Federal lands bill goes to city supervisors

The proposed federal lands bill - which could alter land management in Carson City - finally makes it way to elected officials tonight after months of discussions.

Roughly 50 sites across the city are included in the proposal, which was presented to members of several community panels before reaching this point.

Supervisors will review the contents of the bill during a special session at 6 p.m. in the Sierra Room of the Community Center, 851 E. William St.

"We just want more public comments and board comments," said City Manager Linda Ritter.

Opinions expressed during tonight's meeting will be added to the proposal. The supervisors are scheduled to make a final decision about the contents of the lands bill during their Jan. 18 meeting, Ritter said.

The proposal will require federal legislative approval before any changes occur. Modifications to the city's request are expected, she said.

Swaps for control of various parcels around the city could result in the sites being managed by different government entities than is the case now. The city doesn't have money to buy land it might acquire as a result of this proposal so most of the pieces will be traded among local, state, federal and other controlling parties.

For example, about 2,700 total acres on the west side might be turned over to the federal government because of the high cost to reduce fire fuels on them. The state is eyeing a portion of land as park area of its own.

Proposals for local control of Silver Saddle Ranch and Prison Hill - about 3,300 acres total - for park, recreation, preserve and open space, and a site near Sedge and Deer Run roads to create a multiuse target range, also are included. These are controlled now by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

A 31-acre site south of Fifth Street between Fairview Drive and Carson River Road being eyed for state workforce housing. It's also controlled by the BLM.

Also being considered: Whether to seek ownership of the sites now occupied by the Edmonds Sports Complex and Centennial Park, and whether to obtain a 39-acre site west of Goni Road and Arrowhead Drive for a community park.

Cost to maintain all of the areas - without development or other improvements - has been estimated to cost the city approximate $175,000, according to research by Resource Concepts Inc.

Care of sites characterized as open space, for example, would be funded by the city's open space program. Many sites that could end up as parks, for example, could be maintained by the program until final uses become official.

Management of the sites - especially to ensure proper fire and flood control - will be crucial, said Juan Guzman, the city's open-space manager.

The open-space program has its own financial structure separate from such city operations as parks and recreation.

Other sites are being eyed for such purposes as flood control, fire fuels management, watershed and drainage needs. Only a handful of locations, including the spot slated for work force housing, are classified as "economic development" locations.

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

If you go

What: Carson City Board of Supervisors, special session

When: 6 p.m. today

Where: Sierra Room, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.