Washoe County and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) have jointly funded the purchase of more than 67-acres of sensitive land at Silver Lake. A portion of the funds came from NDOW’s Question One Conservation Bond Program, identified for wildlife enhancement.
“We are all able to fully experience Silver Lake, thanks to an extraordinary partnership between agencies working together to ensure this natural resource is preserved and available to the public for future generations,” said Washoe County Vice-Chair Bonnie Weber (District 5) on this area where she has represented for more than 11 years. “It’s great to see this portion of the project completed after years of planning and hard work from the citizens and agencies.”
Washoe County and NDOW are sharing the costs for the purchase, but the land will ultimately be managed and owned by the County. The price was negotiated with the buyer at $10,000 below the appraised value at $40,000.
“Protecting this unique property will provide benefits to migratory birds including waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds,” said Laura Richards, Wildlife Diversity Division Chief for NDOW. “This purchase will also provide the public with additional wildlife viewing opportunities in Washoe County.”
Located in the North Valleys, just minutes from the Reno-Sparks area, the land will be part of Washoe County’s Regional Open Space Program for bird habitat, natural resource management and recreation opportunities.
The land, in conjunction with 516-acres of public open space already owned by Washoe County and Nevada Land Trust, has enough room for a non-motorized trail around a significant part of Silver Lake, which people in the area have requested for quite some time.
Silver Lake is managed cooperatively by Nevada Land Trust, NDOW and Washoe County, through its Community Services Department. The department aims to provide exceptional parks and open space, and recreational opportunities while preserving our natural, historical and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.washoecountyparks.com.
