Joint Open Space Advisory Committee and Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

On June 15, 2026, the Open Space Advisory Committee and Parks and Recreation Commission held a joint meeting at 5:30 PM. The meeting included public comments, approval of minutes, presentations from community partners, updates on ongoing projects, and a director's report. Key topics included the Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch, the Nevada Starry Skies dark sky certification program, and the Carson River Master Plan update. Several personnel achievements and budget items were also recognized.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the Open Space Advisory Committee meeting of April 20, 2026, and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting (date not specified) were approved by voice vote with all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Monique (resident): Expressed concern about the potential development of a privately owned parcel at Lompa Ranch, which she described as a lovely pasture with a barn and windmill. She requested guidance on how to protect the land as open space and thanked staff (Jennifer Budge and Lindsay Boyer) for their assistance in getting started.
• Denny French (Carson City resident): Expressed support for the Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch and called for clearer definitions between park and open space uses. He urged consideration of monarch butterfly corridors and migratory birds, advocated for dark sky compliance, and cautioned against “parkinizing” open spaces with structures that lack contextual design. He also noted that the department director should identify herself as both Parks and Recreation and Open Space.

Discussion Items

• Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch (FOSS Ranch) Update: Mike Drews, President of FOSS Ranch, presented the group’s activities and future plans. The organization, incorporated in 2001, maintains the historical significance of the ranch and supports restoration and education. Membership has grown to 72 individuals and 10 corporate sponsors. Recent volunteer efforts included ranch cleanups (15 volunteers putting in 60 hours in 2025; 11 volunteers in 2026), weeding and replanting at the Red House, and painting the south outhouse. The group provides wagon rides, participates in community events (e.g., Kids to Park Day, Jazz and Beyond, Christmas open house), and partners with park rangers. Future projects include restoring the Red House siding, improving irrigation, creating a community garden using donated water rights, and engaging with FFA/4H programs. Commissioners and committee members expressed strong support and commendation for the group’s volunteer work.
• Nevada Starry Skies Certification Presentation: Chelsea Kinchlow, Program Officer with the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, presented the Nevada Starry Skies certification program—the first state-level dark sky certification in the nation. She explained that light pollution impacts wildlife and human health, and that 80% of the world experiences artificial light at night. Silver Saddle Ranch has about 20 lights (15 operational), and sky quality measurements taken in May 2025 showed a median of 19.97 magnitudes per square arc second (suburban/rural transition level, 4 on the Bortle scale). The certification process requires creating a lighting management plan, retrofitting lights with shields, dimmers, and warm tones. Commissioners asked about security, tourism figures, and the impact of LED lights. The program currently focuses on three areas: Gerlach, Carson City, and Wild Horse State Recreation Area.
• Carson River Master Plan Update: Marina Lovejoy, Senior Natural Resource Specialist, provided an update on the 2026 update of the Carson River Master Plan. The original 1996 plan focused on public access and land acquisition along the Carson River; to date, 11 miles of river corridor and 5,000 acres have been protected. The update, initiated in 2022 and currently in the editing phase, is supported by the National Park Service and Carson Water Subconservancy District. Outreach included a public survey (300 responses), a technical expert survey (21 responses), a public open house (40 attendees), and a float trip. The draft plan will address five themes: outdoor recreation, natural and cultural resource stewardship, education and outreach, water quality and conservation, and collaboration and partnerships. Recommended actions will be prioritized with cost estimates and timelines. Commissioners discussed potential land acquisitions, user conflicts, and the importance of the river corridor. The final draft is expected at the next joint meeting.
• Director’s Report: Jennifer Budge, Parks and Recreation Director, reported on several items:
  • Fiscal Year 2027 Budget: Approved by the Board of Supervisors, includes reinvestment in lighting at Centennial Park, $10,000 for updating municipal codes (1302 and 1306), and funding to hire a consultant for Parks & Rec Master Plan and Open Space Plan updates.
  • Vacant Positions: Seasonal positions mostly filled; park ranger and park project manager positions open.
  • Federal Lands Bill: Passed the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources—farthest it has progressed in eight years.
  • Seahill Flag Dedication: Completed on June 14, 2026, with over $60,000 in donations and countless volunteer hours. Congressman Amodei also allocated $1 million for improvements at the community center.
  • Land Acquisition Grant: Conserve Nevada awarded $1.2 million for Ash Canyon west side acquisition.
  • Staff Milestones: Dave Navarro (20 years), Patty Liebesbeck (10 years), and Marina Lovejoy recognized the 20th year of the sheep grazing program: 2,400 sheep grazed, removing an estimated 200,000 pounds of fuel.
• Trails Coordinator Report: Greg Bergren reported that the South Carson Pathway was officially named in honor of Glenn Lucky, approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 7, 2026, and the sign was installed on May 14. He also announced that the American Discovery Trail (6,800 miles) will include a relay event passing through Carson City on July 17, 2026, as part of America 250 celebrations.
• School Board Liaison Update: Molly reported that the third-grade swim lessons by Carson Pools were successful, student groups participated in the farmers market at the legislature, and Carson High School held its first night graduation with 526 graduates, which was well-attended.
• Foundation for Carson City Parks Update: A disc golf tournament on May 3, 2026, raised $2,600 for the Movers and Doers program, with 60 participants and donations from 25 businesses.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Open Space Advisory Committee minutes (April 20, 2026) and Parks and Recreation Commission minutes approved unanimously.
• Future Agenda Items Scheduled:
  • Presentation on urban tree canopy management.
  • Discussion on potential land acquisitions and disposals (to begin at next Open Space Advisory Committee meeting).
  • Update on Centennial Bike Park draft agreement for next meeting.
  • E-bike working group to be established with volunteers from committees.
• Acknowledgments: Staff milestones and volunteer contributions recognized; $1.2 million grant for Ash Canyon land acquisition noted.