Priorities for open space to be determined by supervisors

Lands the city would like to acquire for open space include the 480-plus acres in east Carson City north of Silver Saddle Ranch also known as Buzzy's Ranch, and 373 acres along the Carson River owned by John Serpa.

Juan Guzman, the city's open space manager, will talk to the board of supervisors today about these priorities to determine whether they are of like mind.

Land purchases must benefit the city's residents in some way, such as preservation for a specific use or because of scenic or historic benefits.

The land also needs to fit in with the city's long-term plans for recreation uses, such as walking, mountain biking, horseback riding or for preserving wildlife, Guzman said.

Some of the other considerations include how close a given property might be to being developed, or if the funding source for a particular type of purchase is coming to an end, Guzman said.

"We also ask 'Is the land available?'" he said. "Having a willing seller is very important."

General acquisition priorities are obtaining land near or at the Carson River, near or along hillsides, and "irrigated pastures and lands needed to connect the interior of the valley with exterior open spaces," according to Guzman.

Improvements the city would like to make to open space areas include adding a bridge to Mexican Dam and enhancing the wetlands near Lompa Lane behind St. Teresa's Catholic Church.

The city cannot use eminent domain to obtain land for these purposes.

The city must pay fair-market value for a piece of property to obtain it.

The city has obtained 556 acres for open space, using special sales tax money. Voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax called Question 18 for parks and open space in 1996.

-- Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

WHAT: Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. today

WHERE: Sierra Room, Community Center, 851 E. William St.