Martin Slough Wetlands Creation

Martin Slough Wetland Creation Project
during initial planting, 2007

Martin Slough Wetlands Creation, Enhancement, & Water Quality Project (aka Jake’s Wetland)/Town of Minden, Nevada

The Martin Slough is part of an extensive ditch system that delivers irrigation water from the Carson River to agricultural areas in the Carson Valley. Plans for moving a portion of the Martin Slough and constructing a small detention basin between Lucerne Street and Monte Vista Avenue in the Town of Minden were included with approval of the Monte Vista Subdivision.

Resource, Concepts, Inc. (RCI) conducted the initial site planning and resource analyses that led to the wetland/pond creation alternative that replaced the ditch and detention basin concept. RCI was retained by the Town of Minden to design plans for a natural-functioning pond and wetland ecosystem to meet the storm water and runoff needs from the Monte Vista Subdivision and create a natural riparian environment. The subdivision developer donated approximately eight acres to the Town of Minden for the wetland creation project.

Additional goals for the created wetlands and ponds included expanded stormwater storage, water quality improvement, wildlife habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds, and local passive recreation for nearby residents. Distinct emergent, wetland, shorezone, and upland grading and planting plans were developed to create habitat diversity. Plant material selections included native plants that would provide structural diversity, nesting cover, and forage.

Special design features of the project were added to accommodate the urban neighborhood setting of the project area. The design included a meandering footpath with low impact lighting, wildlife viewing areas, and an overflow structure to control the depth of water in the pond. Select focal points along the streets and both temporary and permanent irrigation systems were designed by landscape architect Sandra Wendell to supplement precipitation during unpredictable drought periods and to expand the planting pallet for a blended transition between formal landscapes and natural areas. The next phase of the project will include the construction of an outdoor educational kiosk and a footbridge. Supplemental seedings and weed control will be based on site-specific monitoring during the plant establishment period.

RCI conducted survey mapping, complete project design and permitting including revegetation plans, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, 404 and 401 permitting, construction staking, and construction management.

Project funding was provided by the Town of Minden, and a 50/50 matching grant from the State of Nevada Question 1.

Note: Much of the emergency revegetation was conducted by Pecorilla Hydroseeding, Inc. under separate contract to the City.