City considers bank stabilization at Buzzy’s Ranch

The Carson City Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) meets 5:30 p.m. in the board room of the community center Tuesday, and it will consider action on a bank stabilization project along the Carson River at Buzzy’s Ranch.

Just under 500 acres, the scenic pastures along the river in east Carson were purchased by the city in two phases in 2007 and 2010. A trail along the eastern boundary of the property was installed in 2020, according to the city.

“Following the epic winter of 2022-23, as well as the sustained high flows experienced through the spring and summer, the riverbank along the Buzzy’s Ranch Trail has eroded significantly,” reads a staff report. “While this site has suffered from unstable banks and erosive issues for many years, the big winter has caused the bank to erode at an unsustainable rate, putting the new Buzzy’s Ranch Trail and the agricultural land associated at risk.

“From October 2020 to August 2023, the bank has migrated approximately 22 feet, and it is estimated that 150 feet of bank have been lost at this location since 1990.”

The Open Space Department has been working with an engineering firm on possible solutions and permitting for work. The price tag for a stabilization project is estimated to be $100,000-$200,000, but the city may pursue grant funding, according to the report.

In case grant money is out of reach, the stabilization project has been included in the proposed Open Space budget for fiscal year 2025, which will also be reviewed by OSAC on Tuesday.

“The Open Space Program was created by the Quality of Life Initiative, or Question 18, passed by Carson City voters in 1996,” reads the city’s website. “The Quality of Life Initiative included the acquisition, development and maintenance of parks, opens space, trails and recreation facilities through an increase in the sales tax rate of ¼ of 1 percent. Forty percent of the funds are designated for the Open Space Program.”

In fiscal year 2023, those sales tax revenues brough the Open Space Department about $1.58 million.

“In FY (fiscal year) 2024, the revenue is anticipated to be approximately $1,631,643. This is a conservative estimate based on current sales tax revenue projections,” reads a staff report.

The next fiscal year begins July 1. The proposed Open Space budget can be viewed online:

https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/2435279/5.e_-_Exhibits.pdf.