Recreation

Whether in the Alpine mountains or desert plateaus, or along the 184-mile stretch of the Carson River, recreational opportunities abound in the 3,965 square mile area of our Watershed. Providing access to the river and undertaking proper planning and management of impacts from increased recreation is an important component of CWSD’s work. CWSD helps to plan, fund and coordinate various recreation-related projects and recognizes that recreation is a crucial part of integrated watershed management as it creates an appreciation for the watershed.

Programs geared toward supporting and/or managing recreation are consistent with one of the eleven Guiding Principles in the Carson River Watershed Adaptive Stewardship Plan developed by the Carson River Coalition. The principal “Protect and support opportunities for public recreational access to natural areas throughout the watershed – including the river corridor – where appropriate” guides our recreation efforts.

Recreational access does however, have its own share of impacts. CWSD helps fund projects that mitigate or reduce the loss of vegetation on stream banks from activities such as dispersed camping, trash, firewood collection, and off-road vehicle use. Minimizing stream bank erosion and the loss or degradation of aquatic and wildlife habitat keeps the river system and the Carson River Watershed healthy.

Here are several projects CWSD has funded to maintain a healthy watershed for your recreational enjoyment:

Hope Valley River Restoration, improving river recreation in Alpine County, CA
Carson City Aquatic Trail
Bailey Fishing Pond in Carson City, NV
Sheckler Cut-off River Park Design Study for Churchill County, NV
USFS East Fork Strategy Plan