Carson Lake has the greatest species diversity and highest reproductive capabilities of any place in the State of Nevada. Critical nesting habitat for numerous avian species and the largest population of white-faced ibis (Plagadis chihi) in Nevada and one of the three largest breeding colonies in the United States is found here. Wetland habitat of this area had declined from 14,040 acres in 1972 to approximately 900 acres in 1979. Nongame bird use and production has also shown a decrease proportional to this wetland reduction. Ownership is by the Water and Power Resources Service with custodial care being administered by the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District. The primary use and interest of this area is for 1ivestock grazing with little or apathetic concern toward nongame wildlife values.
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