Ballardini Ranch Property
The Washoe County Commission recently approved in principle a settlement agreement that will set aside nearly 500 acres of the historic Ballardini Ranch property for open space.

The County’s acquisition of 115 acres for public open space guarantees this pristine land will be available for many generations to come. We are already planning educational facilities and trails throughout the property to enhance the public’s experience on this land. The County also has first-right of refusal to purchase an additional 105 acres of property adjacent to this initial acquisition if and when the Ballardini family ever decides to sell it—this was a right previously held by Evans Creek, LCC, the land developer who owns the 1,019 acres immediately north of the County-acquired parcel. Although none of the Evans Creek-owned property will be in public ownership, the settlement agreement does require them to deed restrict a minimum of 289 acres as open space ensuring no development on the land and preservation of wildlife habitat.

In addition to the important acquisition of land for public use and dedication of privately-owned open space, a key advantage of the settlement agreement is that it is fiscally responsible. Rather than exceeding the county’s dedicated budget for this project which would most certainly have been the case if we had gone to court due to escalating property values in recent years, we can now use current available resources to acquire the property. And since the property will now be purchased from a willing seller, the County can and will seek federal funding from the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. These funds would have not been available if the County had been successful with condemnation efforts.

While this is a decision that I agonized over as many of you did, I believe ratifying the settlement agreement is the right thing to do. I look forward to working with our citizens to make the best use of this new acquisition that adds to the already impressive portfolio of public open space we all enjoy here in Washoe County.

Other Issues and Important Links

Early Voting schedule

David Humke's 2006 Campaign Mailing Brochure (outside and Inside)

David Humke's 2006 Walking Bochure (Front and Back)