Prime Carson River Canyon Frontage Permanently Protected
About 3.5 miles of frontage that amounts to 419 acres along the Carson River corridor was sealed into protection thanks to the voter-approved Question 1 initiative and Carson City's own Question 18 Quality of Life Initiative.
A partnership for the purchase, appraised at $3.1 million, was created between Carson City, the Nevada Land Conservancy, the Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway and private landowner John Serpa.
“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all the partners for their vision and persistence to make this critical acquisition a reality: the Carson City Open Space Program, Nevada Land Conservancy, Nevada State Lands, and Mr. John Serpa," said Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell in a press statement. "The outstanding scenic, recreational, wildlife, and cultural values of these parcels deserve public attention and ownership. This land is a treasure for Carson City and Nevada residents that will pay huge dividends for future generations.”
The $3.1 million figure was determined by an appraiser appointed by the Carson City Board of Supervisors. Nevada Land Conservancy, a Nevada born, nonprofit land trust whose mission is to preserve and protect special places and open spaces of Nevada for future generations, was pleased to apply for and secure Question-One funds to help purchase the Carson River land, the statement said.
This acquisition provided a unique opportunity for local and state government, a local land trust, and the private landowner to work together to achieve the goal of protecting the Carson River.
The protection of 3.5 miles of river corridor will enable additional water mitigation projects that enhance water quality, attenuate floodwater, and decrease stream bank erosion. This section of the Middle Carson River also contains natural wetlands and wetlands created by the Brunswick Reservoir springs that support cottonwoods, willows, and other riparian vegetation considered critical wildlife habitat for native birds, fishes, and sensitive species of animals and plants as well as excellent winter range for mule deer.
In addition to improving water quality and protecting wildlife habitat, a bit of Nevada’s history and railroad heritage is preserved. The legendary Virginia and Truckee Railroad, originally constructed in 1869 between Carson City and Virginia City, traveled along this stretch of the Carson River Canyon, and many mine owners established their ore processing mills to take advantage of the available hydropower and proximity to the Comstock mines.
These parcels encompasses Nevada’s historic Merrimac mill and is adjacent to the Brunswick and Copper Canyon mills. The transaction included a 22-acre easement reserved for the future reconstruction of the V&T Railway and its operations. These parcels offer magnificent scenic beauty and provide recreational and educational opportunities along the Carson River.
Increased public access will also be provided to the 13.7 mile-long Carson River Aquatic Trail which extends from Carson River Park near Silver Saddle Ranch in Carson City to the Santa Maria Ranch area in Lyon County.
Future land-based trails are envisioned in the Carson City Unified Trails Master Plan - linking with the Empire Ranch Trail, Riverview Park, Silver Saddle Ranch, and Ambrose Natural Area along the east side of Eagle Valley.
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