| HISTORIC AND CURRENT PERSPECTIVE
Eureka County is valued for historical
significance, mountain scenery, rich natural resources, and diverse recreational
opportunities. The County's natural resources have attracted residents since the 1800's
when prospectors sought the area's gold and silver. Today mining, outdoor recreation and
agriculture serve as a basis for the County economy. The "boom or bust" nature
of the mining industry has fostered periods of rapid growth and corresponding economic
declines throughout the County. Eureka County has experienced these cyclical growth
patterns which have resulted in reactive development to satisfy immediate needs.
Eureka County was established in 1873 and
enlarged twice, shortly thereafter, to encompass its present territory. Its lands were
derived from these existing political units: Elko, Lander and White Pine counties. The
Town of Eureka, first settled in 1865, was designated the County Seat, in 1873. Currently,
there are 85 County employees. Administrative services funded by the County include:
* Civil Defense * ASCS * Justice Department
* Library * Recreation * Public Health Doctor
* Emergency Medical * Cooperative Extension
* Juvenile Probation * Law Enforcement *
Rodent/Weed Control
* Fire Protection * Public Works * Economic
Development
* Diagnostic and Treatment Center * Chamber
of Commerce
CURRENT LAND USE
Eureka County contains an area of
approximately 4,182 square miles. Its population is concentrated in three unincorporated
communities, Eureka Town, Diamond Valley, Crescent Valley, and Beowawe.
Generalized Land Use
Almost 81.0 percent of the land in Eureka is
managed by federal agencies (Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service). This land
is primarily used for livestock grazing, mining, geothermal energy production, and outdoor
recreation. Land Management and ownership in Eureka County are shown in Table 2-2. Eureka
County has not adopted a zoning ordinance. Existing land use patterns within the County
have evolved from economic activity such as mining and agriculture. Locations of limited
private land resources have also served to influence land use patterns.
The single greatest land use within the
County is open space agricultural, comprised of a series of designated grazing allotments.
Approximately 2.4 million acres (90 percent of lands) is used for cattle and sheep grazing
and pasture, and for crops such as hay or barley. Also interspersed throughout the County
is all or part of 23 mining districts. Mining represents the next largest land use within
the County. Existing mines located on or near Eureka County are shown in Figure 2-1.
Superimposed over these allotments and mining districts, the U.S. Department of Defense
has designated certain areas with the County as special use airspace for military training
(Figure 2-2).
Land Use within and Around the Town of Eureka
U.S. Highway 50 bisects the core of Eureka
Town. The Township currently contains approximately 520 acres. A variety of land uses
occur within Eureka Town boundaries. The core commercial area of Eureka is located
primarily along U.S. Highway 50. Other commercial and industrial land uses are found to
the north of Eureka near the U.S. Highway 50 and State Route 278 intersection. Development
to the south and east of Town is limited due to steep slopes and earthquake faults.
Surrounding the commercial core of Eureka are
primarily residential land uses with other mixed uses interspersed. Both mobile homes and
conventional housing units can be found in Eureka. Multiple family uses in the Town of
Eureka is limited. Mixed land uses occur throughout the Town of Eureka. As the community
has grown and urbanized, incompatible uses and conflicts have arisen.
The Town of Eureka contains a variety of
residential, commercial and public land uses. The predominate land use is residential with
dispersed areas of conventional housing, modular homes, and mobile homes. Of principal
significance within the Town of Eureka is a number of historic buildings including
residential homes related to historic mining activity. Abandoned buildings along Main
Street detract from the aesthetic qualities of the community. The terrain in Eureka also
makes large-scale development difficult. Future development and expansion would likely
occur to the north of Eureka.
Diamond Valley Area
Diamond Valley contains numerous agricultural
operations that rely upon groundwater to irrigate the areaís principal crops, alfalfa and
barley. The area is sparsely populated with most residents being associated with
agricultural activity. Land use in this area is dominated by open space, agricultural
uses, public land, livestock grazing, mining and outdoor recreation. There are few
commercial or industrial uses in Diamond Valley with most activity occurring along the
Highway 50 corridor towards the southern end of the Valley.
