Washoe County Backcountry Coalition on 4x4Wire

Article and Photos By: Harry Wagner - March 2004

What is the Washoe County Backcountry Coalition?

WCBC volunteers cleaning up trash on Peavine Mountain.

Installing bulletin boards on Hunter Lake Road.

Reno, Nevada is facing the same issues as many other towns in western states. An influx of new residents is creating housing developments, which block traditional access routes to public land. The difference is that Reno has a very effective coalition to deal with the problem.

It is well known that coalitions can accomplish more than individuals. The difficult part comes in forming these coalitions, particularly among diverse bodies of people. At a local level Jeepers often bicker with hikers and cyclists feud with equestrians. These groups can accomplish more when they put aside differences and work together. The Washoe County Backcountry Coalition (WCBC) in Reno, Nevada provides a great example of what can be achieved through unity. The charter of the WCBC is to “Serve as a focal point for the activities of various groups working to develop, promote, and implement a plan for lawful, multiple-use backcountry recreation in Washoe County including access to public land and a system of roads and trails."

Just one year after its formation, the WCBC has become recognized as an engergetic, organized advocate of public access by working with the City of Reno, Washoe County, the Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. The Coalition has accomplished far more than any individuals could have on their own.

Who is the Washoe County Backcountry Coalition?

Over 50 people turned out to perform service work on Peavine Mountain on National Public Lands Day.

The secret to this success is organization. WCBC members belong to various local clubs representing differing points of view. These dedicated citizens are members or officers in the Dust Devils Motorcycle Club, Truckee Meadows Trails Association, Nevada United Four Wheel Drive Association, Sierra Club, Reno Wheelmen, Hills Angels 4x4 Club and Procrastinating Pedalers. In addition, all of the representatives have other skills that they bring to the coalition. For instance, the Hills Angel representative is a lawyer, Wheelman delegate sits on the Regional Transportation Commission, and two additional WCBC members are retired sheriffs with many local contacts. The Trails Association member sits on a steering committee of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitor Authority, and both the Wheelman and Dust Devil representatives are also on the Washoe County Open Space and Regional Parks Commission.

Monthly meetings are used to establish goals and chart progress. The WCBC has focused on particular areas and issues instead of falling into the trap of trying to do too much with too few resources. By working together, a coalition can advocate policies that benefit all recreationists. Additionally, the clubs provide thousands of hours of volunteer services; building trails, maintaining signs and staging areas, and patrolling roads and other routes. These services are extremely valuable to cash strapped government agencies and help rebuff arguments from anti-access groups. The old adage is true: actions speak louder than words. Washoe County Backcountry Coalition members knew that their efforts were worthwhile when public officials started calling for advice and assistance.

What has the Washoe County Backcountry Coalition accomplished?

In its first year the WCBC was able to achieve a long list of accomplishments. These include: an appeal of the Sommerset development plan, resulting in seven access points to Peavine Mountain. Development of a Peavine Mountain Recreation Strategy and a survey of the status of county roads. Planned activities for the future include acquisition of additional entrance points to public lands in the Reno area and passing City and County Access Ordinances to secure future access. The success of the Washoe County Backcountry Coalition should act as an inspiration to other communities in the West and beyond who are dealing with similar issues in their communities.


The WCBC works closely with state and federal agencies.

How can I learn more about the Washoe County Backcountry Coalition?

For more information on the WCBC contact Harry Wagner at hwagner@4x4wire.com or 775-355-1370.