Ecosystems

Featured Project

UPPER CARSON SLOUGH BACKCOUNTRY TRAIL: Working with USFWS to create outdoor access to A Beautiful Hidden Oasis

Alta was tasked to create a backcountry hiking, hunting and nature exploration opportunity for Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge visitors in Southern Nevada. The project provides access to nature, interpret the area’s unique ecology and highlight the rich cultural legacy of Indigenous people.

Alta reviewed the existing conceptual design plans that were previously completed and coordinate a series of site visits and workshops with US Fish and Wildlife Service staff and tribal members to discuss ideas and build synergy to find optimal trail alignment and infrastructure solutions to maximize the user experience while keeping long-term trail maintenance practical and scalable.When Hurricane Hilary landed on the area, Alta revisited the site and updated their plans to account for the damage the hurricane caused.

Alta’s deliverables included completed 35% design drawings, probable construction costs, storyboard of the interpretive narrative and drawings which resulted in more than 8 miles of trail including 3 overlooks, 5 stream crossings, vault toilet, and parking areas. Currently, Alta is working with the tribal members to complete the narrative story of the area with several narrative panels.The rewards of this project include not only creating backcountry access to this beautiful hidden oasis but also telling the story and rich history of the local tribes.

Alta is honored to work on this project to enhance a beautiful habit for 26 plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world.