Crescent Valley
The unincorporated Town of Crescent Valley is
located in west central Eureka County south of Interstate 80 within Crescent Valley. A
variety of land uses occur in Crescent Valley including, residential, agricultural,
mining, and limited commercial and industrial use. Growth and development tends to
fluctuate with mining activity in the area. The number of residents has grown
substantially as evidenced by the number of water connections that have increased from
approximately 72 in 1972 to over 200 in 1996. Currently, there are over 500 parcels within
the square mile encompassing the Town of Crescent Valley.
The Town of Crescent Valley is dominated by
residential uses: primarily mobile homes and modular units. There are some commercial land
uses dispersed throughout the community. Recent growth in the area has been spurred by
mining development south of Crescent Valley. Outside the town of Crescent Valley the area
is sparsely populated. The Town of Crescent Valley is somewhat unique in that it lies
adjacent to the eastern border of Lander County. As mining activity increases, growth and
development occur in on lands in Lander County next to the Town of Crescent Valley.
Beowawe
Further to the north, Beowawe is located
within the Humboldt River corridor south of Interstate 80. The primary land uses in
Beowawe include residential, agriculture, and industrial. Total population of the Beowawe
area is estimated to be 30 to 40 persons. The mainline Union Pacific and Southern Pacific
Railroads pass through the area. There is potential to develop geothermal resources near
the community of Beowawe. West of Beowawe in Lander County, the Oxbow/Beowawe Geothermal
Power Company operates a power plant with a production capacity of 16 megawatts.
To the north of Beowawe are primarily private
land holding in Whirlwind Valley. The mainline railroad bisects the Valley heading north
to Dunphy. Surrounding both Crescent Valley and Beowawe is a checkerboard pattern of
public and private lands.
Balance of County
The balance of Eureka County is open space
used for agriculture, mining, and recreation. The area is sparsely populated. Most of the
residential development is associated with agricultural uses and ranching operations.
Lands north of Interstate 80 encompass approximately 530 square miles. Boulder Valley is
one of the largest blocks of privately owned land in the County. Lands in this area are
primarily used for agriculture, livestock grazing, mining and outdoor recreation. Two of
the largest gold mining operations in North America, Barrick and Newmont, are located in
this area. Other major private land holdings in the outlying County occur south of
Palisades at the northern end of Pine Valley.
The majority of lands in the outlying area
fall under the management authority of the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest
Service. A variety of land uses occur on these lands. There are two wilderness study areas
including Simpson Park (49,670 acres) and Roberts Mountain (15,090 acres). The Bureau of
Land Management has recommended neither WSA for designation as a wilderness area. Mineral,
geothermal and oil and gas development potential exist on these lands. Oil production
occurs on wells in the Pine Valley area. Livestock grazing and recreational activities
occur throughout public lands.
Current and Historic Population
The population of Eureka County is
concentrated in four areas: Eureka, Diamond Valley, Crescent Valley, and Beowawe (Figure
2-5). The majority of the County's population lives in and around the Town of Eureka.
Recent population growth has and will likely continue to be influenced by the mining
industry. Table 2-3 shows historic and recent population growth in Eureka County. Over the
past 25 years, the County's population has grown at an average annual rate of 3.2 percent.
Recently, the population of Crescent Valley
has increased dramatically due to increased mining activity in the region. As shown in
Table 2-4 the age of the population in Eureka County is similar to the State of Nevada.
However, with increased mining growth and activity in Crescent Valley and Eureka more
family and married-couple households can be anticipated.
A recent count of dwelling units in the area
suggests a population greater than that estimated by the State Demographer. Based upon 270
dwelling units with an assumed 1.5 persons/unit, the population of the community of
Crescent Valley in 1995 is estimated to have been 405 persons. The resulting Eureka County
population in 1995 is estimated to have been 1717 people.
Future Population Growth
Eureka County population could grow by as
much as 56 percent from 1995 to 2010 according to projections prepared by the Nevada State
Demographer (Table 2-5). Directly and indirectly mining activity will be the primary cause
for increased growth within the County. In addition to mining related growth, smaller
gains will probably occur as a result of migration to the County for retirement, and the
quality of life.
