Ruby Valley Guzzler #3, Elko, NV

While doing routine maintenance to the TMP site here, I came across one of the search requests that led a visitor to our site. The term searched stated “ruby valley guzzler #3”. I decided to check into this one myself as it seemed interesting given our most recent battles in the Nevada Legislature about water and wildlife. Imagine my surprise when the search engine’s results brought up Elko, NV as the location of this guzzler, and that the NDoW was in charge of this guzzler. The story below is from the Elko Daily Free Press. It was printed on May 13, 2011. What I found the most astonishing is the caption with the picture accompanying the article. MF*T*

Volunteers needed for Ruby Valley guzzler project

• Story
• Discussion

Posted: Friday, May 13, 2011 7:41 pm | (0) Comments

Courtesy Joe Doucette/NDOW Joe Doucette Jr. and Jerry Smith stretch wire around a guzzler that was built in 2005 just west of Spruce Mountain. A wildlife friendly fence is built around the drinkers and tanks, while an animal proof fence is built around the water collection pads to keep hooves from putting holes in them.

ELKO — On May 21, The Nevada Department of Wildlife  will reconstruct an old guzzler in southeastern Ruby Valley. Because of the labor-intensive nature of these projects, volunteers are needed to assist. 

No special skills are required and volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate. Tools will be provided, as will a lunch and dinner, which has been donated by Elko Bighorns Unlimited.

Anyone wanting to travel in convoy should meet at the NDOW office at 6:45 a.m. on May 21. For those who want to meet at the site, work will start around 9 a.m. Directions and a map to the project area can be obtained by calling Norv Dallin at 777-2300. 

A guzzler is an artificial water collection structure designed to catch and store water from snow and rain for wildlife. Guzzlers are installed in areas with good habitat, but little or no surface water, making the habitat available for wildlife to use. This guzzler is designed for antelope but may also be used by several big game species, birds, small mammals, and other wildlife. 

“The hundreds of guzzlers built in arid parts of Nevada have greatly increased the acreage of habitat available to wildlife,” said Ken Gray, game division supervisor for NDOW’s Eastern Region. 

Posted in Lifestyles on Friday, May 13, 2011 7:41 pm Updated: 7:43 pm.