Innovative Water Solution Proposed for Nevada’s Bighorn Sheep
CARSON CITY, Nev. — A strategic initiative to safeguard desert bighorn sheep in Hawthorne, Nevada, has been put forward by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The plan aims to deter these iconic animals from wandering near Highway 95 and the nearby Walker Lake by providing a consistent water supply within their natural habitat in Mineral County.
Utilizing the existing spring in Dry Canyon, the proposal involves the installation of a spring box and a 2-inch high-density polyethylene pipe. This pipeline, extending approximately 1,550 feet, will be buried alongside the current roadway. The water will then be directed to four 2,000-gallon storage tanks connected to a wildlife drinker, designed in accordance with the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s standard guzzler model. This setup promises to deliver a constant water source throughout the year, thereby minimizing the animals’ reliance on water sources close to the highway.
To ensure the safety and accessibility of the water system, a wildlife-friendly two-rail pipe fence will be erected around the tanks and drinker, covering an area of about 0.5 acres.
Further details about the Decision Record and associated documents can be found at the BLM National NEPA Register | DOI-BLM-NV-C010-2026-0012-CE Project Home.
For additional inquiries, Jonathan Gordon, a wildlife biologist, can be reached at 775-885-6105 or via email at jgordon@blm.gov.
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