Galena Creek Regional park

The Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) is teaming up with Washoe County Parks and Open Space, the USDA Forest Service, and the Nevada Department of Transportation on a new project at Galena Creek Regional Park. With funding from the USDA Forest Service's Wildfire Crisis Strategy, this effort focuses on reducing wildfire risks, improving forest health, and restoring the park's natural ecosystem.

What’s Happening?

Crews will treat about 150 acres of forest in the park starting in fall 2024. Work will include:

• Thinning dense forest areas to reduce the risk of extreme wildfire behavior, make firefighting safer, and increase tree health for remaining trees.
• Removing dead vegetation and mistletoe-affected trees to improve forest health.
• Clearing out overgrown conifers in riparian areas to enhance riparian vegetation such as willows and aspen that support ecosystem and watershed health.

This project addresses long-standing wildfire hazards and reduced forest health in the area. Over the years, there have been several fires in the Mt. Rose Corridor. Dense forests and overgrown creek areas increase wildfire risks and threaten the health of the ecosystem. By reducing these hazards, the project will help protect the surrounding communities and the park itself.

Marlette Peak Hand Crew build piles after cutting down manzanita at Galena Creek Regional Park. 

How Will It Be Done?

Crews will use a mix of tools, including mechanized equipment, hand thinning, chipping, piling and winter burning. Some areas may also see mastication (grinding vegetation into mulch).

Short-Term and Long-Term Benefits

While the work may cause temporary dust, noise and selective treatment area closures during operations, the benefits are well worth it:

• Immediate results: Reduced wildfire intensity and spread potential, as well as improved forest health.
• Long-term gains: Healthier wildlife habitats, increased biodiversity, resilient watersheds and a more sustainable riparian system at Galena Creek.

This project is part of a broader effort to create healthier, more resilient forests and reduce wildfire risks in Nevada.