Governor Lombardo Unveils 1,627-Acre State Park Along Carson River; Public Submissions Open for Naming

DAYTON, NV — Nevada’s public lands infrastructure has expanded significantly. Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Division of State Parks officially announced the acquisition of a historic 1,627-acre riverfront property outside Dayton, establishing the state’s newest state park preserve.

The expansive acquisition permanently safeguards an important environmental corridor while preserving centuries of historical landmarks.

Preserving California Trail and Divorce Ranch History

The newly created state park encompasses a sprawling 4.5-mile continuous stretch spanning both the north and south banks of the Carson River corridor in Lyon County. Positioned near the existing Fort Churchill State Historic Park, the acreage extends from the lush riparian river valley directly into the surrounding sagebrush hills, protecting critical native fish and wildlife habitats.

The property is deeply woven into the fabric of Western history. During the mid-1800s, both the legendary California Trail and the Pony Express Trail passed directly through this canyon loop, serving as a vital westward migration artery that was documented by explorer John C. Frémont during his famous 1844 expedition.

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|      NEVADA'S NEWEST STATE PARK PRESERVE PROFILE     |
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|  - Total Scope: 1,627 Acres (4.5 Miles of Riverfront) |
|  - Regional Location: Dayton / Lyon County Corridor   |
|  - Funding: Land & Water Conservation Fund, Conserve   |
|    Nevada Program Grants                              |
|  - Public Naming Survey Deadline: July 15, 2026       |
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In the early 1940s, the land transitioned into the Break-A-Heart Ranch under owner Richard Conklin, operating as a historic “divorce ranch.” This unique business catered to individuals utilizing Nevada’s lenient six-week residency laws to secure rapid legal separations, and concrete walkways bearing the ranch’s vintage emblem remain preserved on-site today.

Public Naming Campaign Launched

The multi-million-dollar land acquisition was finalized through a public-private partnership alongside the Western Rivers Conservancy, pulling acquisition capital from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and the state’s voter-approved Conserve Nevada Program.

“This new State Park is an investment in Nevada’s future and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes our state unique,” Governor Lombardo stated, emphasizing that the purchase guarantees future generations can access the pristine river canyon.

Nevada State Parks Administrator Jonathan Brunjes announced that the agency is launching a public campaign to determine the official identity of the land. Nevadans are invited to submit unlimited name recommendations through an online portal from now through July 15. Officials will narrow the submissions to a pool of finalists for a public vote running August 1–14, with the final name unveiled during a formal autumn dedication ceremony.

The park will remain closed to public vehicular traffic over the summer as engineering teams draft a comprehensive master layout to construct essential public trailheads, restrooms, and designated picnic areas.

Source: Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR) Executive Orders, Western Rivers Conservancy Acquisition Transcripts.