Fish Springs residents snapping up Bently parcels

One way to make sure land next to your place remains open space is to buy it yourself.

That’s what Fish Springs residents are doing as 22 additional parcels owned by the Bently family come on the market according to Intero Realtor Mary Cioffi.

“The neighborhood was not happy to see over 600 acres of land at risk of being bought up by developers in their quiet section of the Carson Valley,” Cioffi said. “Residents Rainer and Heiki Stabnow purchased two 40-acre parcels at the end of the road on Sunset Ridge, concerned that 15 or 16 new homes on these two parcels could increase traffic, obstruct their scenic views, bring in even more off-road motorcycle noise, and, most importantly, pose a risk to the cherished local wild horses.”

Cioffi said three approximately 40-acre parcels have closed escrow, with two more under contract. The parcels are located around Jacobsen Lane, Out-R-Way and Sunset Ridge area and are zoned five-acre residential.

“Some have sold even before they came on the market,” she said. “There are still more coming on the market. Some of them are adjacent to BLM for miles of recreational opportunities.”

One 44-acre parcel across from Jacobsen Lane and Windmill was pending sale on Sunday. Cioffi said that anyone interested can contact their real estate agent, who will reach out to her.

“Fish Springs is a wonderful place to live, and the locals want to keep it that way,” she said. “Purchasing land in this area will help to preserve the character of the Fish Springs area. The locals asked me to put this out there and ask those who have the financial ability to purchase these lands to help us keep Fish Springs the way it is.”

Cioffi said the goal is to keep the 40-acre parcels from being divided into the five-acre parcels.

“The Bently family are avid supporters of the Fish Springs wild horses, and they are inclined to accept offers from those aiming to preserve the land in its natural state over developers,” Cioffi said.

More than 3,400 acres of land have been placed in conservation easements in the area to assure the wild horses and other wildlife always have access to water.

“Many acres were donated by the Bently Family and others were purchased by donors and then all donated to the American Wild Horse Conservation, to remain undeveloped,” she said.

The Bentlys have been selling off their Douglas County assets, including the Minden Mill distillery, starting in March 2022. The mill reopened under new ownership in September 2023.