Crown West Land Group’s Aspen Creek Ranch Becomes Nevada’s Newest State Park
DAYTON, NV (July 1, 2026) — An affiliate of Crown West Land Group sold 1,628 acres of agricultural land, rangeland, and water rights along the Carson River to the State of Nevada with the assistance of Western Rivers Conservancy. The sale permanently preserves five miles of river frontage and creates Nevada’s newest state park.
Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Division of State Parks announced the new park on July 1, 2026. The park protects the Carson River corridor, preserves cultural resources dating to the late 1800s, and encompasses portions of the historic California and Pony Express trails. During the 1940s, part of the property operated as a divorce ranch, a distinctly Nevada industry that the state’s six-week residency law made possible. The land long ran as a working cattle ranch spanning both sides of Fort Churchill Road and the Carson River, and it carries surface water rights along with supplemental underground rights.
“This new State Park is an investment in Nevada’s future and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes our state unique. By protecting this remarkable landscape and expanding public access, we are ensuring that future generations of Nevadans and visitors alike can experience, explore, and appreciate this special place for years to come.”
Governor Joe Lombardo
Western Rivers Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the great rivers of the West through land acquisition. The nonprofit has conserved habitat and secured public access along more than 200 rivers and streams across the region, partnering with state parks agencies, tribal nations, and federal land managers to make its results permanent.
Western Rivers Conservancy assisted with the transaction in partnership with the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Conserve Nevada Program. The Nevada State Parks Foundation served as the nonprofit recipient of the Conserve Nevada grant and helped facilitate the purchase.
“We are honored to work with Nevada State Parks and feel grateful to be a part of creating new access to the Carson River for the people of Nevada. Projects like this demonstrate that expanding outdoor recreation and conserving fish and wildlife habitat can go hand in hand.”
Nelson Mathews, President, Western Rivers Conservancy
Crown West Land Group retained 499 adjacent residential lots with tentative approvals from Lyon County and bordering the new park. A portion of those residential lots will permanently sit at the edge of protected open space, with unobstructed views across the Carson River and the surrounding rangeland.
Nevada State Parks has invited the public to help name the park. Residents can submit suggestions through an online survey beginning July 1, 2026. A review committee will then select a shortlist of names reflecting the park’s significance, history, and character, and the public will vote on the final choice.
Video Coverage
Aerial footage of the Carson River property near Dayton (Nevada Appeal):
Public invited to help name Nevada’s newest state park near Carson City (FOX5 Las Vegas):
More Information
- Nevada Division of State Parks: parks.nv.gov/news/nevadas-newest-state-park-needs-a-name
- Western Rivers Conservancy: westernrivers.org
Please contact info@crownwest.com for more information.