No reason to rush on Park decision

While Douglas County commissioners' continuation of the Park Cattle project might seem indecisive to some observers, we're happy the county is willing to take that criticism in order to gain time and information to make an informed decision.

Making a decision that could easily double the population of Minden and Gardnerville combined is not something that should be done lightly.

Park Cattle is asking to put a community the size of the Gardnerville Ranchos on what is now agricultural land.

But the land is only agriculturally productive because Park chooses to irrigate it. There are certainly repercussions for the company should it decide to stop irrigating the land, but those might be seen as the price of doing business.

We can understand the desire to plan the entire project in a single stroke. What if the county had the opportunity to do the same in the Ranchos when it was proposed in 1965? What would be different?

But the county has to balance that against the very real issue of whether Douglas will be able to serve the project.

Planning for the long term is important, and consists of more than just where to put future growth. Even if it wanted to, Park won't be able make up for all of the shortages county residents have not, as yet, shown any willingness to pay for.

Hopefully, the continuance and additional information about the project will enable county commissioners to make an informed decision on the future of Carson Valley.