Humboldt River Field Office to initiate a 30-day scoping period for trail improvements at Water Canyon Recreation Area
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WINNEMUCCA, Nev.— The Humboldt River Field Office has initiated a 30-day public scoping period for the trail improvement project at Water Canyon Recreation Area. The Water Canyon Nature Trail has been closed since the recreation area bridges were removed. The trail is popular with the public and provides access to the Winnemucca Overlook point.
The BLM proposes to build two pedestrian bridges to improve access to the nature trail. One of the bridges will be in the same location as the former trail bridge. The second bridge will be installed approximately 285 feet downstream of the other trail bridge to reduce safety hazards associated with stream erosion. Riprap and other permanent stream protection will be placed to ensure the longevity of the structures. The public has been requesting the replacement of these two bridges for the past few 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 footprint. Once complete, the trail will connect the lower vault toilet and parking area near Campsite 3 to the maintained trail that continues up canyon from Campsite 4. An outdoor classroom will be added to the day use site 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 via the special recreation permit process.
The public is invited to provide input during the scoping period to help the recreation staff develop the Environmental Assessment and the recreation area improvements. To view the project information on ePlanning or submit comments online go here. 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 September 20, 2022. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, 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.