BATTLE MOUNTAIN - Lander County Convention and Tourism, Newmont Mining Corporation, Lander County, the Bureau of Land Management - Battle Mountain District Office, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife have signed the Willow Creek Enhancement Program.
The partnership between the agencies was designed to help provide funding, labor and resources to restore and sustain the Willow Creek ponds area south of Battle Mountain.
Newmont acquired the Willow Creek ponds during the 2001 acquisition with Battle Mountain Gold. Continuing Battle Mountain Gold's tradition of public use, Newmont understood the importance of having an area in northern Lander County where residents can enjoy the great outdoors.
Through the years the picnic tables and barbecue pits have aged and are in need of repair. After being approached by the LCCTA about investing in the Willow Creek area to guarantee that Newmont intended to keep the Willow Creek ponds open for public use the idea of a partnership was developed.
"The LCCTA is pleased to have the opportunity to work within this partnership to improve and create a recreational area for the people of Lander County," said Richard Ripley, chair of the Lander County Convention and Tourism Authority. The monies pledged from the LCCTA to this project are generated solely from room tax dollars. I believe this newly improved recreation area will be a great asset to the community for generations to enjoy for many years to come."
Lander County, NDOW and the BLM were approached regarding the idea of the partnership and agreed to join.
"The Bureau of Land Management applauds the efforts and leadership of Newmont, the Lander County Convention and Tourism, and the other partners in seizing this opportunity to develop and improve the Willow Creek recreation area for the benefit of the citizens of Lander County," said Doug Furtado, district manager, Bureau of Land Management, Battle Mountain District. "Although the BLM is currently a supporting partner for this effort, I look forward to working with the partnership to someday expand the Willow Creek recreation area on to adjacent public lands in order to further increase quality recreational opportunities for the public."
The Willow Creek Enhancement Program is dedicated to restoring and preserving aquatic and riparian habitat of the Willow Creek ponds, while developing and maintaining a clean and safe recreation area for public use.
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