The Reno City Council today awarded a bid contract to Lovett Landscaping for partial restoration of Oxbow Park. Lovett will plant bank-stabilizing riparian plantings along the section of riverbank most vulnerable to erosion, and other riparian plantings within areas damaged by wildfire.

Oxbow Park had a devastating fire in summer 2008 and experienced significant flood damage and erosion during the 2006 and 1997 flood events. During the 1997 flood, the Truckee River shifted north as much as 80 feet resulting in the loss of approximately 2 acres of park property and caused significant damage to park improvements.

The $38,000 contract with Lovett is being paid for by a Truckee River Fund grant secured in January 2009. Staff is making efforts to further leverage other possible grant monies through FEMA for repair of the boardwalk and preservation of storm drain infrastructure.

The property occupied by Oxbow Park consists of parcels owned by the City of Reno as well as the Bureau of Land Management under a long term lease arrangement. The Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW) conducts public educational programs on the property.

For additional information contact Jeff Mann, Parks Manager at 334-2270.