Reasons to oppose motocross track at Topaz Lake

On Nov. 30, 2010, a hearing was convened by the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Commission's Advisory Committee at the Topaz Lodge to elicit comments from the public regarding the proposed construction of a motocross track near the Topaz Lake County Park. Following are reasons for opposition of any further consideration of this project:

1. Topaz Lake is a retirement community. Construction of a motocross park would detrimentally impact the peace and harmony which attracted seniors to retire in this community. We further believe that the already negatively impacted housing values due to the recession, will further be impacted negatively by this project.

2. The lake is known for its trophy trout which can be caught from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30 (the proposed times for operation of this facility). We believe that the construction of this motocross park would severely and negatively impact the habitat of wildlife already severely impacted by recent wildlife fires and the rural quiet for which campers visit Topaz Lake.

3. Due to the 10,000-plus foot mountains to the west, the climate here is semi-arid. This community is served by volunteer firefighters with limited equipment to fight a wildlife fire. We believe that construction of a motocross park would increase greatly the possibility of a wildland fire in this area due to the large increase in motor-vehicles, including campers, associated with these events.

4. The trauma registry data of all patients with motocross-related injuries refers to trauma involving: chest, abdominal, spinal and closed head injuries. Topaz Lake is served by volunteer EMTs. The nearest paramedic level services are 25 minutes away. The Level II Trauma Center is in Reno and requiring aerial transport. We believe the lack of emergency medical services often required in motocross accidents increases the chances of poor clinical outcomes and possible death for participants and possibly even observers.

5. The roads leading in and out of the proposed area are unmaintained single two-directional lanes. Many of our roads are uneven dirt and gravel roads with large potholes.

Residents relate many rescues of visitors to the lake who are involved in vehicle accidents due to road conditions or non-compliance with posted speed controls. We believe that the construction of this motocross park would severely and negatively impact the traffic and increase vehicle accidents due to the proposed number of participants and observers that may approach 1,000 persons for a popular event. We further believe that this traffic will increase dust and litter in the area which becomes the responsibility of residents to clean in order to protect the environment.

We thank for publishing our concerns and believe they reflect those of the community at large. We respectfully request that the location of this project be revisited in a non-residential area where participants can enjoy their hobby with minimal impact to local residents and habitat.

Pamela Graham is a Topaz Lakeresident.