Genoa ranch makes list for easement preservation

Preservation of 350 acres on Nevada's oldest ranch has received a preliminary recommendation for $5.187 million from the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act.

The recommendation is for 350 acres of open farm land on Ranch No. 1, located along Genoa's eastern boundary.

The former Trimmer Ranch is owned and operated under the Ranch No. 1 Limited Partnership.

It was the first ranch established after Genoa was settled in 1851.

Terra Firma Associates spokesman Jacques Etchegoyhen said it may be 18 months before the recommendation is accepted by the federal government.

"It's great news," he said. "It's just a preliminary recommendation, but we're hopeful we will get final funding."

Ranch No. 1 was the only property in Carson Valley listed in the ninth round of recommendations. The request was for $9.187 million, but the recommendation is not for the whole amount.

Money for the purchase comes from the sale of federal land in Southern Nevada on the outskirts of Las Vegas.

Etchegoyhen said because sales have been slow, the Bureau of Land Management is not funding many land projects.

Under the program, property owners would continue to use the land for livestock grazing and hay farming, but all non-agricultural commercial, industrial, mining and residential development rights would be purchased by the BLM.

The easement would tie the water rights to the land and prior approval would be required to modify vegetation near the river and creeks.

The ranch provides habitat for three butterfly species, the northern leopard frog and northwestern pond turtles. The West Fork of the Carson River and tributaries pass through the ranch, where bald eagles have been spotted.

"Hopefully, people will write letters to support protection of the oldest ranch in Nevada," Etchegoyhen said.

The only fully funded easement recommendation in Douglas County is for the $1.011 million purchase of 123 acres along old Kingsbury Grade near Daggett Pass. The property would connect trails in the foothills to the Tahoe Rim Trail and includes 2,800 linear feet of Daggett Creek.

A request for $29.687 million for the 450-acre Mack Ranch in Minden did not receive a funding recommendation.

Also up for funding is $2.589 million in fuels reduction for Carson and Douglas along Highway 50 in Clear Creek Canyon. The proposal affects 1,800 acres. It includes clearing brush and the removal of timber. A state match is being requested of $188,725.

More than $80.25 million is set aside for 44 projects around the state, including eight conservation initiatives and eight fuels reduction projects.

Public comment is being sought on the proposals through June 2. To comment, write State Director, BLM Nevada State Office, 1340 Financial Blvd., Reno, NV 89502-7147. Fax comments to the SNPLMA Executive Committee Chair at (775)861-6601. For more information, visit www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/snplma.html