SILVER SADDLE RANCH

In 2003, the Bureau of Land Management retained CFA to complete landscape architectural services for the development of a site design plan for a group and individual picnic/events area at the Silver Saddle Ranch in Carson City. The ranch preserves a unique setting of historic working operations of the American West close to an urban area. Services included site analysis of the central ranch house complex of this historic 703-acre working ranch to determine the appropriate location and materials for new picnic areas. Sensitivity to the historic buildings, context of the ranch and known archaeological features were required during the development of the plan. Picnic shelters and site furnishings were selected to blend with this historic context, along with the establishment of ADA accessibility.  

In 2008, CFA was invited to participate in a three-day design charrette encompassing Silver Saddle Ranch, the adjacent Prison Hill Recreation Area and the Carson River Open Space. Under the guidance of the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, the charrette gathered local design professionals and experts in natural resource planning. The goal of the charrette was to provide a sustainable context to guide the development of appropriate passive recreation and trail uses that are balanced with existing agricultural uses and ecosystem protection of the Carson River and upland areas of Prison Hill. The charrette required building consensus with a diverse team resulting in a public presentation of findings and recommendations.