Fast Facts

Walker River State Recreation Area

Reference:  A major element of the Governor’s Explore Your Nevada initiative

Properties:  Three historic ranch properties; four park units

Park Units: 

• Pitchfork Unit
• Rafter 7 Unit
• Flying M Unit
• Nine Mile Unit (part of the larger Flying M property)

Donator:  Walker Basin Conservancy/Walker Basin Restoration Program

Total Acres:  In excess of 12,000 acres. About 252,000 acres in associated BLM grazing leases

River Miles:  28 river miles on the East Walker River

Value of Donation:  More than $8 million in land value (this amount does not include the value of structures on the three ranch properties)

State Funding:  For the FY 18-19 Biennium, the Governor is proposing a commitment of $2,018,082 for ongoing staffing and operations. In addition, there is $2,664,865 in one-time initial expenses for the biennium. Also proposed is an investment of $550,000 for a cabin cluster and $1,420,000 for full hook-up campsites, both of which top the list of “customer demands” and, in turn, will achieve a high return on investment.

Transfer Timeline:  Summer 2017; State of Nevada “Groundbreaking” Fall 2017

Public Visitation:  The start of public access and use will vary by park unit.  Dates and locations will be available in detail at the time of a ceremony celebrating the official transfer.  Public access to designated portions will begin by fall 2017 and continue to expand as Nevada State Parks completes various infrastructure and trail improvements.

Ice Age Fossils State Park

Reference:  An element of the Governor’s Explore Your Nevada initiative

Property:  Unimproved state-owned land assigned to Nevada State Parks

Location:  Border of City of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas; adjacent to Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument

Total Acres:  315 acres

Significance:  The site of the proposed new state park is rich in paleontological resources, as well as being an area of historical importance in Clark County and the state. The richest concentration of Ice Age fossils is found at this location, which is also the site of the “Big Dig” conducted in 1962-63 by researchers from five renowned institutions seeking evidence of an overlap between the last period of mega fauna and the first evidence of early people.

State Funding:  For the FY 18-19 Biennium, the Governor is proposing a commitment of $306,004 for ongoing staffing and operations. In addition, there is $1,013,283 in one-time initial expenses for the biennium. 

Objectives:  The funding for this park will provide staff and initial facilities to meet two important objectives. These objectives are the ability to provide tours and interpretation at the site for the public, including school groups, as well as to provide a staffing presence and other measures at the site to better protect the valuable fossil resources.

Timeline:  Facility work will begin in fall 2017, with staff in place about the same time.

Public Visitation:  The schedule for public visitation will be announced at the time of a “grand opening” for the park, expected to be held sometime in mid-2018.

Partners:  Nevada State Parks will continue to work with the National Park Service to coordinate ongoing build out and improvements at both the state park and the adjacent national monument, as well as with local jurisdictions and the Ice Age Park Foundation.