Lahontan Conservation District and Lower Carson River Coordinated Resource Management Project

Responding to concerns regarding the condition of the lower Carson River channel and the associated riparian areas, Lahontan Conservation District (LCD) began a "Clearing and Snagging Project" in 1987. Increased concerns for the river led to the formation of the Lower Carson River Coordinated Resource Management Project group (LCRMP), an arm of the Lahontan Conservation District. In the years since 1987, the Conservation District has applied for and received seven grants which has enabled it to continue river restoration work and hire a part-time coordinator for the LCRMP.

The LCRMP group works in concert with the Lahontan Conservation District on issues involving the Carson River below the outlet of Lahontan Reservoir. Debris removal has been accomplished on approximately 10 miles of riverbank, and sediment removal projects were completed at three sites. Nine bank stabilization projects have been done, using state-of-the-art bioengineering techniques when possible. Bioengineering practices involve using unconventional designs and materials—such as stream barbs and willow plantings—in river restoration to work with the river's processes, as opposed to traditional engineering practices geared toward channeling and "controlling" the river.

During the winter of 1999-2001, the Conservation District and LCRMP plan to complete four bank stabilization projects and continue debris removal efforts. Labor for river restoration projects is provided by the Nevada Division of Forestry Conservation Camp Program.

Weed abatement is another primary objective of the Lahontan Conservation District. Currently, the Conservation District has joined efforts with Churchill County Weed Abatement District to work on control of the invasive Tall Whitetop weed along riparian areas.

Both the LCD and LCRMP work to promote educational opportunities within the watershed. Local students and service organizations participate in events such as the annual Conserve The Carson River Workday, which provides people the opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting river channel and riparian corridor restoration work.

For more information about the Lower Carson LCRMP, please contact Terri Perreira at (775) 423-5124, extension 101, or email her at Terri.Perreira@nv.usda.gov. The Lahontan Conservation District also has a website with current information regarding river projects and other topics. Check it out at www.lahontan.org.

Back to map

About CSWD | Regional Watershed Map | Current Projects
Events Calendar | Related NV Links | Contact Us/Feedback

Hosting and maintenance provided by Web Site Services, Inc (c) Copyright 2001