Carson City Open Space honors volunteers and partners; sheep-grazing partners recognized

Carson City Open Space staff and committee members presented awards and recognition to volunteers and partner organizations during the meeting.

Committee chair and staff members praised several longtime contributors. Eric Ingvar was recognized for GIS and trail‑planning support; staff noted his mapping work and assistance with the open space and trail plans. Resource Concepts — the consulting firm cited in public remarks — received recognition for technical support on plant studies and other projects. Lindsay Boyer, open space manager, introduced the awards and described the grassroots contributions that have helped build Carson City’s open space and trail network over the past two decades.

Boyer also recognized the Bridalland & Sheep Company for its long-standing partnership to graze hillsides on the west side of Carson City as a no‑cost wildfire-risk reduction program. “We started that program in 2006 following the 2004 waterfall fire… it’s a no‑cost partnership for the city,” Boyer said, adding the Grazing Company brings thousands of sheep annually and saves the city thousands of dollars in fuels-management costs.

Juan Guzman, a longtime open-space volunteer who spoke during public comment, thanked staff and commended honorees: “Thank you so much for, the the the awards. That is something that is really meaningful,” he said.

Staff also announced an annual volunteer appreciation event scheduled for the coming weekend and encouraged volunteers to attend. In a separate update, staff said the Sea Hill flag — the large hillside flag near the city — has been decommissioned and will be replaced when fundraising for new panels is complete; staff expect the flag to return by Flag Day or July 4 of next year, depending on fundraising progress.

Notes: Awards recognize volunteer time and technical assistance; grazing partnerships continue as a cost-saving wildfire-risk mitigation practice.