Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Restrictions and ...

The nomination that was withdrawn by the Nevada interagency team is the
320-acre Winter’s Ranch property, which is adjacent to the Humbolt-
Toiyabe National Forest and several other properties acquired by BLM
under SNPLMA. BLM’s FLTFA program lead said the nomination of the
parcel was withdrawn, in part because it is not adjacent to a federally
designated area managed by BLM.
In its nomination to acquire Winter’s Ranch, the Carson City Field Office
said this parcel provides critical habitat for shorebirds, water fowl, and
other water-dependent species; offers unique recreational opportunities
for the public; and an undisturbed view for area commuters and tourists.
According to a Carson City Field Office official, three creeks run through
this property and irrigate the land, making it possible to sustain wildlife
habitat, such as raptors and migratory birds. The official said that about
$20 million of the estimated $29 million value of the Winter’s Ranch
property is for the water rights to the property, and that if BLM did not
obtain the water rights, other parties could acquire them and divert the
water resources to other areas, such as developing communities near
Reno. The Winter’s Ranch parcel is shown in figure 9.
Page 34 GAO-08-196 Federal Land Management