Date: 9/09/10
Contact: Chris Healy
Phone: (775) 688-1554

CARSON CITY’S FUJI PARK TO OPEN FOR FISHING

The City of Carson has a new fishing hole to call its own. The first cast by eager anglers will be thrown this Saturday morning at the new Fuji Park Pond located at the Carson City Fairgrounds on the south side of Carson City.

The pond, fed by the cool waters of Clear Creek, is one-acre in size and approximately 15 feet in depth, and is being stocked with trout by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) in advance of the Saturday, September 11 fishing opening.

Nearly a decade of planning and fund raising has gone into the effort to bring Carson City its first urban fishing hole. Local conservation activist Kevin “C.K.” Baily rallied approximately 55 individuals, organizations and governmental entities to the idea of an urban fishing pond at Fuji Park. “Without C.K. Baily and his determination to see this project through, the Fuji Park Pond never would have happened,” said NDOW Fisheries Chief Mark Warren.

The pond’s excavation began in the fall of 2009. The project was completed in June 2010. New vegetation was planted this past spring and summer and is now mature enough to withstand the expected increase in traffic to the pond when it opens to fishing.

The total cost for the pond project is approximately $764,664. A large portion of the funding ($450,000) came from NDOW and the statewide Question 1 Bond Initiative, which is designed in part to enhance recreational opportunities related to wildlife. Carson City contributed property, nearly $40,000 from the General Fund account, water rights on Clear Creek, and on-going maintenance of the facility. Other funding was acquired through grants and donations.

“Urban fishing ponds are a great way to serve our public,” said Ken Mayer, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. “Carson City needed such a place to fish and now it has one. We are always on the lookout for more opportunities to make the great sport of fishing more accessible to the public.”

Carson City Park Planner, Vern L. Krahn, was amazed at the various volunteer group efforts and “grass roots” support for this project. “In my past 13 years with the City, I have never seen a project with this much public support, where so many local businesses and individuals have reached into their pockets during very tough economic times to raise $24,600 in private donations.”

Carson City Parks and Recreation Director Roger Moellendorf says “Our department believes that through the efforts of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and Carson City this fishing pond will provide many days of fishing enjoyment for both residents and visitors.”
Fuji Park Fish Facts

• Trout Stocking – NDOW will stock a total of 6,000 catchable rainbow trout annually. Plans call for 4,000 trout to be stocked in the spring and 2,000 in the fall.
  
  
• Regulations - Season is open year around during the hours the park is open to the public. Limit is 3 game fish. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 12 years of age or older. A trout stamp is also required to take or possess trout. Licenses are available online at www.ndow.org.
  
  
• The Fuji Park Pond has a handicapped accessible floating fishing pier and a nearby parking area.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.