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Washoe County updates Davis Creek restoration, reports volunteer hours and trail work
Summary
Staff reported 8,996 volunteer hours (valued at about $312,000), trail work including a 7.7‑mile phase of the Sierra Front Trail, and progress on Davis Creek restoration after the Sept. 7, 2024 fire; final design is at 90% but electrical replacement and insurance negotiations remain unresolved.
During the Jan. 28 meeting, Washoe County parks staff provided routine park reports and an update on the Davis Creek Regional Park restoration following a Sept. 7, 2024 wildfire.
Operations superintendent Stephanie D'Arcy told commissioners the department recorded 8,996 volunteer hours over the reporting period, which — using a national estimated volunteer value — the department equated to roughly $312,000 in labor or four full‑time staff equivalents. Staff also reported award of a contract to Kimley Horn to support an update to the Lazy 5 Regional Park master plan and completion of 90% design for phase 1 of the Sierra Front Trail, a 7.7‑mile multi‑use single‑track segment from Michael D. Thompson Trailhead toward Hunter Lake Road that will be partially funded with a recreational trails program (RTP) grant.
On Davis Creek, D'Arcy summarized engineering and funding: "As we know, the fire at Davis Creek, was 09/07/2024. At this point in time, we have 90% design plans in hand with an engineer's probable cost, construction cost. Our hiccup ... is that it's sitting with the electrical in the park. We've determined the safest and most practical way to move forward is a complete replacement of the electrical system," she said. Staff said insurance negotiations are ongoing with the county's risk team and the insurer; once funding is secured, staff expects roughly three months to finalize design and permitting and about four months for construction.
D'Arcy said much hazard‑tree removal work and volunteer plantings have allowed most park areas and the Over Creek Trail to reopen, but the campground remains closed while restoration proceeds.
Eric Crump, community services director, said the county can draw on contingency or capital funds if insurance proceeds prove insufficient and that staff will coordinate with budget and finance to identify funding sources if needed.
What happens next: staff will continue design, finalize insurance negotiation outcomes, and return to the commission with funding and construction schedules when available.
