Assessment identifies Douglas projects

A variety of community projects are under way in Douglas County aimed at improving the quality of life in all corners of the area, from Carson Valley and Topaz Ranch Estates to Lake Tahoe.

The projects were identified last year during an ambitious community assessment that involved more than 500 residents. Project organizers are hoping to lure more volunteers to help in the effort, however.

"The assessment helped us identify where the needs are, and in what ways citizens are interested in addressing those needs," said University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Steve Lewis, an Extension Educator for Douglas County who worked with the Nevada Rural Development Council to conduct and publish the report.

Carl Dahlen, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Kathy Halbardier, Nevada Small Business Development Center, and Carole Thompson, Douglas County Building & Industry Association also served on the steering committee for the assessment.

Initial planning has started on six projects for Carson Valley, including:

n Arts & Culture: to unite and inspire others through the arts

n Tourism Destination: promoting the area's rural character - including its small-town atmosphere, local agriculture and natural resource beauty - as a way of attracting tourists and enhancing the economy.

n Senior Center: securing land and building a new facility that may also serve multiple generations

n Genoa Business Development: attempting to find the balance between developing a more prosperous economic environment while maintaining the heritage and charm of Genoa

n Cross Cultural: working to bridge gaps in cultural backgrounds, and using cultural differences to strengthen our community and to celebrate our diversity

n Virtual Community Concierge: help citizens understand what's going on in our community and where services can be found

Projects identified in southern Douglas County, also known as Topaz Ranch Estates, Holbrook, Topaz, and Spring Valley/Double Springs:

n Highway 208 turn lane: investigating the installation of a turn lane into Topaz Ranch Estates to improve what many consider to be a dangerous situation

n Wildfire safety: working with five Fire Safe chapters in southern Douglas County to reduce wildfire threats

n Water issues: addressing long-term water supplies as well as the installation of additional water hydrants in Topaz Ranch Estates.

n Business development: creating opportunities for mom-and-pop businesses

n Utility Issues: providing better communication coverage, uninterrupted power supply, recycling services and natural gas infrastructure.

In the Lake Tahoe area of Douglas County, one project was identified: Economic development while addressing environmental preservation, communication, transportation and housing.

Lewis said he's hoping Douglas County residents will join these various efforts and lend their expertise and skill to make them successful.

"We're hoping Douglas County citizens will rise up to the challenge and enhance their civic engagement and volunteerism," Lewis said. "Douglas County citizens love their communities and want to make model communities of where they live. This is their chance to get involved in that effort."

To view a complete Community Assessment report, log onto the Douglas County Web site www.douglascountynv.gov scroll down the home page to Community Assessment, and click the link to see the report. Or you can contact the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 782-9960, to get one in print.

Working groups contacts have been established for the projects mentioned. These contacts may be found in a second link on the County's website under Community Assessment. If you're interested in working with one of the working groups, give the contact a call or send them an e-mail.

Jim Sloan is a communications specialist for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension