This Truckee River Recreation Plan was developed under contract for the Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT). The purpose of this plan is to integrate existing recreation plan elements for the City of Sparks, the City of Reno, and Washoe County, to enhance recreational opportunities within the Truckee River corridor.

Nevada is diversifying its tourism product to include outdoor recreation and other attractions in addition to gaming and entertainment. The Truckee River in the Truckee Meadows is a natural source of outdoor recreation and aesthetic beauty, and holds great potential to be developed into a compelling tourism attraction for Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County. There is growing interest in whitewater boating in Reno and Sparks and the surrounding area, as evidenced by strong retail sales. Having recently been included as an Olympic event, the sport is currently the fastest growing of all outdoor recreation activities. Many people are coming to the sport using kayaks, canoes, inflatable boats, rafts, etc., to learn outdoor skills, exercise, learn about river safety, and have fun.

Types of competitive events include down river races, slalom races, and river rodeos. Down river and slalom races are timed events. Slalom races include gates through which the racer must maneuver. River rodeos are similar to ocean surfing competitions where the contestants perform a series of maneuvers on a wave. In other communities, whitewater parks are developed to host these types of competitive events, river festivals and for the general public and tourists to enjoy. The most successful parks are designed to accommodate all skill levels.

The Truckee River currently provides a limited recreational amenity to Reno and Sparks. It has not been fully integrated into the community due to numerous physical barriers. Past channelization of the riverbed in certain areas significantly altered some of the natural beauty, habitat, and physical structure of the river. Some river segments are unsafe. Diversion dams and drop structures create barriers to boating and floating through this area.

The opportunities to restore and integrate the Truckee River into the urban fabric of Reno and Sparks are tremendous. Numerous local studies and plans address the Truckee River. Implementation of these plans will increase the kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and inner tubing opportunities on the Truckee River. These plans generally have similar goals regarding recreation within the Truckee River corridor:

1. Increase pedestrian and bicycle access to the river from the surrounding areas;
2. Increase access along the river via a pedestrian/bike path; and
3. Increase controlled access to the water's edge for fishing and docking.

Several of the plans address increasing public facilities along the river as well as river beautification. A partial list of plans is provided in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1. Selected Existing Plans Pertinent To Recreation On The Truckee River

1997	City of Sparks Comprehensive Park And Recreation Plan
1974	City of Reno Open Space Program
1983	City of Reno Truckee River Corridor Development Plan
1996	City of Reno River Corridor Action Plan
1990	City of Reno Downtown Redevelopment Plan
2000	City of Reno Master Plan
1983	Washoe County Truckee River Parkway-West
1992	Washoe County Comprehensive Regional Plan
2000	NCOT Whitewater Slalom Course Feasibility Study
1985	ACOE Feasibility Report and EIS
1991	ACOE Draft General Design Memorandum, Truckee Meadows, NV
2000	ACOE Truckee Meadows Recreation Plan and NED Benefit Analysis Preliminary Rough Draft

This plan builds on the goals of Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County parks and recreation departments, and presents new in-stream recreation components. The plan also includes an economic analysis for the proposed river corridor improvements.