Stewardship With Vision | David Spicer Conserves Habitat In Nevada
Nevada rancher and miner shares his story of why he believes in conserving Nevada’s Oasis Valley in a new video produced by the Western Landowners Alliance.
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Nevada rancher and miner shares his story of why he believes in conserving working lands in Nevada’s Oasis Valley
A new video by the Western Landowners Alliance features a rancher in Nevada, and showcases how conserving working lands benefits wildlife and local communities.
“My grandfather taught us to make sure that everything you do is going to be productive, whether it’s baling hay or milking a cow,” says David Spicer.
Spicer’s family has always known that conservation is productive, too. Today, Spicer is a leader in improving habitat for fish and frogs, birds and mammals through a variety of Farm Bill-funded sustainable ranching practices.
“The Farm Bill enabled us to move forward in many ways,” he says. “It takes a lot of help and money to make these things happen.”
Over 230 species of birds show up in the Oasis Valley each year. Spicer’s conservation practices have restored springs, wetlands, and riparian areas in one of the driest regions in the United States. This has opened up migratory pathways for birds and other wildlife that rely on wet habitats.
Spicer’s success has convinced neighbors to also try out conservation programs that boost their agricultural operations and wildlife populations.
“All that we do on this farm and this ranch and this valley isn’t just affecting our needs, but all of the needs of the animals and other species that exist here,” explains Spicer.
In addition, Spicer and his neighbors believe in “conservation through recreation.” Recreation users bring more money into the community, which he says “gives us economic viability.”
Watch this video to hear more about working lands conservation in the Oasis Valley:
