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Natural ResourcesNatural resources are an important element of the Eureka County economy and the quality of life enjoyed by local residence. Natural resources support many critical economic sectors, provide for community development, enhance the quality of life by supporting recreational activities enjoyed by local residents and visitors. One of the most important natural resources in the County is water. In the arid west, water is a precious and limited.
Surface Water — The major surface water feature in Eureka County is the Humboldt River which has an average annual discharge of approximately 218,000 acre-feet. Other major surface water features include Pine Creek and a series of smaller perennial streams originating in the Roberts Mountains, the Diamond Mountains, Cortez Range, and Monitor Range. Stream flow readings are limited in Eureka County. In recent years the United States Geologic Survey installed gauging stations at streams in the Roberts Mountains. These graphs show real-time daily readings for Roberts Creek, Henderson Creek, Pete Hanson Creek, Tonkin Springs and Colis Creek through September 30, 2012.
Recreation — A variety of outdoor recreation is available in Eureka County. The vast areas of public lands are open to uses such as hunting, fishing, camping, day use, hiking, among others. Due to the dispersed nature of outdoor recreation use, there are few available measures to gauge the level of recreation activity in Eureka County. Hunting and fishing license purchases and hunting activity are two reliable measures available. Table 7-3 shows fishing and hunting licenses purchased in Eureka County. Figure 7-4 and Figure 7-5 provide data on annual mule deer and pronghorn antelope harvest in Eureka County hunt units. In recent years, deer and antelope populations in key Eureka County hunt areas have increased.
Agriculture — Figure 7-6 shows Eureka County hay production and acreage harvested from 2000-2011. On average Eureka County produces between 80,000 and 100,000 tons of hay with an average of proximately 20,000 acres harvested. Figure 7-7 shows Eureka County cattle and calves inventory. The average inventory is approximately 22,000 head and has remained relatively stable over the last 5 years. Public land grazing supports cattle herds in Eureka County. Figure 7-8 shows the number of animal unit months permitted for grazing allotments in Eureka County. Total AUMs active continue in a downward trend.
References:
1. Nevada Agricultural Statistics, U.S. Department of Agriculture |
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Water Resources — Throughout the region, precipitation varies widely between seasons and years as well as within elevation. Annual precipitation ranges from 11 to 13 inches and results mostly from winter storms although summer thunderstorms can produce large amounts of precipitation as rain but contributes little to annual precipitation. Higher amounts of precipitation generally occur as elevation increases. Above 6,000 feet it is not uncommon for areas in central Nevada to receive 14 inches of precipitation or more.
Groundwater in Eureka County also supports municipal and domestic water demands. There are three municipal systems operated by Eureka County. One is located in the Town of Eureka, another in Devils Gate, and a third in the Town of Crescent Valley.
