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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Introducing Mud Bluff, Nevada

Many of you know I've been involved with the Burning Man Project for years as a Regional Contact. During that time I've helped to organize PermaBurn, Stone Soup and Buring Girl as well as many other Burner events and projects. I've also hosted various events and theme camps at my home in south Reno. What you may not know is that I've been seeking a larger and more remote location to host a permanent regional campout as well as continue this type of participation. 

Over the last three years, I've reviewed hundreds of property listings and hiked the more interesting ground. On December 4th I went out to the Lahontan dam for yet another site visit.


This was my first impression as I drove onto the property, inspiring the title for this blog post. By the end of January 2017, I had purchased both this and the adjoining parcel.


Lahonton dam and reservoir to the west of the first 77 acre purchase in December of 2016.


An additional 39 acres with power and a well were purchased in January 2017, for a total of 116 acres.

As you can see, the Carson river crosses the property for about a thousand feet with about four acres actually on the north side of the river. The 26 acres of river bottom contain an oxbow from an earlier flow of the river and lots old cottonwood trees. Another 50 acres is sloping, alluvial bluff, with about 40 acres of flat desert on top, providing panoramic views in all directions.




The river facing west showing the low flow in December.


Beavers are under that log and made that small "dam" to the right. This is framed by the north 4 acres of the property across the river.


Lots of reeds and birds.


The bluff on the second parcel of land.


Dead cottonwood. Some are more than a hundred years old.


The 26 acres of bottom land from the top of the bluff


View to the west


View to the North


View to the East


The 50 acres of sloping ground is in the middle. Yes, it's quite bleak in winter, but that creates a contrast with the river-bottom cottonwoods in May. Stand by for updated pictures.



That's the well-test being done - good water, and lots of it. Also, that pole brings power to the center of the property with transformers both below, and on top of the bluff.

What am I going to do with this property?

That's my newest challenge, but it will probably include a place to live, and space to continue hosting Burner events and art development. Email me if you'd like to be involved with this project.

Or visit our dedicated website or Facebook page:

Mudbluff.org

https://www.facebook.com/groups/303746580066581/?ref=bookmarks

Here's a review of our progress from 2020: