Clear Creek, Kings Canyon travel-management plan nearly final

The U.S. Forest Service travel-management plan for Clear Creek/King's Canyon will take effect in 45 days.

Dave Loomis, Carson Ranger District planner, said the plan closes a total of 17 miles of existing roads through the drainage. Anyone who wants to change part of the proposed plan has that 45-day period beginning today to make their pitch to the Forest Service. At the end of that period, he said crews will begin putting up signs marking roads and trails.

"It takes a little while to fully implement," he said.

The plan has already been reviewed by Carson City and endorsed by the board of supervisors.

"What we're going to be doing is closing some unneeded roads in that area in order to help protect Carson City's watershed and wildlife areas," he said. "But we're also going to be providing motorized opportunities in the area so people can still access it to go hunting or ride off-highway vehicles."

He said most of the roads still open to motorized vehicles will be in the Voltaire Canyon area.

Loomis said the plan also formally establishes a number of trailheads which federal land managers hope to work with Carson City and Douglas County to develop in the future.

The plan designates 12 miles of roads as open to the public and seven miles for administrative and land management needs.

There will be 4.5 miles of motorized two-track trails and 4.5 miles of trails for non-motorized travel.

The plan prohibits cross-country use of motor vehicles in the area.

n Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.