Oct. 21, 2021, R-C Letters to the Editor

Conserve the Jacobsen Ranch property

Editor:

The historic Jacobsen Ranch in Fish Springs, now owned by Bently Enterprises, is being parceled in preparation for development. At an administrative hearing last week, Douglas County approved division of this historic and environmentally rich property into four separate parcels.

This land, located on Pine Nut Creek in a narrow gap between the hills, is arguably the most important historical site on the eastern side of the Carson Valley. Records date from 1880 when it became the Peter Anderson Ranch. The land was valued because of water from Pine Nut Creek as well as from a spring on the property. The ranch was located on the main road to Bodie (Carson Wood Road) and supplied access, water and equipment to the dry mines and mining towns in a wide area. Over the years it supported the Monarch Mine, Zirn Mine, and Slater Mine in Douglas County. An orchard, Raycraft saloon, and Uhalde sheep also produced income at the ranch site. The state senator, Lawrence E. Jacobsen, spent his boyhood at the property. (More history is available in the agenda packet for the Douglas County Administrative Hearing held on Oct. 14, 2021.)

The Bentlys have always been sensitive to, and shown respect for, the history and culture of the Carson Valley. Their efforts at the Bank and the Distillery are truly commendable. Now I ask for Bently Enterprises to conserve the Jacobsen Ranch property. This will be a tribute to the rugged determination of early settlers, the rich mining heritage of Douglas County, and the wisdom of the Bentlys in promoting historical preservation.

Gretchen Walsh

Fish Springs

Ordinance was right thing to do

Editor:

The Record-Courier has noted that the Douglas County Board of Commissioners passed a golf course maintenance ordinance earlier this month. The following is a brief summary of the ordinance.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted (5-0) to adopt golf course maintenance ordinance (2021-1587) on Oct. 7. The ordinance requires that golf courses (both operating and closed) be properly maintained. Water features must be kept clean, irrigation systems must be operational, and structures must be properly maintained. Further, any golf course which ceases commercial operation must submit a maintenance plan to ensure it does not become a fire hazard and public nuisance. The plan must provide for at least weekly watering and ensure that vegetation does not become overgrown, dead, or a fire hazard. The penalty for violations is up to $750 per day.

Douglas County homeowners strongly supported the ordinance and are very appreciative of this action by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

Larry Smedley

Genoa