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By Tina Nappe  Truckee Meadow Parks are favorite birding sites for both casual and hardcore birders. Parks along the Truckee River, Paradise Pond, Virginia Lake, Swan Lake, Caughlin Ranch, and Damonte wetlands are often visited daily. When bird sightings are recorded on ebird, these spots become part of a national and international register. However, birding normally is not registered with the City of Reno, Washoe County or Sparks Park Departments as a use or activity in parks. Park Department staff focus on safety, health, and current or potential uses in parks, while birders often come and go unnoticed. Most ideas for accommodating use will impact the grounds and trees of a park. Reno has a park deficit, and as its population grows, more efforts are necessary to accommodate more activities in existing parks. When tough economic times occur such as in 2008, park funding –always meager– is cut further. For instance, Washoe County parks, once a separate agency, was absorbed into a community development agency and has never recovered or gained the visibility and opportunity of leadership it once enjoyed. Add Covid on top and park planning and investment was again postponed. In November 2023, the Reno City Council approved a new park plan. Reno Parks staff are now developing park plans for Barbara Bennet, Idlewild and Paradise Parks, emphasizing the recognition of current uses and suggesting new ones. Reno has 927.31 acres of parks. Several of these are along the Truckee River and may, over time, become part of the One Truckee River program whereby Washoe County and the City of Reno combine their efforts to manage, streamline, and invest in Truckee River management (Sparks will be invited to join). LAS commented on One Truckee River plan, but may not have been or be involved in other ongoing park plans. A proposed Paradise Park plan is currently under review. One goal is to deepen the ponds since they are regarded as storm water overflow sites. What about the edges? Should there be places for plants and rocks and the public is discouraged? Should birds be discouraged from going into the water? Maybe a bird feeding site away from the water should be established. Two additional overlooks are proposed. Several in the audience spoke up for birds. Maybe there is no need to speak up. There are so many various opinions pitching in. As I was leaving the Paradise Park planning meeting September 30, there was a father and daughter; the father held a bag of duck food as they walked to the pond. “Feeding ducks” is a popular activity in parks. Paradise Park plan proposes a number of activities, some of which require removing trees and lawn. Paradise Park is next to both a school and a senior housing complex. Seniors want smooth walkways as a priority; less interested in student activity. Even a dog park was proposed to be made in a less used area, but people weren’t enthusiastic when voting for it. There were only about 25 people present. All complained about the number of homeless people in the area, and several –especially seniors– expressed safety concerns. Washoe County has also prepared and submitted for public review a plan for Rancho San Rafael Park (RSR). The May Arboretum Society (MAS) generated support for keeping the arboretum boundaries. As you may be aware, birding has been integrated into the Arboretum’s activities. The RSR plan could benefit from a closer review. Current birding sites are maintained. The Evans Creek area across McCarran could benefit from attempting to minimize human/dog activity within the riparian area. One possible avenue for demonstrating the use of parks for birding is to send a report from ebird documenting the number of people who visit parks for birding. If anyone wishes to provide a draft letter, please contact us here at [email protected]! Our Conservation Committee is working to give a voice for birds and birders to preserve our open spaces. https://www.reno.gov/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/service-plan |
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