Project Overview
The Rock to McCarran Reach Project is located in Washoe County, Nevada, within the city limits of both Reno and Sparks. The project extends from South Rock Blvd to South McCarran Blvd, bordered to the north by private industrial properties and to the south by Mill Street. This project has three primary goals: to reduce flood risks by addressing the recurring issue of flood events in the Truckee Meadows region, to restore ecosystem functions and natural geomorphology of the river with an emphasis on habitat improvement and floodplain reconnection, and to enhance recreational opportunities in the area.
Alternative Analysis
The project has included an in-depth alternative analysis that evaluated multiple options, incorporating input from various disciplines, including environmental, flood hydraulics, recreation, geotechnical, and geomorphology.
Environmental Fieldwork
The Environmental Services Group (ESG) team—Autumn Davies, Jason Lewis, and Elana Johnston—visited the site in July 2024 and conducted a biological habitat inventory. This included observations of vegetation and wildlife, as well as a habitat assessment for species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Biologists also completed an aquatic resources delineation, surveyed large woody debris, and documented low flow side channels and backwater areas, which are important indicators of potential fish habitat and habitat connectivity.
Habitat Evaluation
The ESG evaluated existing fish habitat conditions and assessed the potential for enhancement under each project alternative. Alternatives that provided improved fish habitat—such as side channels, increased channel complexity, and the presence of woody debris—were rated more favorably in the environmental analysis.
Reporting and Collaboration
Baseline environmental conditions were summarized in an environmental scan and aquatic resource delineation report. These reports were incorporated into the alternative analysis report in collaboration with engineers from the Reno office, including Shane Dyer (Reno office manager) and Jeff Weagel (lead project manager).
Public Involvement and Next Steps
A public meeting was held at the McKinley Arts & Cultural Center in downtown Reno on March 13, 2025, to update the community on the Rock-McCarran project and present the findings of the alternative analysis. Community feedback emphasized the importance of prioritizing natural spaces and wildlife habitats. The project is now advancing into the 30% design phase, with the kickoff meeting scheduled for April 16.
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