Honoring Tradition Through Redevelopment Redevelopment Site Planning for the Washoe Tribe, Nevada and California Project Summary Community: Washoe Tribe, Nevada and California Technical Assistance: Redevelopment Site Planning Former Use: Abandoned Buildings Future Use: Community Center, Recreation, and Tribal Administration The Washoe Tribe has lands which are adjacent to the East Fork of the Carson River south of Dresslerville, Nevada. The tribe would like to see these lands revitalized as a cultural resource, as well as a destination for Tribal events, recreation, and administrative purposes. The Community's Challenge The Washoe Tribe identified two sites that are currently abandoned but present the opportunity to create a cultural and administrative complex and revitalize tribal land in a way which reinforces the past while looking into the future. The Pagoda Building is a historic building that was constructed by the tribal leaders in the 1970s. It. has had environmental cleanup, and the interior was taken down to studs. The adjacent Riverfront Park along the East Fork of the Carson River is currently used informally for fishing but requires the removal of past campsite structures. The Heidtman Ranch House is vacant and requires environmental cleanup. EPA's Land Revitalization Technical Assistance In 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Land Revitalization Program provided contractor technical assistance in redevelopment site planning. The team provided floor plan options and site plans so that the community could discuss and decide on a preferred alternative for each site. The Pagoda Building and Riverfront Park could be adapted to create a cultural resource and events center, coupled with a Tribal recreation area with gathering areas, natural landscape, walking paths, and better access to the river for fishing and other activities. The Ranch House has the potential to house tribal administration offices that would support the tribe cultural and other work, as well as a native plant nursery operation. Concept Plans for the Pagoda Building Site,. Riverfront Park and Heitman House For more information, contact Lisa Hanusiak, EPA Region 9 Brownfields Program, at Hanusiak.Iisa@epa.gov. &EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization 560-F-23-341 ------- |