It's Time To Burn! Burning the Ditches in Carson Valley!

It's time to burn!

Throughout our Valley you can see smoke this time of year, but don't fret! It is that time of year when the farmers burn the weeds that congest their irrigation ditches.

Water is a precious thing, the life blood of the crops that keep the Valley green. These days it is mostly the color of chlorophyll, but our historical reason for being was the ability of the Valley to grow the feed for the oxen and horses that were used so heartily in the regional mining operations, i.e.- Virginia City, Bodie, etc., a vibrant agricultural economy.

The extensive ditch system throughout the valley was built in the 1800's. It would be impossible to construct such a system today, but lucky us ... it's already here thanks to the foresight of our forebears. When you see the smoke these days enjoy the experience ... think of the smart folks that came before us, set up this wonderful irrigation system that keeps our Valley so green and beautiful, and those that continue the agriculture traditions of the Valley by their hard work with the land.