Jack,

We have some heartbreaking news. In the early morning of Friday, June 20, a fast-moving wildfire, named the Conner Fire, ignited south of Gardnerville, Nevada. Fueled by 45 mph winds, the fire quickly spread across 17,700 acres by Sunday. Thanks to the swift, heroic efforts of fire crews, the blaze was 51% contained by yesterday.

Photo of the Conner Fire by JT Humphrey 

As the fire moved northeast, it reached the edge of AWHC’s Fish Springs Land Preserve, which is home to the cherished Fish Springs wild horses. Thankfully, the horses were seen moving out of the fire’s path and they are safe.

However, the damage to the land is significant. According to the fire maps, it appears that up to 1,400 acres of our 3,300 acres of land, including a lush, wildlife-rich meadow, were impacted distributing the ecosystem and the wildlife who call the area home.

While fire is part of the natural cycle, this land will need our help to recover. This moment offers a rare opportunity: to reseed the area with native grasses, control erosion, and restore habitat for the wild animals who depend on it.

Photo of our land burned sent to our land manager by firefighters

Together, we can help heal this land.

If you’re able to, can you chip in and help support our efforts to rebuild and continue this project? Stay tuned as we assess next steps, and thank you for standing with us through every challenge.

— Nicole Hayes,

AWHC’s Conservation Scientist