Carson City could gain about 6,200 acres of federal land that it would protect from economic development if a bill introduced this week in the U.S. Senate is approved.
The city would trade 2,260 acres of city-owned property in the heights of the Sierra Nevada west of the city for the land.
The land the city would gain would be more assessable and easier to manage than land traded away. It would be used for parks, open space and other public uses.
A small portion, about 150 acres, would be available for economic development.
Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign introduced the bill Thursday.
City and federal officials as well as citizens have been working on the plan since 2004.