Big Springs Meadow

This 128-acre permanent conservation easement was donated by Nevada Gold Mines to the United States Fish & Wildlife Service as part of the Sage Grouse Bank Enabling Agreement. Portions of the Big Sprigs Meadow area provide significant habitat for greater sage-grouse and numerous other wildlife species, including wet meadow montane, big sagebrush shrubland, willow riparian habitat, and upland sagebrush habitat. These habitat areas provide escape cover, forage, and nesting cover to wildlife. The Property also supports various wildlife species, such as big game and pygmy rabbits, the latter of which is a species of Conservation Priority for Nevada.
The primary conservation value at Big Springs is habitat for greater sage-grouse, as well as opportunities for its restoration. Two main vegetation systems are targeted for treatment at Big Springs for use by sage-grouse: wet meadow montane and big sagebrush shrubland-upland with trees. Other wildlife species, particularly those associated with sagebrush and meadow montane, will benefit from the treatments designed to improve or protect habitat quality for sage-grouse. Pygmy rabbits, which have been noted at Big Springs, would be a case in point. This is true of numerous other species of conservation priority or special status. Additional conservation values include agricultural and cultural values due to its historic ranching use. Grazing has long been a part of the land management system for the Big Springs property, and the landowner intends to continue grazing it. The area provides open space and scenic values for use and enjoyment by humans and wildlife. Springs on the property may have supported historic and prehistoric use by European settlers and earlier Native Americans, as well as later use for agriculture and ranching.