Martin Slough Trail

Martin Slough Trail 

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Trail Name

Martin Slough Multimodal Trail

Updates

Construction completed in June 2022

Dedication Ceremony: A dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting will be held on August 20, 2022. See flyer for more info: 

Martin Slough Trail
Click here for PDF of flyer.

Description

Recent construction of the Martin Slough Multimodal Trail added approximately 1.68 miles of 10-Ft wide new paved pathway.  It connects other existing portions of trail to link Jake’s Wetlands in Minden all the way to Gardnerville Elementary School, a length of approximately 2.3 miles.  The path connects to Minden’s new fishing pond located south of Buckeye Road and the existing Gillman Ponds in Gardnerville. Fiber conduit will be connected to the Carson Valley Middle School and Gardnerville Elementary School as part of the work

The project design was prepared by R.O. Anderson Engineering.  The path alignment follows generally along the Martin Slough which, in some areas, is close to environmentally sensitive areas.  This, coupled with the grant funding, required additional studies to document the project impacts.  Studies including: geotechnical, flood impact analysis, wetland delineation and cultural resources.  In addition to these studies prepared during the design phase, a biologist monitored the alignment for nesting activities of sensitive species during construction.

Herback General Engineering was the main contractor that performed the construction.  The project was substantially complete in June 2022.

The completion of the Martin Slough Trail was one of the Economic Vitality initiatives in the Douglas County Strategic Plan. Since 2010 the County has worked with public and non-profit sector partners to develop and add trails in Douglas County benefiting residents with quality of life amenities and visitors with added outdoor opportunities to increase overnight stays and local revenues.  We’ve added 70 plus miles of new trails in Douglas County since then.  Much of the credit for this work goes to non-profits such as the Carson Valley Trails Association, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association and The Nature Conservancy.  Lisa Granahan, Economic Vitality Manager, said working together in partnership with these and other partners truly allows Douglas County make great strides in ones of its Focus Areas which is to “Capitalize on Outdoor Recreation and Lifestyle Opportunities”.

DOGS ARE ALLOWED on the Martin Slough Trail as long as they are on a leash that does not exceed 10 feet in length.

Funding

The construction budget was approximately $1,600,000.  The project was funded in partnership between several public and private entities.

  • Public

    • Federal Highway Administration
    • Douglas County
    • Town of Minden
    • Town of Gardnerville
    • Douglas County School District
  • Private

    • The Dean Seeman Foundation
    • The Ranch at Gardnerville
    • Carson Valley Inn

Project Benefits

Public trails are a great amenity for Douglas County.  Approximately 30% of our residents are over 65 years in age so these types of at-grade, paved trails provide a significant enhancement for the public to continue to be active in the great outdoors.

Trails also provide additional activities for tourists with plans to stay a few days in the beautiful Carson Valley.  A great way to experience the wide-open vistas of the eastern Sierras is to walk a trail that meanders along the Martin Slough.  The trail provides a nice pedestrian connection which is just off the main thoroughfare of US 395.  Perfect for both tourists and residents that would like to take the “back door” to Minden and Gardnerville’s many shops, restaurants, lodgings and other businesses.

In addition to enhancing the quality of life, this project includes a fiber connection to the Carson Valley Middle School.  A much needed improvement in today’s high-tech society.

Key Dates

  • November 2011-Douglas County purchases 53 Acres of flood plain and open space from the Dean Seeman Trust.
  • 2012 – 2014-County pursues funding.
  • 2015-90% design complete.
  • 2016-FHWA obligates project funding.
  • December 2021-Construction contract awarded.
  • January 2022-Notice to Proceed issued.
  • June 2022 - Trail completed & open for use