Legislation will help Carson City, BLM, Forest Service fulfill community vision

September 25, 2008

UPDATE: This bill was reintroduced on September 25, 2008 with minor changes that reflect important feedback that has been received from Carson City, interested citizens, public land agencies, and Senate committee staff.

Link to more information:

To read the September 25, 2008 reintroduced Carson City Vital Community Act bill text, click here.

Link to September 25, 2008 maps:

Click here to view the Carson City, Nevada Map.

Click here to view the Skunk Harbor Conveyance Correction Maps

 July 31, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign today introduced the Carson City Vital Community Act of 2008, a bill that will improve land management throughout Carson City and will help fulfill the community’s long-term master plan for growth and conservation. The legislation will also strengthen the ability of the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to focus on their core responsibilities of forest and rangeland management.

The Act is the result of an intensive collaborative process between the public and officials at the local and federal levels. This legislation will help keep growth compact, maintain the integrity of BLM and Forest Service lands surrounding Carson City, enhance open space opportunities, strengthen flood control measures and maintain easy access to public lands.

“This bill is a shining example of how everyone can benefit from working together on public lands legislation,” Reid said. “The people of Carson City created a vision for their beautiful community and we were able to give them the tools to make that vision a reality. I stand ready to work with communities all across Nevada that wish to take a comprehensive look at their challenges and opportunities.”

“This bill, similar to the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act and its three successor bills, is about improving the quality of life for our communities. We appreciate the hard work and commitment of Mayor Marv Teixeira and city officials in developing a strong master plan, which served as the foundation for this legislation,” Ensign said. “This is yet another example of local officials and stakeholders working with the Congressional delegation to plan for the future of their community. Input from everyone involved is always imperative, and the result today is a bill that balances the need for targeted economic growth with preserving our open spaces and environment for future generations.”

“The cultural and natural resources of the Silver Saddle Ranch and the Carson River are important resources for our community. I am very pleased to be working with the Bureau of Land Management, Carson City, and the Nevada congressional delegation to protect these special places,” said Nancy Santos, President of Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch. “None of this would have been possible without the participation of numerous, committed stakeholders.”

“The lands bill process has been a wonderful collaborative effort,” said Duane Petite of The Nature Conservancy. “We were able to take into account Carson City’s unique natural, cultural and economic conditions while crafting solutions that create lasting results that benefit both people and nature. This legislation was built out of public input and is a major step in the right direction.”

The bill also provides lands to the Washoe Tribe, strengthening the tribe’s commercial and conservation efforts in Carson City. Additionally, nearly 20,000 acres of BLM lands surrounding Carson City will be permanently withdrawn from future development to protect local viewsheds and public access. All of these actions will move Carson City one step closer to realizing the vision that it worked hard to develop through a public process that has now spanned more than four years.

For detailed information about the legislation, please click on the following links:

• Highlights of The Carson City Vital Community Act of 2008 (PDF)
• The Carson City Vital Community Act of 2008 (bill text) (PDF)
• Statement of Senator Harry Reid on Introduction Of The Carson City Vital Community Act of 2008 (PDF)
• Carson City, Nevada Area Map (PDF)
• Skunk Harbor Conveyance Correction Map (PDF)

# # #