Project Summary:
The purpose of this project was to create a conceptual plan for the improvement of visitor experience as well as riparian and wildlife habitat. Implementation of this plan would result in the development of a public recreation area along the West Fork of the Walker River with handicap fishing opportunities, nature trails, and day-use picnic facilities. A drive-in loop road to access a parking area, restroom, nature trail, day use area, and handicap fishing pond would be constructed.
The primary public visitation features and facilities presented in the plan include:
- Creation of a public visitation site
- Construction of an automobile entry and loop road
- 12 automobile parking spaces
- 2 handicap parking spaces
- 4 RV/Bus parking
- Double unit vault restroom
- Construction of a fishing pond
- Construction of infiltration galleries that would provide water to the pond and wetland
- Handicap fishing access loop trail
- Bridge to fishing island
- 4 handicap fishing platforms
- 1 handicap access day use site
- Loop trail around the fishing pond
- Nature loop trail
- 4 non-handicap day-use sites
- Wildlife viewing area
The primary ecological features and benefits presented in the plan include:
- Moving a flood control levee away from the river bank and rebuilding it further from the river
- Increasing riparian forest in the current location of the levee
- Developing pond and wetland habitat in the riparian area
- Developing riparian habitat in the nature trail area
- Educating the public about the local wildlife and ecology
- Educating the public about the native Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.
Project Update:
The conceptual recreation and habitat enhancement plan was completed in July 2005. Stakeholders are presently reviewing alternatives for the implementation of this project.
