The Flyer: July 2025

Dear NWA Supporters,

I hope this summer finds you well and that you are enjoying the beautiful weather and long, sun-filled days.

We have reached out to NDOW and WMA managers for updates to habitat conditions in the region and compiled them below. Hopefully, you will find the data insightful and useful.

As a reminder, consider joining us in supporting our Nevada wetlands and waterfowl conservation efforts at the 2025 NWA Fundraising Dinner. It promises to be a memorable evening of good food, great company and fun!

Event Details

When:
Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Dinner at 7:00 PM

Venue:
The Peppermill Reno
2707 S. Virginia Street
Reno, NV

Be sure and secure your tickets today!

Thank you for your ongoing dedication. We look forward to breaking bread with you on August 23—raising our glasses to Nevada’s wetlands, wildlife, and shared future.

Regards,
Willie Molini

STILLWATER

Wetlands are starting to have good sago growth, although areas are battling moss in the canals and keeping water flowing up to the north. Lead Lake and West Marsh are up and have significant nesting. Swan Lake, the Nutgrasses and Goose Lake are full as well. Efforts are underway to finish up bathymetry mapping in Tule, Doghead, and Lower Foxtail this summer, although Tule is a little behind in drying out. There should be some nice shorebird habitat in the fall.

CARSON LAKE WMA

Water is flowing into the Spring Pond growing good vegetation and holding birds. The Rice drain has some water that is irrigating swamp timothy, alkali bulrush, and some millet. Water allocations for Carson Lake will likely result in little change throughout season in water depths and distribution.

MASON VALLEY WMA

MVWMA staff created a new moist soil unit just east of the Bass Pond. Millets and swamp timothy were planted and irrigated at the end of June. Access to the pond will be just a short walk. Currently, staff is working on an ADA compliance hunting blind for this pond. Two hundred acres of overgrown bulrush was treated with herbicide in the Canvasback, Mallard, and Shoveler Ponds during the fall of 2024. The herbicide treatment was followed up with a prescribed burn conducted by Nevada Division of Forestry. The burn was followed up by intensive disking and drying of the Canvasback Pond. Crews are improving water deliveries within the pond creating swells and preparing to plant wetland vegetation. Look for Bass and Canvasback Ponds to be an easily accessible producers for the next few years.

Ninety percent of the wetland ponds were irrigated for moist soils or held water for aquatic vegetation. The Walker River Irrigation District increased storage water allocations which will provide plenty of ponds and opportunities for hunters on the opener. Take a close look at the Board with the pond names and the reflectors that show which ponds have water throughout the year.

OVERTON WMA

The wetland habitat conditions at Overton WMA are expected to be good this fall, water flows are expected to be normal on the Muddy River. The habitat on Pintail/Wilson ponds should have an abundance of Japanese millet and alkali bulrush. The marsh unites (Bulrush Plots) are growing well with wild sunflowers, Japanese millet and alkali bulrush. The food plots on the ends of the fields currently have a barley/sunflower mix. Plans for the area include planting two fields with corn within the next couple of weeks, and it should be ready to harvest in early October. After harvest, planting of wheat or barley in the corn stubble will commence.

STEPTOE WMA

Steptoe WMA is experiencing drought conditions with flows into the property currently registering below the 25th percentile. Several ponds are expected to be dry for most of the waterfowl season. Expect water in the following ponds during the waterfowl opening weekend: Shallenberger, Relict Dace, Fish Springs, Bluebill, Mosier and Sprig. Drought conditions have also affected Comins Lake with the current elevation about one foot below prescription. Waterfowl hunting conditions on Comins should be average to above average this season.

KEY PITTMAN WMA

Water conditions at Key Pittman WMA are below average. Nesbitt Lake is anticipated to be dry everywhere north of the buoys. Frenchy Lake is anticipated to have shallow water along the north and west shorelines with most of the lake being dry. The north ponds are expected to be flooded with 6-24 inches of water. The sego pond weed is abundant in the main lake units and the ponds have interspersed alkali bulrush, wild millet, and Baltic rush. The food plots have a healthy crop of winter wheat, barley, peas, sunflower, and alfalfa.

KIRCH WMA

Kirch WMA will be slightly below average on water levels for the opener this year. That said, there is still residual water in the seasonally flooded areas of Tule Reservoir and the Old Place impoundments for opening weekend, with levels expected to rise as the season progresses. Additionally, Field 3 will be planted with the annual winter wheat crop, which typically attracts waterfowl early in the season.

Don’t Miss the NWA Annual Fundraising Dinner — August 23, 2025!

Tickets:
• Adult (Beef, Chicken, or Fish entrée): $100
• Youth (ages 13–17): $70
• Children (12 & under): $50 (Chicken Tenders)

Each ticket also includes a one-year NWA membership (a $50 value for adults or $25 youth)

Highlights:
• Meet special guest Chad Belding of The Fowl Life
• Door prize raffles (one per meal), plus a special youth raffle
• Great prizes—only available at the dinner!

Why Your Support Matters

Your attendance helps fuel crucial wetlands advocacy across Nevada, funding projects like water delivery improvements, habitat restoration, and youth education—ensuring tomorrow’s generations can enjoy our unique desert ecosystems.