The Battle Mountain community is working to restore the local duck pond to achieve accessibility and engagement for all.
Although it has great potential, the Battle Mountain Duck Pond is only accessible to some and has an ecosystem that is out of balance. As it sits, domesticated ducks and geese have been abandoned at the pond and invasive Russian Olive trees grow unkempt around the rough perimeter.
Andrew Warwood, a local and husband to Battle Mountain High School (BMHS) Vice Principal Cori Warwood, discovered a grant that could help with the restoration and proposed that BMHS apply for it, according to Mrs. Warwood.
The Lander County School District (LCSD) was able to take advantage of the grant opportunity and was awarded $75,000 from the Nevada Division of Recreation in 2023 to put towards the restoration and improvement of the Pond.
ASHLEY KOVAL
The Battle Mountain Duck Pond is home to many different types of fish and a large population of birds—including ducks!
“I firmly believe that the entire community stands to gain from the transformation of the pond into a clean and accessible fishing spot, conveniently located within walking distance for all,” explained Mrs. Warwood.
The Pond is situated between BMHS and Battle Mountain Elementary School on just over four acres of land. The pond itself is about one acre and is full of carp, bluegills, smallmouth bass, and has become a popular hangout spot for birds over the years although the domestic birds that have been abandoned at the pond are doing harm to the ecosystem.
The first step in the restoration will involve relocating the domestic birds that have been abandoned to a nearby gravel pit where they will no longer be upsetting the ecosystem and leaving all of the wild species at the pond with the help of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). This will take place on Feb. 29.
“The geese/ducks will be relocated humanely and ethically. We want to keep the geese as calm as possible during relocation. Under advisement of NDOW, Animal Control, and Bird Enthusiasts, we have come up with a plan to move them with the aid of a trailer,” said Mrs. Warwood.
According to Warwood, the domestic birds have different coloring and cannot fly like the wild birds, which will make it easy to tell between the two.
After the birds are relocated, the community will help remove and cut back the invasive vegetation and remove garbage that has accumulated at the Pond on March 16.
“NDOW will be there on that day to oversee how we remove the vegetation. Lander County has provided dump trucks to assist in removing the debris. We look forward to different organizations and people who have committed to joining us on the Community Clean Up Day,” said Warwood.
Then, the County will help remove debris and other sediment buildup around the pond that will help improve the water quality so that it can be restocked with warm water fish by NDOW. This is set to be completed by April 30.
After some of the terrain is improved, accessible paths, ADA approved docks and electrical outlets will also be added, making the pond accessible to the elderly, families with small children, and less able-bodied people.
Warwood explained that she and her grandfather visited a fishing pond that had an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant dock in her hometown and how it really enhanced the enjoyment of the pond for her whole community.
“We frequently encountered individuals in wheelchairs enjoying the opportunity to catch many rainbow trout,” she reminisced.
By Aug. 1, other features, such as park equipment, tables, benches, a pavilion, and a fishing platform will also be added. Currently, Agricultural Mechanics students at the high school are repurposing the old playground equipment and seeking ways to get new tables and chairs.
“The duck pond provides lots of opportunities for students and their learning in the future; whether that’s a fishing unit in PE or a study of local ecosystems. The district will provide an opportunity for teachers across grade levels to talk about possible projects or problem-based learning in which students solve how to keep the park clean or design effective trash cans that keep wildlife out. There are many possibilities that we haven’t thought of yet as well that teachers and students can collaborate on,” said Warwood.
With the other nearest fishing spot located 23 miles away, the pond is the most accessible and convenient recreation spot for many. Making it an inclusive space for fishing, birdwatching, and walking opens it up to the whole community, not just those able to trek through the wild landscape.
Balancing the ecosystem by cleaning up the pond and relocating the domestic birds makes it so the pond is sustainable and will be around for the community to enjoy for a long time and provides an important education opportunity for those working to restore and improve it.
The community came together in a big way to help make getting the grant possible, including the LCSD, Lander County, NDOW, the Lander County Conservation Board, Battle Mountain General Hospital, Nevada Outdoor School, Lander County 4-H, SSR Mining and the Lander County Senior Program. Others looking to contribute to the success of the pond can call the Battle Mountain High School with questions at 775-635-5436.
Warwood said “This endeavor is particularly meaningful to me, as my passion for the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and conservation runs deep. Recognizing the influence nature has had on my own life, I am steadfast in my belief that everyone deserves access to the transformative benefits of the great outdoors. The renovation of the duck pond is my way of extending this opportunity to all citizens of Battle Mountain, fostering a shared connection with the beauty and serenity of nature.”