Proposed Martin Slough Trail in Douglas County receives $100k grant

Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/06/2015 - 7:56pm

Douglas County was awarded $106,000 for the construction of a trailhead on Buckeye Road to serve the proposed Martin Slough Bike Path. The Douglas County project was one of twelve selected out of twenty two applicants to receive grants from the Nevada State Parks Recreational Trail Program. When complete, the Martin Slough Bike Path will connect Jakes Wetland in Minden to the Gilman Ponds in Gardnerville. The path will be 2.61 miles long and consist of a 10-foot wide paved section. Funding for the path is from the Nevada Department of Transportation’s Local Technical Assistance Program.

“This is a great example of multi-modal transportation improvements we want to continue here in Douglas County,” said Jim Nichols, Douglas County Manager. “This project shows how core amenities and facilities can be connected in our community, adding to the overall quality-of- life for residents and giving visitors a reason to stay and recreate longer.”

The trailhead will consist of several parking spots including ADA parking, educational signage, and paved access from the trail to the parking area. The grant requires a 20% match of local funds which was provided by Douglas County ($20k) and the Towns of Minden and Gardnerville ($3k each).

Existing parking is available at the north end of the project at the Jake’s Wetland Trail Head and at the south end of the project at the Gilman Ponds but parking was limited mid trail. These parking spots will also allow fir easy access to proposed fishing pond just South of Buckeye Road. The grant proposal was prepared and submitted by the staff of Douglas County’s Community Development Department and the Economic Vitality Program, with assistance from R.O. Anderson Consulting Engineers.

Martin Slough Bike Path is nearly 90% complete. Douglas County is working with NDOT to complete acquisition of the required easements to accommodate the bike path. A construction schedule will be set once all necessary easements have been acquired.