State officials ask public to name new state park

Nevada’s newest state park needs a name and state officials are asking the public for help.

On Wednesday, the Nevada Division of State Parks and Gov. Joe Lombardo announced the creation of a new state park that will protect nearly five miles of the Carson River corridor in Churchill County. 

The new state park will encompass portions of the historic California and Pony Express trails and preserve other cultural resources dating from the late 1800s. 

During the 1940s, part of the property also operated as a divorce ranch, which catered to out-of-state individuals seeking a rapid divorce. Nevada’s lenient divorce laws only required a six-week residency for a divorce to be granted.

“This new State Park is an investment in Nevada’s future and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes our state unique,” Lombardo said in the announcement. “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.”

Public access to the park will be limited while Nevada State Parks plans future recreational opportunities and visitor services. 

The naming process is open to all members of the public and there is no limit to the number of name suggestions an individual may submit. Starting Wednesday, the public can submit name suggestions through an online survey until July 15. The survey includes an interactive map and guide about the park.

Once the submission period ends, an internal review committee will evaluate the entries and select a shortlist of names that best reflect the park’s significance, history, and character. The public will then have an opportunity to vote on the finalist names from August 1 through August 14, 2026. 

“State Parks belong to all of us, and we wanted to give the public an opportunity to provide input in shaping the identity of this new park,” said Nevada State Parks Administrator Jonathan Brunjes. “This is a unique opportunity for Nevadans to leave a lasting mark on the future of their State Park system.”

The new state park was made possible through a partnership between Nevada State Parks and Western Rivers Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that buys and conveys land for public benefit.

Funding for the acquisition was provided through 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,” said Nelson Mathews, president of Western Rivers Conservancy. “Projects like this demonstrate that expanding outdoor recreation and conserving fish and wildlife habitat can go hand in hand.”

For updates on the park designation ceremony and naming process, visit parks.nv.gov or follow Nevada State Parks on social media @nvstateparks.