Ruby Habitat Enhancement Fund Project Proposals Grant

The Ruby Habitat Enhancement Fund supports conservation efforts in Nevada, focusing on projects that benefit sage grouse and pygmy rabbits. With an initial funding of $500,000, eligible projects include habitat restoration, monitoring, and weed treatments within specified counties. Proposals from public entities, universities, and recognized conservation organizations are encouraged. All funds must be allocated within five years, ensuring immediate action towards habitat enhancement and protection.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management entered into an agreement with Ruby Pipeline LLC and received $8.8 Million for habitat protection and enhancement and other conservation efforts for the benefit of sage grouse and pygmy rabbits.
The first set of projects, which include pre and post construction pygmy rabbit monitoring, noxious weed treatments, sagebrush habitat restoration, and sage grouse habitat use monitoring, account for the first $500,000 in projects.
Additional projects are currently being reviewed. Proposals that meet the specific criteria of location and subject are welcome from the responsible public, environmental contractors, the University, and governmental agencies.

Eligibility

All funds must be obligated within five years. All projects must demonstrate a benefit to either sage grouse or pygmy rabbits and be located in Elko County, Humboldt County or the Surprise Field office boundary of Washoe County. At this time all projects must contain on-the-ground habitat enhancements such as reclamation (seeding or planting), weed treatment or juniper invasion control as examples. The following parties are considered eligible to receive project funding to manage projects, although anyone can propose a project for consideration:Federal and Nevada State agenciesUniversitiesNationally recognized wildlife conservation organizationsNon-profit (501C3) wildlife conservation organizations