Washoe Tribe developing saw mill behind Topsy Lane to take on forest regeneration
A saw mill is being built behind Topsy Lane south of Carson City as part of a Washoe Tribe project aimed at thinning the Lower Clear Creek forest to prepare for wildfires.
The Washoe Development Corporation has leased 37.2 acres to Tahoe Forest Products.
Hat Creek Lumber out of Truckee, Calif. is grading the land but the project itself will be built and led by Tahoe Forest Products.
This project serves the Washoe Tribe by supporting and sustaining a healthy forest, creating more than 30 jobs, and will generate sustainable income.
According to the tribe, the project will be beneficial for the environment due to the fact that Northern Nevada and California were severely impacted by wildfires, which were fueled because forests have not been thinned, cleared or maintained for almost three decades. Removing trees that have fallen or been felled helps nurture the Forest back to health.
Despite the clearing, Lower Clear Creek will still remain as protected conservation land. If any cultural items are unearthed during the project’s span, all work will immediately stop while the site(s) are investigated.
For more information, please visit the Tribe's page on the Washoe Saw Mill.