Pond may be ready and stocked by spring

Park planners say Carson City's long-anticipated urban fishing pond will likely be stocked with trout and ready for rods and reels by next spring.

Bids will open Thursday for construction on the one-acre pond to be situated at the base of Clear Creek south of Bodines, said Parks Director Roger Mollendorf.

"We held a mandatory pre-bid meeting Wednesday and there were 20 people there. I think that translates to some pretty good interest by contractors," Mollendorf said.

He expects the department to take a recommendation to the board of supervisors in September.

The pond will be fairly shallow, Mollendorf said, about 15 feet at the deepest point, but vegetation will dress it up and there will be trails, handicap access and benches. Fishermen will be able to get to the pond from Fuji Park's parking lot.

"The Nevada Department of Wildlife will stock it with rainbow trout and brown trout, and we'll be counting on people to catch them and take them home to eat them," Mollendorf said.

Clear Creek will be diverted in and out of the pond, and it also will have a groundwater source, he said.

Liz Weirauch, fish master of the High Sierra FlyCasters in Douglas County, praised the project.

"The pond is going to be great for kids to learn how to fish and great for seniors who can't get out along the rocks in the rivers," Weirauch said.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife supports the project.

"In addition to increased fishing opportunity, the pond also will provide necessary run-off protection for the watersheds of Clear Creek and the Carson River," according to its Web site.

The project is being funded primarily through grants.

In 2004, the Nevada State Board of Examiners set up a contract on behalf of NDOW to provide Carson City with a $250,000 non-matching grant for the pond project. This contract provided funds for the design and construction of the pond, according to city documents.

A few years later, the contract was amended for an additional $100,648 to assist with additional project costs for a total grant of $350,468.

However, NDOW would not provide any additional funds unless the city was able to show significant progress by finding new project partners and other funding sources.

Since then, Carson City resident Kevin "CK" Baily has worked aggressively in support of the pond, Mollendorf said.

"He has been a very enthusiastic supporter of the project, seeking private donations," Mollendorf said.

Through his efforts alone, nearly $17,000 in private donations have been raised.

In addition, since January, the parks department has acquired $316,290 in grants.

With the new funding sources in mind, NDOW amended the contract once again, adding an additional $100,000 to help the city complete the project.

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California and the Washoe Environmental Protection Department will provide Carson City with proper monitoring for the water quality treatment facilities planned for the pond.