Ongoing Projects

We are continually supporting projects that improve and restore wetland habitat in northwestern Nevada for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Stillwater and Carson Lake and Pasture remain top priorities for NWA.

Fall population surveys: NWA provides financial support for aerial waterfowl survey flights to collect waterfowl population data and habitat conditions for northern Nevada. These surveys have been conducted for 70 years, and NWA is proud to help keep them going. NWA members can access survey results at NevadaWaterfowl.org.

North American Wetlands Conservation Act projects: NWA is partnering with local organizations, including Ducks Unlimited and Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, in providing financial support for water delivery and flow improvements at Stillwater NWR and Carson Lake & Pasture. The goal of these projects are to give Stillwater and Carson Lake their own water delivery systems in Lahontan Valley and eliminate competition with other irrigation users.

Wetland habitat improvement: NWA works directly with local land management agencies to improve wetland habitat conditions and accessibility by helping to eradicate cattails and other invasive species. NWA members contribute to habitat improvement work through volunteer efforts and donations.

Quick Responses

As a non-profit with no government affiliation, NWA is uniquely situated to respond quickly and effectively to immediate needs.

In 2018, a botulism outbreak affected waterfowl populations and Stillwater and Carson Lake and Pasture. NWA and its members were some of the first on the scene to provide human and equipment resources needed to recover birds and help minimize impacts.

In 2018, we were able to buy the culvert pipe to bridge the “Big Dig” ditch at Carson Lake & Pasture to provide hunter access to the east side of the wetland.

In 2017, the CC dike breached at Battleground Point in the old Fallon National Wildlife Refuge Complex threatening to drain the wetland there. The NWA provided the emergency resources needed to repair the dike quickly.

Active Field Operations

For over 10 years, NWA has helped to support long-term research on wood ducks at Stillwater NWR, Fallon. This project is the largest wood duck banding program in the Pacific Flyway and collects information relating to recruitment and survival of ducks. NWA provides financial support for this work and NWA members have the unique opportunity to participate in annual banding and nest box surveys.

NWA works cooperatively with USFWS, Stillwater NWR and NDOW on the Carson Lake and Pasture and the Humboldt-Toulon Wildlife Management Area to ensure the best possible habitat management for waterfowl in these areas.

Youth Outreach

NWA’s main goal is to protect, enhance and maintain Nevada’s wetlands in a sustainable manner for present and future generations, and educating the youth of today is of premier importance to accomplishing this goal. NWA supports annual youth hunts in conjunction with local organizations such as the Canvasback Club and Wetlands & Wings that bring local kids together with mentors to get them involved in hunting and outdoor recreation. NWA also supports youth involvement with projects such as the Fallon Wood Duck Project, where kids get hands on experience building and checking nest boxes in addition to assisting with annual banding efforts.

Tax Break

The CARES Act, designed to help small businesses and non-profits through the pandemic, includes a provision to expand 2020 tax deductions, allowing individual taxpayers to deduct donations to charity of up to $300 on their 2020 federal tax return ($600 for a married couple) even if they take the standard deduction. Helping us, helps you!