Carson City supervisors are being asked to approve two open space-related actions during their meeting Thursday.

The Open Space Advisory Committee is asking for permission to purchase 40 acres now owned by the Hutchinson family and located east of Horse Creek Ranch.

"It's important because of the scenic views from the property," said Juan Guzman, the city's open space manager.

The city has offered $400,000 for the west-Carson parcel. Nearly $300,000 of that cost will come from the state's Question 1 fund, also known as the Conservation and Resource Protection Grant Program. This state funding source is used to acquire open space, waterways and wildlife habitat, and to improve parks, recreational areas, historic and cultural resources, according to Guzman.

The U.S. Forest Service has identified the property as a feasible site for a pedestrian trail that would lead to a vista where people can see Washoe, Eagle and Carson valleys.

Any deal needs to close escrow by the end of this year because that's what the current owners have requested. It's for tax purposes, Guzman said.

In September, supervisors allowed city staff to continue seeking a conservation easement from Michael Fagen that would protect up to 200 acres of irrigated meadow at Horse Creek Ranch.

The city seeks access into that meadow because of its watershed protection, not just its picturesque scenery. Fagen would like access sharply curtailed so the agricultural operations aren't disturbed in the area.

The Forest Service seeks to control property north of Horse Creek, known as the Swafford property. It is 320 acres and expected to be purchased by the Forest Service.

All three locations are in the Kings Canyon area and close to each other. Together they would help complete a land management puzzle that would provide open space, preserve passive recreational uses to residents while helping the city better control its watershed, Guzman said.

Also being sought is approval by supervisors to have three pieces of property near the Carson River, south of Mexican Dam and on the river's west bank, appraised for possible purchase.

The roughly 60-acre area is a high-priority acquisition for the city because of its riparian value and cottonwood forest, Guzman said.

The cottonwoods' root system traps water and sediment during floods and provides shelter to birds along the river, which makes it ecologically beneficial.

Cost to have the site appraised will be $12,000.



• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.