Special Place: The Cushman-Corkill Ranch in Churchill County

Centennial Ranch in Fallon Protected by Nevada Land Conservancy with Conservation Easement

Four Generations of Farming History Preserved for the Future

FALLON, NV -- July 14, 2008. A bit of ranching history has been preserved in Churchill, County with the permanent protection of the Cushman-Corkill Ranch in Fallon, Nevada. Family members sought a conservation easement to preserve the property as a working ranch and also to protect it from development, and the Nevada Land Conservancy, a local non-profit land trust, was able to secure funding to purchase and hold a conservation easement in perpetuity.

The 430-acre Corkill ranch, located in a prime agricultural area, was one of several properties identified by Naval Air Station Fallon as important to protect in order to secure a buffer zone around the base against future urban development and challenges to military activities. Naval Air Station Fallon is providing funds through their Encroachment Management Program, which is matched with funds from the Nevada Division of State Lands State Question One Program. The protection of the property will help to preserve the rural character of Churchill County for the future.

"We are very happy that NAS Fallon, in our continuing efforts to be good neighbors and find compatible uses for the land surrounding the base, is able to team up with groups such as the Nevada Land Conservancy and the State of Nevada to protect and preserve historical properties such as the Cushman-Corkhill Ranch," commented Commanding Officer, Captain Michael Glaser, NAS Fallon. "By contributing funds to purchase a restrictive use easement on this property, the Navy is helping to protect the agricultural and historical values that have contributed so much to Fallon's heritage and frontier spirit."

In addition to its value to the family, the United States Navy and Churchill County, the ranch provides important benefits to native wildlife. The abundant water on the property helps to provide for habitat, enhancing the additional wildlife habitat and wetlands on its southern border. Roughly 100-acres of wetland and riparian areas have been created by an agricultural drain field. Species noted on the property include mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, ring-necked pheasant, white-faced ibis, blue heron, quail, egrets, and various migratory birds.

Becky Stock, Nevada Land Conservancy's Project Manager commented, "Preserving working ranches is a key element of the Conservancy's land protection goals. In the case of this property, we are fortunate to work with a family who cares so passionately for their land and the surrounding community."

The Cushman-Corkill Ranch also has been designated a Nevada Centennial Ranch by the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office's Nevada Centennial Ranches and Farms Program. Purchased in 1861 by Josiah Cushman, it is the oldest continuously operating, family-owned ranch in the state of Nevada. Furthermore, Josiah Cushman was the first to begin irrigating the lands of Churchill County. Early western emigrants stopped at the Cushman ranch to rest and feed their cattle before crossing the Sierra. Since its beginning, cattle have been produced on the ranch, and hay was originally grown and freighted throughout the West. After irrigation came to the valley and the Newlands Project was established, corn, potatoes, Sudan grass and small grains were also produced. Four generations have lived and worked on this property and the family intends to keep it as a working ranch.

Josiah Cushman met his first wife, Mary, when her family stopped at his ranch before pressing on for California. Josiah Cushman had two children with Mary and seven children by his second wife, Elizabeth. The youngest of these children was Pete Cushman, who ran the ranch with his brothers and mother after Josiah’s death in 1913. Pete and his wife Mabel remained on the property until it was purchased by the Corkill Brothers in 1969, nine years after their daughter Bunny married Bill Corkill. Bill and Bunny's son, Bruce, now operates the ranch with his wife Mitzi.  They have a son, Jade, and a daughter, Bailey, who also love life on the family ranch.