2nd Compact
Open Space
The second compact targeted open space within the Truckee Meadows, with a consortiuum of nonprofits (Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, Hands on Northern Nevada, a United Way program, Nevada Land Conservancy, and Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada) along with Sierra Pacific Power (now NV Energy), from October 2001-September 2002.
Keystone Canyon is a much-used recreation area for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. This compact created two positive environmental community events: community-wide clean-ups and educational stewardship.
The first event started with a morning bird & wildlife tour that included an educational overview of the important natural resources in the Swan Lake area, north of Reno, a clean-up event of this important nature study area, and a thank you luncheon.
The second event was designed to educate and involve the public in a sense of personal ownership of one of our area’s open spaces and special places. During the morning, event participants heard from experts on history and current use of the area, as well as learning more about the plants and animals whose habitats we share. The clean-up portion of the event focused on removing litter and debris around the trail system, followed by lunch for all participants. Other education topics included: noxious weed education, trail etiquette, and “leave no trace” tactics.
Removing litter and debris around Swan Lake continues today, just as Keystone Canyon continues to be a highly used recreational and shared-trial area.