Environment
This Earth Day I was thinking about how our environment affects all of us, some perceive it differently and are affected in different ways but basically most of us like to have nice surroundings.
No matter our political differences or incomes, we value our location here in South Washoe County for its scenic beauty, serenity and closeness to nature.
When disaster strikes like with wildfire, flood or unreasonable, invasive development, we feel a threat and a natural defensive attitude about conserving what we value.
Thinking about that I thought about some of our neighbors comments during the Public Comment portion of the March 10, 2026 Board of County Commissioners Meeting regarding the appeal of the Sierra Reflections developer. At a previous Planning Commission Meeting, their plan to develop 940 homes on a scenic, rural, unsafe property was unanimously rejected by that commission.
Just some of the comments:
“When word of this misplaced high density development started to spread around the valley, the objection of the local residents was swift and decisive. A petition of opposition was started. On this petition, there are over sixteen hundred hand-signed signatures of your concerned citizens who strongly object to this high density development proposed for our rural area.”
“The unique geographic area of the proposed subdivision with its canyon, creeks, meadows, and other features useful to humans have drawn people for thousands of years and has many significant cultural and historic sites.”
“Browns Creek pond at the center of the development is an important stop over point for waterfowl during migration. The disturbances caused by Sarah reflections will disrupt their stopovers and cause many birds to avoid the pond”
“This map from the Truckee Meadows regional planning agency shows the subject property is located within the watersheds that impact the endangered Cui-ui and the threatened cutthroat trout.”
"The pollution will affect these species downstream from the project as shown in this map from the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency. The endangered Cui-ui, the Karsten wandering skipper, and the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout.”
“Landscaping article 412.25 states that a minimum of 50% of existing trees must be preserves ed in their existing location. Since more than 50% of the existing trees will be removed, these two findings cannot be made.”
“Allow the stream and flood plain to function in the natural manner. If the already existing beaver population is allowed to do its natural job instead of us destroying them, which is what's been happening for the last few years, the mercury will continue to become stable and will then be able to settle out into restored wetlands. Groundwater will recharge. “
“The flushing of pollutants and contaminate sediment caused by increased floodwater erosion will have a negative impact on the habitat of endangered Cui-ui suckerfish and Lahontan cut throw trout which are threatened.”
“…the proposed removal of natural stream and wetland areas, which are in direct surface water connection with jurisdictional waters of the United States, will adversely impact natural capacity of the local watershed to attenuate floods.”
These and many other comments spoke to how much local residents value our natural surroundings and urge protection of our resources that also affect our quality of life. Lets take this Earth Day, and every day, to appreciate our natural blessings here in the South County.
Members Discussion