Public hearings begin this month on a plan to make the Carson River more accessible and safer for recreational use, including kayaking and whitewater rafting.
The Carson River Aquatic Trail Master Plan is part of the capital city's Unified Pathways Master Plan and was designed by a steering committee comprised of state, county and city officials.
It envisions improvements along nearly 14 miles of river in two stretches. One stretch of calm water for beginners is proposed from Carson River Park to Morgan Mill Road near the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Carson City field office.
A more thrilling stretch involving Class 3 whitewater rapids is proposed from Morgan Mill Road through the Carson River Canyon to the Santa Maria Ranch in Lyon County.
"The Carson River is a precious natural resource that can provide great enjoyment for recreational boaters and others," said Ed James, vice chairman of the Carson River Regional Recreation Steering Committee. "But it lacks adequate areas to get in and out of the water and contains hazardous objects and debris that threaten public safety and should be removed."
The steering committee includes representatives from Carson City, Lyon County, Carson Water Subconservancy District, Nevada Commission on Tourism, Nevada Division of State Lands and Western Nevada Resources Conservation and Development.
Officials propose funding the project with $10 million from a statewide voter-approved bond issue for parks and open space.
"Demand for river recreation is increasing across the United States and we should create an aquatic trail that our growing numbers of residents and visitors can safely enjoy," Carson City Supervisor Pete Livermore said in a written statement.
"The aquatic trail would provide recreation for boaters of all levels of experience, from kayakers, canoers and rafters to inner tubers," he said.
The first hearing on the proposal is scheduled for Jan. 9 at Eagle Valley Middle School.
Carson City Supervisors are tentatively scheduled to vote on the plan March 15.
Carson River Aquatic Trail
Master plan public hearing schedule:
Jan. 9 - 6:30 p.m.
Public information meeting, Eagle Valley Middle School, 4151 E. Fifth St.
Jan. 16 - 5:30 p.m.
Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission, Sierra Room Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
Jan. 17 - 6 p.m.
Carson City Airport Authority, Sierra Room
Jan. 22 - 6 p.m.
Carson City Open Space Advisory Committee, Sierra Room
Feb. 5 - 6 p.m.
Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife, City Hall, Capitol Conference Room, 201 N. Carson St.
Feb. 7 - 5:30 p.m.
Carson River Advisory Committee, Sierra Room
Feb. 28 - 3:30 p.m.
Carson City Planning Commission, Sierra Room*
March 15 - 8:30 a.m.
Carson City Board of Supervisors, Sierra Room*
* Specific agenda time to be arranged.