“ [This designation] …
adds greatly to the growing
chorus of knowledgeable
citizens who make the case
that Washoe Valley can and
must remain a rural
setting. This would
guarantee a recreational
masterpiece for all future
generations, a haven for
urban dwellers in Reno,
Sparks, and Carson City"
Bob Rusk,
Washoe Valley Leadership Team
For more information contact
Carol Christensen
2155 Lakeshore Drive
Washoe Valley, NV 89704
(775) 849-0801
follynv1@ix.netcom.com
Marilyn Naylor
1005 Dunbar Drive
Washoe Valley, NV 89704
(775) 849-1078
naylorhome@charter.net
Citizens for Rural Washoe
Monika Frank
1670 S. Irving Place
Washoe Valley, NV 89704
follynv1@ix.netcom.com
Photos by
Al Vafaei
Richard Cooper
Louise Thomas
Carol Christensen
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Washoe Valley — Washoe County
Summary
With suburban sprawl inundating northwestern Nevada, Washoe Valley has become the only rural
valley left along the entire Carson Range of the Sierras. Historic, pastoral, dramatic, diverse and
open, Washoe Valley is precariously hanging on to its country roots.
The region is 28 square miles and lies in southern Washoe County. Forested mountains and sagebrush-
covered hills surround the area, a predominately rural community where ranches and agricultural
fields co-exist with large-lot homes and two small commercial sections.
The valley, in its entirety, is an historic site. During the Comstock era (1859 through the 1880s), people used innovative methods to transport necessities between Washoe Valley and Virginia City. The unique Marlette Lake water system carried water uphill to Virginia City. Lumber, ore and supplies traveled between mills
and mines by 16-mule wagon teams.
The Landscape
Washoe Lakes and Scripps Wildlife Management Area's wetlands dominate the valley floor. The
mountains and national forest land to the west offers magnificent views. The area's most prominent
peak is Slide Mountain, which rises 9,698 feet.
The contrasting eastern landscape, known as the Virginia Range, includes sage and bitterbrush hillsides
and is no less beautiful. Abundant open space, trails, parks, campgrounds, wetlands and lakes provide a variety of recreation and wildlife habitat. The valley is included inthe Pacific Flyway for migrating birds.
Wildlife includes black bear, coyote, mule deer, white pelicans, hawks and bald eagles.
Prehistoric sites have been identified, some of which are thousands of years old. The Washoe tribe
camped by the lake, utilizing the valley's many resources.
Pioneers settled during the Comstock era, establishing ranches, farms, ore mills, logging operations and even a racetrack. Washoe City was the county seat, where historic buildings, cemeteries, wagon trails and other remnants from the
Comstock era remain.
The Threat
Pressure exists to build high-density subdivisions, which would change the valleys rural character and result in a loss of pastureland, open space and wildlife habitat. Scripps Wildlife Management Area requires a sensitive balance to protect nesting birds and to serve the public. With an increase in traffic, air and
light pollution, there is potential for loss of the wetlands.
Proposed highway expansions and increased commercial development would forever change the character of the valley. A proposed expansion of U.S. Highway 395 (the link between Reno and Carson City) might require the installation of a sound wall, eliminating what are now stunning 360-degree views of the
mountains, wetlands and the lake.
The Solution
Residents of Washoe Valley and nearby Pleasant Valley are working on an updated plan for the region. If county commissioners approve the residents proposed plan, it would limit development by requiring large lots or small housing clusters with dedicated open space.
It would require improved recreational opportunities, and it would restrict commercial development. Instead of concrete sound walls, conservation easements along the U.S. 395 corridor are needed to establish trees and shrubs as a sound barrier through the valley.
Federal and state legislation also is needed to strengthen protection for public lands, limit regional plan amendments and protect rural areas threatened by insensitive development. Designation of U.S. 395 as a Scenic Byway should be implemented.
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