Newmont Mining Corporation

Washington, D.C.

The National Fish Habitat Action Plan's (Action Plan) 10 "Waters to Watch" list is a collection of rivers, streams, lakes, watershed systems and shores that benefit from strategic conservation efforts to protect, restore or enhance their conditions. These waters represent a snapshot of current conservation efforts that the Action Plan undertakes to provide cleaner and healthier habitats for the many fish, wildlife species and people who call these areas home.

In Nevada, Maggie Creek was selected as one of the 10 "Waters to Watch." Thanks to the combined actions of concerned community groups, nonprofit organizations, local watershed groups, Native American tribes, and state and federal agencies, these waters are being improved by planting stream-side vegetation, removing structures blocking fish from habitat and protecting bodies of water from effects of industrial processes, agriculture and livestock.

Improving habitat
To improve habitat for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (LCT) in Nevada, Maggie Creek, located near Carlin, has been the focus of comprehensive watershed restoration and monitoring efforts involving Newmont and numerous other organizations since the early 1990s.  

Until 1993, much of the acreage through which Maggie Creek flows was grazed by cattle throughout the growing season, resulting in loss of riparian vegetation and degraded stream conditions. Changes in livestock grazing practices in the Maggie Creek basin have resulted in dramatic improvements in stream and riparian habitat conditions.

Continuing LCT habitat restoration in Maggie Basin will include the construction of fish barriers on the lower reaches of Maggie Creek. The barriers would prevent the invasion of non-native fish species, such as small-mouth bass and rainbow trout from the Humboldt River, thus protecting LCT in the headwaters and promoting successful population recovery. For more information about The National Fish Habitat Action Plan, visit www.fishhabitat.org.  

December 1, 2009