July 18, 2008
Nevada Habitat Acquired, Conserved by Elk Foundation
ELY, Nev.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has acquired nearly 200 acres of private inholdings in Nevada’s spectacular Goshute Canyon Wilderness. The acquisition prevents development, keeps intact a large sweep of wildlife habitat and opens public access.
The land eventually will be conveyed to the Bureau of Land Management, which administers Goshute Canyon Wilderness.
“This area is classic summer range for elk with perennial streams and aspen forests, ranging in elevation from 6,400 feet up to a dramatic 10,200 feet. It’s also home to deer, raptors, mountain lions, chukars and grouse,” said Bob Hammond, lands program manager for the Elk Foundation.
The inholdings, some 20 miles north of Ely, were part of Indian Valley Ranch owned by Michael and Dorothy Hastie.
“The Hasties approached us for help with this project. Thanks to their conservation spirit and lots of hard work, elk will always roam this special place in Nevada’s high country,” said Hammond.
The Elk Foundation obtained funding from a private donor, and White Pine County commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the acquisition.
In the 1990s, the Elk Foundation led a collaborative effort to re-establish elk in the area.