Elko Community Ponds
With the help of many partners, NDOW is leading the development of the Elko Community Ponds and Nature Center on two recently acquired parcels within the Elko city limits. The ponds on each parcel originated from gravel pits and relics of historic ice harvesting and have naturally sustained small populations of fish as flooding occurs and connects the Humboldt River with the ponds.
The first parcel, purchased in late 2022, is a 17.58-acre parcel, located near the intersection of Sharp’s Access Road and 12th Street and includes several small ponds. This parcel was once the source of ice for the old icehouse, now known as the Igloo Recreation Center, and was traditionally used as a cold storage facility for ice that was brought off the ponds by railcar. Over the years it has changed ownership several times, with multiple uses and plans, from an ice hockey pond to the potential site for a humanitarian homeless shelter. The second parcel, purchased in early 2024, is roughly 40 acres and was initially intended to be part of a local subdivision. This parcel is connected to the 12th Street parcel via the Humboldt River corridor and has two large ponds with numerous acres to accommodate facilities and parking. Though minimal water rights were available with this purchase, NDOW was able to partner with Elko County and secure a donation of 120-acre/feet of water rights to aid in the supplementation of these ponds. Additionally, these properties align with the City of Elko’s master park plan and will provide a welcomed beautification and social investment on the southern side of our great town. The development of these two parcels for community use will also bring much needed aesthetic cleanup, including weed management and general upkeep of the area.
The purchase of these properties has been a long time coming as the Department actually began this process in 2006. Thankfully, with the help of partners including Nevada Gold Mines, Kinross Bald Mountain, and NV Energy, NDOW was able to match generous contributions and fund the re-cent purchase.
The long-term goal for this project is to work with the City of Elko and other community partners to develop a beautiful series of community fishing ponds in a park setting, with nature trails, and a wildlife education center. This project ties in perfectly with the Humboldt Area River Project (HARP) and will connect and extend the existing HARP trails.
The Department and City are working together on the arduous process of permitting the development of the properties including conceptual designs, planning, engineering, dredging of current ponds for depth and width, ADA accessibility, water control structures, public restrooms, parking lots, trails and bridges, and the design and build of the education building.
Using staff and volunteer efforts, the two sites will see much needed environmental cleanup and weed management in the development of the project phases. NDOW and the City of Elko have entered into a long-term management agreement with the City agreeing to maintain and secure the parks, while NDOW will manage the fishery with annual stocking and regular site surveys.
The community ponds will be open to the public and will be a great resource for the residents of the City of Elko and Elko County. It’s central location within the city limits will allow residents of all ages to visit on foot or by bicycle and will be a place like no other in town for people to easily enjoy their time outdoors. Additionally, this site will be frequently used for wildlife education events for schools, organizations, residents, anglers, and visitors.
If you are interested in donating time or resources to this community project, please contact Jeff Peterson at 775-777-2331 or email at [email protected].
