Ranch History -- Basics of the Silver Saddle Ranch 

Introduction
The Silver Saddle Ranch (SSR) currently encompasses 703 acres. It is some of the last open space and undeveloped Carson River frontage within Eagle Valley. The ranch was acquired through a land exchange with Perma-Bilt Homes and the American Land Conservancy. Silver Saddle Ranch was transferred to public ownership under the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 1997. On Public Lands Day, September 2000, the ranch officially opened to the public.

The vision of the BLM's Management Plan is to keep the Silver Saddle Ranch green, the river clean, the paths open and the past alive for the present and future generations. To accomplish this the BLM looked to the public to set up a volunteer group to enhance the recreational, conservation, and educational programs of the BLM.

On July 26, 2001 the Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch (FOSSR), a not for profit corporation was incorporated. FOSSR's mission is to maintain the historical significance of the ranch as a working farm and ranch, support restoration and conservation of natural resources and the river corridor, and to provide educational and interpretive opportunities.

History of Silver Saddle Ranch
The land that makes up what is known the Silver Saddle Ranch was originally home to the Washoe Tribe. A long oral history and occupation of the area was known before the Euro-Americans arrived in 1849. It is assumed that the Washoe primarily used the area for gathering plant resources and for hunting.

No known prehistoric (Native American) resources have been identified on the Ranch, however, the agricultural fields limit the ground visibility and the possibilities of identifying potential resources.

In the early 1860's both mining and agriculture started to develop in the area.

 

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