The Nevada Division of State Parks (NDSP), part of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, announced a receipt of a federal grant award of $1,091,451 through the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The funds will be part of developing Nevada’s newest state park, the Walker River State Recreation Area, located in Mason Valley. LWCF assistance is a competitive grant program designed to benefit local communities through the preservation and development of outdoor recreation resources.

The new Walker River State Recreation Area will provide a vibrant outdoor experience for area visitors, featuring expanded opportunities for camping, hunting, and riparian recreation. Specifically, the LWCF grant funds will contribute to the development of the Pitchfork Ranch portion of the new park, including building a campground with full hookups, a primitive campground, an interpretive trail, and a day use area at Pitchfork Ranch. Use of the grant funds will include design, engineering, resource investigation, and permitting needed for the project, as well as support infrastructure including restrooms, walkways, utilities, signage, roads, and landscaping.

“The Nevada Division of State Parks is grateful to have received the LWCF grant for the Pitchfork Ranch section of our newest state park, which will provide an extraordinary retreat for visitors and residents in the surrounding communities,” said Eric Johnson, Administrator of the NDSP. “We are looking forward to providing bountiful opportunities for individuals and families to explore the area’s unique natural surroundings, wildlife, and recreational activities – all in a pristine and picturesque setting.”

The Pitchfork Ranch will be the first major phase of the new Walker River State Recreation Area and is slated to open in fall of 2018. To learn more about Nevada State Parks, please visit http://parks.nv.gov/

[widgets_on_pages id=”directory”]