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Lemmon Valley Association
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SWAN LAKE
NATURE STUDY AREA
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Cooperating Partners
| Bureau of Land Management Lahontan Audubon Society Nevada Land Conservancy Washoe County Parks & Recreation |
City of Reno |
The Swan Lake Nature Study Area got it’s name from the lake's name, Swan Lake that was named in 1867 on a map of the Peavine Mountain area. The unique ecosystem and the fact that swans visit the lake annually make its name appropriate.
The ownership of the 1,000 area Nature Study Area is made up of several public agencies and a few private owners. The Bureau of Land Management is the largest landowner and is actively pursuing acquiring the private ownerships.
The approximate 1,000-acre “playa” area fluctuates in size according to the amount of rainfall the area receives. This area also receives water directly from Horse Ditch and 490 acre/feet of effluent water annually from the Reno Stead Treatment Plant.
In 1997 Washoe County commissioned a consultant to develop a master plan for the area with public input meetings. An advisory board was developed to guide the master plan and the future development of the site which included Washoe County Parks, Lahontan Audubon Society, the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Military, City of Reno, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Washoe County School District and the Lemmon Valley Association. This Board was also concerned that the effluent from the Treatment Plant would be of a high quality secondary treatment, and that there would be a guarantee of 490 acre/fee annual flow to the Lake. In 1999, a memorandum of understanding was developed between the above-mentioned parties and as a result, Senator Richard Bryan was asked to dedicate “Swan Lake Nature Study Area.” This project demonstrates a model where multiple agencies worked in collaboration to accomplish an important goal.
In 2001, phase one of construction began with a gravel parking lot, at the end of Ramsey Way on the north side of the Lake. There were also trails, interpretive signs, and a trail head developed but they were a great distance from the Marsh.
In 2002, an easement was obtained and the developer of the Sage Point Business Park constructed Lear Blvd. Next a gravel driveway and parking lot were constructed connecting the Marsh and trail head to Lear Blvd. In addition a kiosk was built at the trail head and 350 feet of boardwalk enhanced with interpretive signs were completed. A floating dock system was chosen for the boardwalk since the water elevation varies so greatly at the Lake. The docks are constructed of interlocking 10-foot panels that are held in place by pipes that are augured into the soil. The Army Corps of Engineers also favored this system as it has little impact on the environment.
In September 2001 the Nevada Army National Guard completed the Final Environmental Assessment for Stead Training Center integrated Natural Resource Management Plan with findings of “No Significant Impact” of the full management plan. Included in the plan is an “Outdoor Recreation and Education” element.
Lastly, in 2003 this Site was recognized as an “Important Bird Area” which is designated through the National Audubon Society. Prior to this, the Lahonton Audubon Society, along with the Army National Guard’s funding for a University of Nevada, Reno Study, identified over 150 species of birds in this area.
Swan Lake Nature Study Area is a place to learn about the Great Basin, its playas, wetlands, plants and wildlife. Swan Lake is a miniature version of many basins that make up the Great Basin.
Water running off Peavine Mountain and surrounding hillsides all collect in Swan Lake, the lowest point of Lemmon Valley. Water can remain here several years only to dry up during drought periods.
The cracks that are seen in mud formed because clay minerals lose water and contract as they dry out. Be careful not to walk on these areas as frogs or toads sometimes use these cracks to survive winter and long drought periods. If you break down the cracks the frogs and toads have a hard time surviving.
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