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 April 2001 Newsletter
Truckee River Yacht Club

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GENE EVANS: FRIEND OF THE RIVER
Gene Evans, former State Assemblyman, publicist for Harrah's, WWII combat trooper and forever a Truckee River advocate who began the Truckee River Advisory Board, passed away several weeks ago after a long illness.

Gene shall remain in our memory as an outspoken advocate and river watchdog. He was a Club member who never stopped learning about or talking about or studying the river and its whims.

In the 1970's, he and friends approached all three local governments with a resolution to establish the Truckee River Advisory Board. TRAB, as it was known, advised the entities on development projects along the river, working for stronger ordinances to protect the river, better architecture with an orientation to the river, and more public access to the river. Gene became chairman emeritus of that group, always bringing the collective memory and recent history to light. TRAB also worked to establish river mile markers

Unfortunately, as Gene's health failed, so did TRAB and so did Reno's river corridor plan. He was a champion of both. TRAB was to be reconstituted under Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency, but due to lack of support and funding the committee was abolished and never re-established, probably because government says it is streamlining its approval processes and TRAB was part of the approval process. So far the City has not established any guidelines to specifically deal with river development.

But that aside, Gene knew all the old stories, was a wealth of historical knowledge and routed out support for the river he loved.  For all of that we shall miss his generous and cheerful spirit.

And we send Binney, his wife, our sympathy.

CITY COUNCIL DENIES PARKING AT MAPES SITE
In old news the Reno City Council denied the application by the Cal Neva to use the old Mapes site for 36 parking spaces.  Yacht Club Board members Don Vetter and Susan Lynn attended the meeting to voice their opposition.  It was the Club's feeling that parking along the river is to be avoided whenever possible. 

Parking along the river is contrary to the City's master plan for downtown.  The site is prime property sitting vacant in hopes of attracting a developer who will honor the riverfront/arts district.  Others are hoping it will be converted to a public square where entertainment including ice skating in the winter and dancing or roller skating in the summer, or a farmers market are staged.  Portland's Trolley Square, Seattle's Pioneer Square, Oakland's Jack London Square are traditional places of street activity--mimes, food vendors, magicians and are surrounded by vibrant commercial and tourist activity.

NEW FLOOD SCHEDULE
We hate to list dates because the schedule keeps sliding around in an attempt to please City and County Managers (the Executive Committee); the Corps of Engineers; the Working Group which is doing the lion's share of the work; and interested citizens and businesses.

The Working Group, full of enthusiasm and willing to spend the time to define the details of the project so that the public has something to work from, has been held up by the Executive Committee which has problems getting together to provide direction or provide senior staff to help move the flood protection project along.

It's been four years since the 1997 flood. The memories have faded. And in what appears to be a drought year, there is no urgency. But in order to get Congressional appropriations by the Corps' scheduled "begin implementation" date of 2003 or 2004, we cannot afford the let the time deadlines slip more. It's time to get moving!

MCCARRAN RANCH RESTORATION PROCEEDING
Michael Cameron has taken over the Truckee River projects for The Nature Conservancy.  Working with long time river expert Chad Gourley and his assistant Tyler Allred, they are in the process of planning for restoration of nearly 4 miles of Truckee River for habitat, water quality and possibly flood attenuation.

They have been reading river cross-section surveys to learn about how the river has changed since the 1997 flood, running hydrologic and geomorphological models and ordering preliminary vegetation for riparian plantings. The cattle have been removed because they had munched the new young cottonwoods and trampled the banks while contributing to the water pollution--nitrogen and phosphorous. And tall whitetop is a challenging problem where alfalfa fields are being converted to riparian and upland habitat.

Habitat and species diversity losses along the Truckee River have been substantial, so The Nature Conservancy, in its restoration efforts, hopes that habitat recovery will facilitate the recovery of both birds and fish.

HOSS EQUIPMENT APPLIES FOR GOLF COURSE AT 102 RANCH
Hoss Corporation, which refurbishes and resells old mining equipment, has applied to the Army Corps of Engineers, to relocate the river at the old Helms' 102 Ranch at Tracy so that they can build a golf course along the river.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service has told the Corps it needs a Section 7 Consultation because of the Lahontan cutthroat trout recovery program.

