Kings Canyon property looked at as open space

Thursday, Oct. 16, 1997 | 10:11 a.m.

Owner Al Rushing is considering an offer to the city or U.S. Forest Service for a swap similar to one that enabled the Forest Service to acquire property adjacent to his.

Rushing said his property is some of the most beautiful property in the canyon.

"It has an extensive mix of native plant life," Rushing said. "It has a unique mix that cannot be seen anywhere else along the Sierra front."

Rushing wants a letter from Carson City declaring it would be interested in seeing the steep canyon wall property kept as open space.

Open Space Advisory Committee Vice chairwoman Deborah Uhart asked the committee to place Rushing's request on the Oct. 27 agenda so the committee can get more information. Uhart also asked that City Manager John Berkich write the letter stating the city's wish to see the land kept as open space.

Ame Hellman, of the American Land Conservancy, said she would be interested in putting together a deal for the Rushing property along with other potential properties in the area.

Hellman said she hasn't had a chance to investigate the property or the potential for a trade yet, but would be interested in packaging it into a land exchange that Carson City would benefit from.