Keith Newlon, an ADBSS member and supporter, secured title work through his company Pioneer Title at no cost. He later purchased the project's naming rights at a fundraiser auction for $30,000, which contributed significantly to its total cost.
"Connectivity" is a buzzword in wildlife management circles. It refers to landscapes such as mountain ranges, prairies, and forests being connected by wild lands instead of blocked by interstate highways and developments. In this case, the availability of water has been a limiting factor in desert bighorn sheep movement. This guzzler provides connectivity across large areas of the range and is helping to build capacity for expanding herds there.
Dave McCasland, a longtime ADBSS volunteer with over 100 such projects under his belt, said this one stands apart. He emphasizes how the location serves as a "stepping stone" for connecting herds with available habitat. "We're expanding the population by creating connectivity," he said.
This could include translocations from other parts of the range or even different areas in the future. While the primary beneficiaries are desert bighorn sheep, the catchment will serve a full spectrum of desert species.
"You can't find a project in the desert that doesn't have honey bees around it," said Charlie Kelly. "There are desert tortoises, quail, foxes, deer. Everyone benefits from this water source".
"The most impactful part of the Rinehart-Newlon project is the powerful partnerships that made it possible. It's not just about providing water. It's about working together to bring life back to a landscape that has the terrain and forage needed for desert bighorns, but lacked the critical water component to truly support them to inhabit more of the Harcuvar Mountains," said Gray N. Thornton, WSF President & CEO.
As the final fittings were placed and the water tanks sealed, it became clear that this was not only a conservation win but also a proof of concept.
It is a living model that could inspire future landowners, volunteers, and wildlife advocates to consider how their own properties, passions, or resources could support wildlife in need.
"I think the biggest benefit that I've seen come out of this project is how partnerships made this happen," Kelly said.
"Partnerships are the way things get done. It's the model for the future".
The Rinehart-Newlon project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when vision, action, and collaboration come together. By enhancing water availability for desert bighorn sheep, this initiative supports WSF’s mission "to put and keep wild sheep on the mountain" and highlights the impact of private land stewardship and strong partnerships in advancing conservation efforts.