About Us -- SSR Facts  

Size: 703 Acres. Contiguous public land from Prison Hill east to Pine Nut Mountains and Mexican Dam to Carson River Road. Some of last open space and undeveloped Carson River corridor in Eagle Valley.

Land Acquired: 1997 by Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Through a land exchange with Perma-Bilt Homes and the American Land Conservancy Silver Saddle Ranch was transferred to public ownership.

Opened to Public: September 2000 on the annual Public Lands Day – Carson River Clean-up event. Open daily 8:00am – 5:00pm. See trail use restrictions.

Water rights: Owned by Carson City. Water diverted from Carson River from Mexican Dam via Mexican Ditch.

Management:
•  Federal Land Policy and Management Act, 1976. This Act emphasizes that public lands will be managed in a manner that will:
•  Protect the quality of scenic, ecological, environmental and archeological values
•  Preserve and protect certain public lands in their natural condition
•  Provide habitat for wildlife
•  Provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the public
•  Management Plan for Silver Saddle Ranch and The Ambrose Carson River Natural Area.
•  Vision: Keep the “Silver Saddle Ranch” green, the river clean, the paths open and the past alive for the present and future generations.
•  Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch

Mission Statement:
•  Maintain the historical significance of the Ranch as a working farm and ranch.
•  Support restoration and conservation of natural resources and the River corridor.
•  Provide educational and interpretive opportunities.

Silver Saddle Ranch Buildings: There are currently 13 buildings still standing on the ranch. They date from the 1920's to 1980's and are in fair to poor condition.

•  2 small houses (Red & White)
•  Barns (milking)
•  Sheds (vet shed, foreman's shed)
•  Garages (farm equipment)
•  Chicken Coop
•  Turkey Barn
•  Pole Barn (hay storage)
•  Cellar (dance hall)

Current Ranching Activities: Special Use Permit with BLM and Carson City.
•  Cattle
•  Alfalfa

Cultural Significance: Proposed actions on the Ranch must not impact the integrity of the significant qualities of the Ranch.

•  Red House – yes
•  White House – no (many modifications and older buildings have been removed and newer ones added).

Biological Resources: Wildlife and wildlife habitats.

•  Wildlife
•  Mammals (wild horses, mule deer, bobcat, black-tailed jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, skunk, beaver, California ground squirrel and other rodents).
•  Herpes (Great Basin rattlesnake, bullfrog, western fence lizard).
•  Birds (see SSR birdlist).
•  Habitats:

  1. Sagebrush scrub
  2. Riparian corridor along Carson River (forested woodland)
  3. Riparian corridor along Mexican Ditch (shrub/scrub)
  4. Agriculture
  5. Urban/Suburban/Ranchstead
  6. Wetland
  7. Pinyon Juniper woodland