Humboldt River Field Office has initiated a 30-day comment period for improvements at the Water Canyon Recreation Area
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WINNEMUCCA, Nev.— The public is invited to review the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA) and comment during the 30-day public comment period for the trail improvement project at Water Canyon Recreation Area, beginning today and ending February 15. The Water Canyon Nature Trail has been closed since the recreation area bridges were removed, the first in 2016 and the second in 2020. The trail is popular with the public and provides access to Winnemucca Overlook point.
The Humboldt River Field Office has proposed to build two pedestrian bridges to improve access to the nature trail. One bridge will be in the same location as the former trail bridge. The second bridge will be installed approximately 285 feet downstream of the other bridge. To reduce safety hazards associated with stream erosion, rock material and permanent stream protection will be placed to ensure the longevity of the bridges. The public has been requesting the replacement of the bridges for several years.
The nature trail will be rerouted on both sides of Whites Creek to accommodate the relocation of the downstream bridge but will otherwise follow the existing trail. Once complete, the trail will connect the lower vault toilet and parking area near Campsite #3 to the maintained trail that continues upcanyon from Campsite #4. An outdoor classroom will be added to the day use area along the trail (on the north side of the stream) featuring natural-material benches in an amphitheater arrangement. This classroom will be open to the public on a first come, first-serve basis and reservable to organized groups through the special recreation permit process.
The public is invited to comment during the 30-day period to review the PEA. To view the project information on ePlanning or submit comments online go to- https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2020434/510. Comments can also be submitted via mail at:
Water Canyon Bridges
Winnemucca District Office
5100 East Winnemucca Blvd.
Winnemucca, NV 89445
Or emailed to BLM_NV_HR_RecreationComments@blm.gov. Comments must be received or postmarked by February 15, 2023. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deaf blind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7-1-1 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services.
Water Canyon Recreation Area is located 5.2 miles southeast of Winnemucca, Nevada. For additional recreation area information go to https://www.blm.gov/visit/water-canyon-recreation-area.
For more information, please call Bridget Murray at 775-623-1500.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.