Ranchos discusses bear-proofing at special meeting

Three members of the Gardnerville Ranchos General Improvement District on Tuesday rescinded a previous denial of Douglas County's plan to implement a bear-proofing policy.

County commissioners were scheduled to discuss the ordinance on Thursday.

According to Chairman Al Wagner, in August the board denied the county's plan, which requires residents to purchase a bear-proof trash container if they've had two documented bear raids in two years, because he said bears weren't a problem in the Ranchos.

However, a significant spike in bear activity throughout late summer and early fall, including activity in the Ranchos, has forced board members to rethink their position.

"Carl Lackey said in September alone there were 600 bear calls," said district manager Bob Spellberg.

Wagner said he now supports the ordinance as long as it hasn't changed since presented to the board.

Spellberg said he hadn't been advised of any changes to the ordinance.

"I don't think it's a cure all, but it's a start," said Wagner.

Trustee Jeff James, who participated in the meeting via speaker phone, expressed concerns about what kinds of bear-proof container residents would be required to purchase. He said he was worried residents would build sheds and other permanent structures on the side of the street, ruining the aesthetic of the neighborhood.

During public comment, Ranchos resident Jim Hansen addressed this concern. He said bears have been raiding his trash on Glenwood Drive, near the Carson River, and that he decided to do something about it.

"But I didn't want to put an eyesore on the street," he said.

He said he went to the town of Genoa and looked at a bear-proof container on Nixon Street.

"It looks like a regular trash can, and it rolls like a regular can," said Hansen.

Hansen said the container costs $250, compared to other containers costing $950.

"But if I spend over $200, I want to make sure the County will pick it up," he said.

Spellberg said he thought it wouldn't be a problem to use the cheaper can and that he himself would bring the issue up at the County Commissioners meeting Oct. 17.

James still had some reservations, though.

"It sounds aesthetically pleasing, but what's to stop someone from putting up a structure or shed on the street?" he asked.

Spellberg said he would also express James' concerns at the County meeting.

The three board members unanimously rescinded their denial of the County's ordinance, and unanimously approved their formal support of the plan.

Wagner said the board wasn't in a position to adopt the policy yet, but only to go on record supporting the County's efforts. He said the specifics of the ordinance would need to be worked out in the future.