Douglas County is Planning Completion of Martin Slough Trail For Late Summer 2022
The Martin Slough Multimodal Trail Project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2022 providing a pathway for residents to utilize full bike and walking access to the Minden and Gardnerville downtown areas. The Martin Slough Multimodal Trail project consists of approximately 1.86 miles, 10-Ft wide paved path connecting Jake’s Wetlands in Minden to the Gilman Ponds in Gardnerville. The path will also connect to Minden’s new fishing pond located south of Buckeye Road. The construction budget is approximately $1,600,000. The project began in February of 2022 and is funded in partnership between several public and private entities.
To view a map of the trail click here.
Since 2010 the County has worked with public and non-profit sector partners to develop and add trails in Douglas County benefiting residents with quality of life amenities and visitors with added outdoor opportunities to increase overnight stays and local revenues.
The path alignment follows generally along the Martin Slough which, in some areas, is close to environmentally sensitive areas. This, coupled with the grant funding, required additional studies to document the project impacts. These studies consisted of geotechnical, flood impact analysis, wetland delineation and cultural resources. In addition to these studies prepared during the design phase, a biologist monitors the alignment for nesting activities of sensitive species during construction.
“Public trails are a great amenity for Douglas County. Approximately 30% of Douglas County residents are over 65 years in age and these types of at-grade, paved trails provide a significant enhancement for the public to continue to be active in the great outdoors,“ said Lisa Granahan, Economic Vitality Manager. “Working together in partnership with all our public and private partners truly allows Douglas County make great strides in one of its Focus Areas which is to capitalize on outdoor recreation and lifestyle opportunities.”
Trails also provide additional activities for tourists with plans to stay a few days in the beautiful Carson Valley. A great way to experience the wide-open vistas of the eastern Sierras is to walk a trail that meanders along the Martin Slough. The trail provides a nice pedestrian connection which is just off the main thoroughfare of US 395. Perfect for both tourists and residents that would like to take the “back door” to Minden and Gardnerville’s many shops, restaurants, lodgings and other businesses.
In addition to enhancing the quality of life, this project includes a fiber connection to the Carson Valley Middle School and Gardnerville Elementary School, a much-needed improvement in today’s high-tech society. DOGS ARE ALLOWED on the Martin Slough Trail as long as they are on a leash that does not exceed 10 feet in length.
The County is actively planning a dedication ceremony in collaboration with the towns of Gardnerville and Minden which will take place in late summer of 2022. To sign up to receive project updates or an invitation to the ribbon-cutting ceremony click here.
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