Martin Slough Trail work making progress

A dedication ceremony in collaboration with the towns of Gardnerville and Minden to celebrate the completion of Martin Slough Trail is expected in the late summer of 2022.

County officials said Wednesday they anticipate the 1.86-mile multimodal trail project will be done this summer, providing full bike and walking access to the Minden and Gardnerville downtown areas.

“Public trails are a great amenity for Douglas County,” said Economic Vitality Manager Lisa Granahan. “Approximately 30 percent of Douglas County residents are over 65 years in age and these types of at-grade, paved trails provide a significant enhancement for the public to continue to be active in the great outdoors. Working together in partnership with all our public and private partners truly allows Douglas County to make great strides in one of its Focus Areas which is to capitalize on outdoor recreation and lifestyle opportunities.”

The 10-foot-wide paved path will connect Jake’s Wetlands in Minden to the Gilman Ponds in Gardnerville. The path will also connect to the Seeman Ranch Pond Park just south of Buckeye Road in Minden.

Work began on the $1.6 million trail in February 2022.

The path alignment follows generally along the Martin Slough which, in some areas, is close to environmentally sensitive areas. This, coupled with the grant funding, required additional studies to document the project impacts.

These studies consisted of geotechnical, flood impact analysis, wetland delineation and cultural resources. In addition to these studies prepared during the design phase, a biologist monitors the alignment for nesting activities of sensitive species during construction.

Since 2010, the county has worked with public and nonprofit sector partners to develop and add trails in Douglas County benefiting residents with a quality-of-life amenities and visitors with added outdoor opportunities to increase overnight stays and local revenues.

Trails also provide additional activities for tourists with plans to stay a few days in the beautiful Carson Valley.

The trail offers both tourists and residents a “back door” to Minden and Gardnerville’s many shops, restaurants, lodgings, and other businesses.

The project includes a fiber connection to Carson Valley Middle School and Gardnerville Elementary School.

Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they are on a leash that does not exceed 10 feet in length.

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