Carson River Planning Forum scheduled

MINDEN - More than 100 Carson River enthusiasts are expected to meet Oct. 27 during a special planning forum.

Sponsored by the Carson Water Subconservancy District, the half-day meeting is part of an overall planning effort meant to bring various river users together.

"We want to establish the guidelines and vision for the watershed and let people know what's out there," said Ed James, general manager of the subconservancy district. "We're trying to get as much information as we can from a lot of people. If they're into participating or giving comments, we want to hear from them."

The subconservancy district was one of several agencies that produced a day-long conference on the river in April 1998. The conference resulted in what James and others call an "integrated watershed planning process," intended to coordinate efforts to manage all of the river's facets - water qupply and quality, habitat, recreation, floods and irrigation.

The Oct. 27 meeting will include a discussion of proposed mission statements for the process, as well as a planning session, which organizers say will be an opportunity to discuss ways to implement a series of guiding principles that have been proposed.

Those principles range from managing the river's watershed with an eye toward economic sustainability and quality of life to promoting conservation of water throughout the region.

They also address the river's ecosystem. One principle recommends encouraging the waterway's natural process, such as natural succession and re-establishment of floodplains, while another suggests maintenance of riverine and alluvial fan floodplains so the river can better handle floods.

James said he hopes the meeting will be the first of several yearly gatherings. As of Wednesday, he said more than 100 people representing a variety of agencies, as well as individuals, had committed to attending. James is still accepting reservations from other interested participants. To register, call him at 887-1260.

Details

What: Carson River Integrated Watershed Planning Process meeting

When: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Ormsby House in Carson City

Registration: Ed James, 887-1260