Sierra Nevada Forums will host a free forum on hiking and biking trails in Carson City at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Brewery Arts Center Black Box Theatre.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Panelists will be Jenny Scanland, who is Parks and Recreation program manager for Nevada State Parks; Mark Kimbrough, who has worked for the Washoe County Park System and Nevada State Parks; Garrett Villanueva, who has worked for the Forest Service; Stan Bales, recreation planner for the Bureau of Land Management; and Cheryl Surface, who works for Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space as a park planner.
“People who like trails get to use them, and if more people come into town there’s better business and tourism,” said Anne Macquarie, moderator of the forum and founding president of Muscle Power: Citizens For A Bikeable and Walkable Carson City.
Macquarie grew up in Yosemite Valley and has been hiking since she could walk. According to The Outdoor Industry Foundation, active outdoor recreation contributes $730 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Bike trails in the Moab, Utah, area alone generate around $8.4 million to $8.7 million per year.
When asked how Carson City trails compare to other towns, Macquarie responded, “We still have a long ways to go. We need more trails and we lack a trail map.”
Macquarie’s recommends the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail and trails on Silver Saddle Ranch that go to Mexican Ditch.
“They’re not a big commitment. I encourage people to get out and try them. They’re a great resource.”
Emily Ammerman is a junior at Carson High School and an intern at Partnership Carson City.