The Nevada Department of Wildlife will hold two public meetings to gather input from stakeholders as the department begins developing a conceptual management plan for the Carson Lake and Pasture area near Fallon.

Carson Lake is an internationally important area for shorebird migration and is a nationally important area for numerous species of waterfowl and wading birds.

The first meeting will be held Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 1100 Valley Road, Reno.

The second meeting will be held Jan. 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fallon Convention Center, 100 Campus Way in Fallon.

Each meeting will begin with a video presentation and overview of the Carson Lake and Pasture area followed by the public input session. Interested parties are encouraged to attend one or both of the upcoming meetings.

Public input will help guide the department in the development of goals, objectives and strategies for the Conceptual Management Plan.

The completed plan, which will serve for 10 years, will guide management of wildlife, habitats, and programs. Upon the property transfer from federal to state ownership, Carson Lake and Pasture will become a Wildlife Management Area of approximately 30,000 acres.

If you are unable to attend one of these meetings, you may submit written comments to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, 50 Hatchery Way, Yerington, NV 89447 / ATTN: Elmer Bull. Written comments should be submitted by Feb. 15 to ensure consideration. Contact Elmer Bull at 775-463-7816 for more information.