The Carson Valley Trails Association has received a $396,378 grant from state Question 1 money that will be used for a series of hiking trails in the foothills of Genoa.
Phase one of the project is expected to begin in spring and will include a 5-mile trail connecting the Adams Canyon trail head to Sierra Canyon, and a 2-mile trail in Sierra Canyon that will connect to the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Phase two will include two 1-mile trails that connect to a public access point in the town of Genoa.
"We are very excited about this new project," said CVTA President Kerstin Wolle. "The addition will significantly enhance the quality of life within Carson Valley."
The Question 1 conservation initiative was approved by Nevada voters in 2002. Consequently, the Nevada Division of State Lands was authorized to issue about $66 million worth of general obligation bonds for conservation and resource-protection measures. About $7 million of that was allocated to state agencies, counties, municipalities and nonprofit organizations for the construction of recreational trails.
The association will have to match 40 percent of the $396,378 grant with cash and volunteer hours.
The money will be used for environmental assessments, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, land surveys, where trails border private land, and finally the construction of the trail system.
CVTA members say the project will not only provide access to national forest land, but will establish a portion of what they hope will become a trail system that spans the whole length of the foothills in Carson Valley.
"This new trail system will allow local residents to really experience their own backyard," said trail-builder Jeremy Vlcan. "You will have spectacular views of the Pine Nut Mountains, the Carson River, and the entire Carson Valley from the new trails.
"This will be a wonderful resource to pass down to future generations."
The organization is hosting a preview of the project 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Mormon Station State Historic Park in Genoa.
The event will include guided tours of public access points in Genoa, displays and refreshments.
For more information, visit www.carsonvalleytrails.org or call Wolle at 265-3736.
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