The Nature Conservancy and the Timken-Sturgis Foundation teamed up to protect the Carson Valley's most biologically significant site by jointly acquiring the River Fork Ranch. This 780-acre property (formerly known as the Easterwood Ranch) lies at the confluence of the two forks of the Carson River. Several miles of the river's east and west forks lie within the property, as does the Brockliss Slough. The Ranch's freshwater wetlands and isolated cottonwood-willow stands provide important habitat for numerous migratory and nesting water birds including cinnamon teal, Sandhill crane, willet, and Wilson's phalarope. The Ranch also provides a vital connection to the adjoining Sierra Nevada for wildlife.

The property will be maintained as a working ranch and a wetland preserve allowing public visitation. The Nature Conservancy in cooperation with the Foundation, Pinyon Design, and other partners will restore the ranch's wetlands and riparian habitat, and develop a public outreach program emphasizing wetland and riparian interpretation and compatible ranching activities.

October 8-9, 2000 Minimal Field Observations Report "23 Hours on the River Fork Ranch"

October 19, 2000 Report Preliminary Ranching Information and Ideas

November 2, 2000 Bird List

November 8, 2000 Master Plan Program Draft

November 13, 2000 Soils Report

November 15, 2000 Master Plan Program Draft II

Color-Coded Maps

Cattle Fence Condition Map
Hydrology Map
Habitat Map
Ranching Map
Ranching Land Use Map
Soil Units
Soil Use Capability
Surface Water Flow Characteristics Map