XI. XII. Is this Project Going to Continue After FY15? Yes x No If Yes, is this Going to be an Annual, Recurring Project? Yes _x No If it is not Going to be an Annual Project, What Fiscal Year is it Expected to End? FY For Projects that will Continue After FY15, Define Dollars to be Spent by Fiscal Year: This will be a recurring cost of approximately $4,000 annually depending on the price of herbicides. 26

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Summary Project Title: Mason Valley WMA Joggles Well Pumping Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that Would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Russelle Smith PM Phone Number and Email Address: (775) 463 2741; rsmith@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $5,800 Other Funds to be Used by Source: $0 Total Project Cost to be Funded by All Sources: $5,800 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: The Joggles Well allows us to deliver water to the eastside waterfowl pond series and Millet Plots after our storage and decree water has been used from the Walker River for the season. The goals for his project are to provide habitat for waterfowl during the fall migration. This also will be a benefit for sportsmen who want to hunt waterfowl at Mason Valley WMA. II. III. IV. Project Location: The Mason Valley WMA is near Yerington, NV. Project Approach: The well will be turned on and 340ac ft of water will be pumped in about 30 days to the eastside waterfowl ponds. This will enable the MVWMA crew to put water in areas that will be otherwise dry due to drought situations in the Walker River Basin. The crew will also check turbine oil levels and grease the well head as needed. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: The benefit of this project will be an increase in the number of ponds and desirable waterfowl habitat on the WMA. This will also provide more ponds for visitors to pursue waterfowl hunting in areas that would otherwise be dry due to the lack of decree and storage water available from the Walker River. 27

V. Project Schedule: The well will be run from September 1 st continuously until 340ac ft of water is pumped out of the Joggles Well. VI. VII. Relationship to NDOW Plans, Policies and Programs: Managing the state s WMA s for waterfowl habitat is the main priority set by the Commission and also part of the MVWMA Conceptual Management Plan. This project also provides an abundance of areas for public hunting that would otherwise be dry due to the lack of storage and decree water. Other Projects or Activities that Need to be Accomplished Before this Project Can be Completed and the Status of Such Activities: None Project Costs and Funding VIII. IX. Cost Summary: Approximately $5,800 will be spent on electrical costs to operate the well. Would Funds from this Program Be Used for State Matching Purposes? Yes _X_ No X. If Yes, Which Federal Grant Would the Matching Funds be Used For? WMA System Grant XI. XII. Is this Project Going to Continue After FY15? Yes _x No If Yes, is this Going to be an Annual, Recurring Project? Yes x No If it is not Going to be an Annual Project, What Fiscal Year is it Expected to End? FY For Projects that will Continue After FY15, Define Dollars to be Spent by Fiscal Year: This cost of approximately $5,800 will be a recurring cost every year depending on power cost. 28

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Summary Project Title: Mason Valley WMA Prescribed Burns Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that Would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Russelle Smith PM Phone Number and Email Address: (775) 463 2741; rsmith@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $6,000 Other Funds to be Used by Source: $0 Total Project Cost to be Funded by All Sources: $6,000 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: The purpose of this project is to burn off decadent vegetation in the wetlands at MVWMA to enhance the growth of more desirable moist soil plants and to increase waterfowl and other wetland species habitat. Also it will provide more open water for waterfowl hunters to access and improves hunting conditions. II. III. Project Location: The Mason Valley WMA is near Yerington, NV. Project Approach: There will be two Fire Crews from NDF that will conduct the burns for three days on approximately 200 acres. They will be burning areas that have been aerial sprayed the previous year. Fire breaks will be established by the WMA crew at Mason Valley. 29

IV. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: This will benefit waterfowl and other wildlife by increasing the growth of more desirable aquatic vegetation that takes the place of the cattails and bulrush. This will also allow waterfowl hunters more area to utilize. V. Project Schedule: This project will take place in the fall or spring of FY 15 and is dependent on the workload and availability of the NDF Fire Crews. VI. VII. Relationship to NDOW Plans, Policies and Programs: Burning decadent vegetation will be an ongoing management tool as stated in the Conceptual Management Plan. Using NDF complies with the Nevada Wildfire Protection Cooperative Agreement. Other Projects or Activities that Need to be Accomplished Before this Project Can be Completed and the Status of Such Activities: None Project Costs and Funding VIII. IX. Cost Summary: Funds will be used to fund NDF Fire Crews to assist with the prescribed burns. Would Funds from this Program Be Used for State Matching Purposes? Yes _X_ No X. If Yes, Which Federal Grant Would the Matching Funds be Used For? Wildlife Management Area System Federal Grant XI. XII. Is this Project Going to Continue After FY15? Yes x No If Yes, is this Going to be an Annual, Recurring Project? Yes x No If it is not Going to be an Annual Project, What Fiscal Year is it Expected to End? FY For Projects that will Continue After FY15, Define Dollars to be Spent by Fiscal Year: This will be an ongoing project and the funding is dependent on the fees that are charged by the NDF Conservation Camps. 30

