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Steptoe Valley Wildlife Management Case Study

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Introduction

The Steptoe Valley Wildlife Management Area (SVWMA) is located immediately south of Ely, along U.S. Highway 93/50 in White Pine County. The property consists of 6,426 acres and includes Comins Lake, which is located about six miles south of Ely near the area headquarters. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has had a long-term interest in the acquisition of this valuable property, dating back to the 1980s. Ely community leaders, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), and numerous other partners worked together to make the purchase happen with NDOW’s acquisition of the property in 1999. The property was established as the Steptoe Valley Wildlife Management Area in 2000. The area surrounding SVWMA has a rich history of use by Native Americans and early explorers. For over 130 years, mining has played an important role in the economy of Ely. Ore was discovered on Ward Mountain leading to the formation of the Ward Mining …show more content…

Over 20 species of ducks have been recorded on SVWMA. The most common species include northern pintail, mallards, gadwall, canvasbacks, and ruddy ducks. Ducks nesting on the area include northern pintail, gadwall, northern shovelers, cinnamon teal, ruddy ducks, and others. Canada geese are commonly found on SVWMA; white-fronted and snow geese are infrequent visitors. Tundra swans visit SVWMA, but are relatively uncommon.

Big Game The largest elk herd in Nevada inhabits the mountain ranges surrounding SVWMA. SVWMA provides spring, summer, and early-fall habitat for elk, while adjacent public lands are important winter and spring ranges for elk that summer in the nearby Schell Creek and Egan mountain ranges. Mule deer use the area throughout most of the year. Pronghorn have increased dramatically in southern Steptoe Valley over the last several years and can be seen on the area from spring through fall. Upland Game and

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