“ Preservation of the
Rosewood Wash and
Canyon is not an
option, it is mandatory.
By continuing to allow
access to open space
such as this, we are
not only preserving the
past, we are
determining the future.”
Dan Gustin
Reno City Council Member, Ward One
For more information contact
Lori Wray
2802 Outlook Drive
Reno, NV 89509
(775) 827-3230
loriwray@nvbell.net
Photos by
Lori Wray
Marilyn Newton
|
Rosewood Wash & Canyon — Reno, Washoe County
Summary
Rosewood Wash and Canyon was formed by snowmelt long before Reno was settled and
today is treasured by locals and visitors for its open space, wildlife corridor, natural terrain
and trails, all located less than two miles from downtown Reno.
But just as important, the wash and canyon combine to form a major drainageway that conveniently
and safely carries stormwater runoff away from the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
According to city officials, drainageways like Rosewood Wash and Canyon are the result of centuries of water movement, runoff from snow pack, cloudbursts and, in more recent times, development.
With the explosive growth of the region known as the Truckee Meadows, Rosewood Wash and
Canyon remains a small but inviting island in a sea of housing developments.
The Landscape
The drainageway, which is about 75 acres, begins in the foothills just above the southern
side of Reno's ring road,  McCarran Boulevard, and extends to the northeast, toward downtown
Reno and the Truckee River, for about two miles.
Rosewood Canyon forms the upper portion of the drainageway, which then gently descends and widens to form Rosewood Wash. Seasonal flows are enough to create an extensive riparian and wildlife corridor.
Those fortunate to live along the edges of the wash and canyon observe an abundance of wildlife
and spectacular views of the Sierras. Animal species include raptors, coyotes and mule deer.
Trees such as native willows, cottonwoods and Russian olive are prevalent throughout the canyon
and wash. Native plants are also abundant and include wild roses, grasses and sagebrush.
The Threat
The foremost threat to Rosewood Wash and Canyon is insensitive development. All of the land is privately owned, and there are two sections in which the parcels can be grouped together and developed as subdivisions. There have been three attempts since 2000 to build housing projects in the wash, as well as one in the canyon.
These plans include the virtual elimination of the 100-year floodplain in the wash by reducing the riparian corridor to a deep narrow channel. The plans also include significant cut-and-fill earth moving to accommodate the hillside construction.
To date, local residents have stood up and objected to these projects, and so far, they have been successful. It is uncertain what the next developer might propose here – or when.
The Solution
Maintaining the open space spares the riparian and wildlife corridor, allows for the future safe drainage of flooodwater and contributes to an enhanced quality of life.
There are several approaches to help preserve the open space in the wash and canyon, all meant to save as much land from development as possible.
|