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Summary Project Title: Mason Valley WMA Redhead Pumping Station Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that Would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Russelle Smith PM Phone Number and Email Address: (775) 463 2741; rsmith@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $5,600 Other Funds to be Used by Source: $0 Total Project Cost to be Funded by All Sources: $5,600 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: The goal for this project is to use the Redhead pump when there is no decree or storage water available from the Walker River. This will be run in tandem with the Joggles Well to put a bigger head of water into the Joggles Ditch for more efficient water delivery into the Eastside Wetlands. It will also be used to irrigate the Millet Plots if we do not have sufficient runoff in the Walker Basin in the spring. The purpose of this project is to provide more desirable waterfowl habitat at the MVWMA and provide more area for sportsmen to actively pursue waterfowl. Our objectives for this project will be to use this pump when decree and storage water is shut off from the Walker River for the year. It will enable us to provide more waterfowl habitat during the peak of the migration through western Nevada. II. III. Project Location: The Mason Valley WMA is near Yerington, NV. Project Approach: The pump will run for 183 days throughout FY 15 and checked on periodically by WMA personnel for regular maintenance such as greasing and checking turbine oil levels. Also, coordination with the MV Fish Hatchery crew will take place to make sure maximum flows will be headed to the pump. 31

IV. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: This project will benefit the MVWMA by having the capability to pump water to the east side wetlands when there is not any storage or decree water from the Walker River, therefore keeping pond levels at an optimum level during the fall waterfowl migration. This also allows us to pump hatchery water from the fishing series ponds during the spring when water levels are historically high from the hatchery outflow. This water improves habitat conditions for waterfowl and shorebirds. V. Project Schedule: This project will run throughout FY15. VI. VII. Relationship to NDOW Plans, Policies and Programs: Managing the state s WMA s for waterfowl habitat is the main priority set by the Commission and is also part of MVWMA Conceptual Management Plan. Other Projects or Activities that Need to be Accomplished Before this Project Can be Completed and the Status of Such Activities: None Project Costs and Funding VIII. IX. Cost Summary: Approximately $5,600 will be expended on electrical costs to run the well. Would Funds from this Program Be Used for State Matching Purposes? Yes X_ No X. If Yes, Which Federal Grant Would the Matching Funds be Used For? WMA System Grant XI. XII. Is this Project Going to Continue After FY15? Yes _x No If Yes, is this Going to be an Annual, Recurring Project? Yes x No If it is not Going to be an Annual Project, What Fiscal Year is it Expected to End? FY For Projects that will Continue After FY15, Define Dollars to be Spent by Fiscal Year: The dollars spent in each FY will depend on power cost. 32

Fiscal Year 2015 Wildlife Reserve Account Project Proposal Project Summary Project Title: Carson Lake & Pasture Prescribed Burn Wildlife Reserve Account(s) that Would Fund this Project: Duck Stamp NDOW Project Manager (PM): Russelle Smith PM Phone Number and Email Address: (775) 463 2741; rsmith@ndow.org Total Funds Requested from the Wildlife Reserve Account(s): $12,000 Other Funds to be Used by Source: $0 Total Project Cost to be Funded by All Sources: $12,000 Project Proposal I. Project Goals and Objectives to be Achieved: The goal is to burn of decadent vegetation at Carson Lake and Pasture in areas that have been treated with herbicides the previous year. This project will utilize NDF crews to perform controlled burns of decadent vegetation in the wetland areas. NDF is responsible for writing burn plans and performing controlled burns on state lands and this funding would help offset their costs associated with these tasks. II. III. IV. Project Location: The Carson Lake and Pasture is near Fallon, NV. Project Approach: The approach to this particular project will be to have NDF burn roughly 1,500 2,000 acres of decadent vegetation in the Rice and Big Water Units which have been sprayed with herbicide or died from lack of water. Fire breaks will be established by crews from Mason Valley WMA. This will in turn provide more desirable habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds during the fall and spring migrations. Describe the Beneficial Effects of the Project: The benefit of burning off old decadent vegetation is to allow for more desirable aquatic vegetation to take the place of the bulrush and cattails. Controlled burns are one of the best ways to regenerate growth in the wetlands. Removing the decadent vegetation will improve 33