A golf course unless rigorously monitored has the potential to contribute more fertilizer to the river from irrigation runoff. Hoss also proposes to riprap the banks to prevent erosion depriving the river of its ability to change its meander pattern, something that old photos show it's been doing in recent history. The rearrangement of the river may further imperil the railroad and the Eagle Picher plant. Hoss argues that with rapidly developing Storey County, a golf course is needed. They will need to acquire water for the project as the water was separated from the property several years ago.

This is the section of river that broke through the gravel pit walls during high water in 1995 and 1997 creating a very deep spot in the river that has probably filled with debris and sediment. This area could also provide water quality, flooding and habitat benefits to the community.

Hoss sent a letter to the Corps stating the property is for sale. Despite attempts by interested parties, no land appraisals have been completed, and no sale is in the works.

BRUCE AMBO DEPARTS
Reno Redevelopment person, Bruce Ambo has left for California.  Bruce had lived along the river and had several projects, including the flood protection project along the river for Redevelopment.  He was also working with the State Commission on Tourism for a downtown kayak course in order to bring world class kayakers to town for recreation opportunities.  We appreciated his willingness to work on the flood project and to speak for downtown interests.  We didn't always agree with his projects, but he always seemed willing to talk and resolve problems.

Bruce will be hanging out in Grover City, California--near Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo, a rapidly growing area on the central coast.

DOWNTOWN CAC LOOKS AT A PADDLEBOAT POND
At the request of Bob Rusk of the Truckee River Lodge, the Redevelopment Citizen's Advisory Committee has been looking at replacing the flashboards at the Arlington Dam to create a pond for paddle boats.

The existing remains of the old irrigation diversion dam are being discussed for removal under the community flood protection plan and for the Downtown Whitewater course proposed by the Nevada Commission on Tourism. The Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in addition to NDOW have expressed serious concerns because of Lahontan cutthroat recovery plans and the brown and rainbow trout spawning gravels in the proposed pond area. USFWS and NDOW fear that water temperatures will increase to affect sensitive coldwater trout. Additionally, the dam currently impedes the passage of fish up and down the river.

The community flood coalition is urging the removal of all structures in the river to prevent flood backups. Several downtown bridges being considered for replacement would be reconstructed to allow for higher flood flows and less debris buildup. In the 1997 flood, diversion structures and bridges captured lots of old tree trunks, logs and trash causing the flood waters to back up in many areas.

Our wild-eyed idea is to purchase the bus station site when a new one is built.  Demolish the bus station which doesn't belong there anyway, and dig a pond for paddleboats in the summer and ice skating in the winter.  Got other suggestions?

PURCHASE OF SPPCo WATER BY TMWA EXPECTED
There are some new initials floating around in the Truckee Meadows. TMWA (pronounced tum-wah and reads Truckee Meadows Water Agency) comprised of the three local governments is poised to purchase the water division of Sierra Pacific.  However, the Public Service Commission and several other regulatory or judicial bodies must first approve the sale.

When Sierra first announced it was selling, Reno, Sparks and Washoe County decided they had too much at stake, made a bid and were named the successful bidders by the parent company. Local governments risked TROA and the water quality agreement, as well as control over growth, if they didn't attempt the purchase of water and facilities. TMWA will inherit many of Sierra's commitments to the Pyramid Lake Tribe.

The water staff at Sierra are left not knowing if they have a job while Sierra and TMWA work on polishing the agreements, seeking the approvals and developing an operating plan as well as a transition plan. Because these employees are highly trained and know the system, they should be retained, especially facility managers.

Some staffing has begun. Malin Malquist, formerly CEO at Sierra has been named head of TMWA, while Bob Marshall (Winnemucca Ranch water entrepreneur) is rumored to be named legal counsel.

Additionally, there is much speculation on questions related to the acceleration of water meter retrofits, maintenance of facilities, and PSC oversight. The transition is a very monumental task. Government staffs have been working long and hard to provide a smooth transition.

YACHT CLUB CHANGES ADDRESS
Please note when renewing your membership that the Club has changed its address.  We no longer have a mailbox.

Our new address is 1755 E. Plumb Ln., #170, Reno, NV 89502

ADOPT A PARK ON MAY 12, 2001
Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful is staging Adopt a Park on Saturday, May 12.  You and your group, or you as an individual can volunteer to spruce up our local parks.  Call Wes Reid to volunteer.  851-5185.

EARTH DAY ON APRIL 22, 2001
Another year and another Earth Day Celebration staged by Environmental Leadership.  For more information, call Sonya Hem at 323-3433.  Music, information, food and more.  Join the fun!

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