The mining population will also influence
certain demographic trends found elsewhere throughout the State. Mining households are
generally of working age, and have more married coupled families with children as compared
to the existing population. For example, the 1990 Census showed that Lander County, which
is dominated by the mining industry, leads the State in population per household, the
proportion of school aged children, and has the highest proportion of married-couple
families with children. These factors will tend to influence public services by placing
greater demands on schools, and recreational facilities and services. Current and future
mining impacts will occur near the Town of Eureka with the Homestake Mine and Crescent
Valley with mining activity associated with Cortez Gold (Pipeline Project) and Oro-Nevada
Mining.
HOUSING
Housing Characteristics
Table 2-6 shows housing characteristics for
Eureka County. Mobile homes account for about 60 percent of total housing units in Eureka
County. Eureka and Lander Counties rank among the highest of all counties in the United
States for the proportion of the total housing stock comprised of mobile homes. The median
value of a single family home in Eureka County in 1990 was $ 54,600. The median monthly
contract rent was $293. Much of the conventional housing stock in Eureka County dates back
to the turn of the century or older. Many of these units are in poor physical condition.
Since 1970, the use of mobile homes as a percentage of total housing stock has increased
from approximately 26 percent to 60 percent in 1990. The proliferation of mobile homes use
is due to a number of factors including affordability, lack of available financing, and
the demand for short-term housing to accommodate mining development.
Housing Characteristics
Eureka County: 1990 and 1995
Type of Housing 1990 Percent 1995 Percent
Single Family Detached 257 32.4% 273 30.1
Single Family Attached 8 1.0 18 2.0
Multifamily 25 3.1 89 9.8
Mobile Home 502 63.5 527 58.1
Total 792 100.0 907 100.0
1990 Census, and the Nevada State
Demographer.
ECONOMY
The economic fortunes of Eureka County and
its residents have been tied to mining since the discovery of silver-lead mineralization
near the present site of the Town of Eureka. The 1980s brought the latest renewal in
mining to the region. Gold production in 1994 reached 6.8 million ounces, equal to about
10 percent of worldwide production. The two largest gold producers in Nevada, Barrick and
Newmont, are located in northern Eureka County. Most of the mining services supporting the
Barrick and Newmont mines and most of the employees of these mines are based outside of
Eureka County, primarily in nearby Elko.
Most commercial activity in the County is
currently located in the Town of Eureka. The local business sector in Eureka is quite
small and limited in diversity. Retail shopping opportunities include groceries, hardware
and lumber, consumer electronics, auto parts/fuel/supplies and several novelty / specialty
gift stores. There are also a number of cafes and bars, and beauty/barber shops. All of
the outlets are relatively small and there are no full-line department, discount or
apparel stores in Eureka. Agriculture plays an important role in the local economy. Over
the years agriculture has provided a stable employment and income base in Eureka County.
In 1993, cash receipts from the sale of agricultural products in Eureka County totaled
$10.3 million dollars (Nevada Agricultural Statistics, 1995). The majority of these
revenues were generated by the sale of livestock and livestock products. Many livestock
producers in the County are cow/calf operations which use range lands managed by the
Bureau of Land Management and other federal land management agencies for a part of their
grazing needs. Recent range reform efforts by the U.S. Department of Interior and proposed
increases in grazing fees continue to place economic pressures on livestock producers.
Current estimates place the Eureka County cattle and calves inventory at 13,000 head
(Nevada Agricultural Statistics, 1995).
Agriculture in Eureka County as well as other
rural areas is an export industry. Because most products are sold outside the County
(exported), income flows back (imported) into the area. High quality alfalfa hay is
produced in Eureka County and exported primarily for use in diary operations throughout
the western United States. |
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Airport
Current Facilities
The Eureka County Airports provide access to the air
transportation network for the communities of Eureka and Crescent Valley, as well as the
surrounding areas. The airport is primarily used for the use of personal, business and
corporate aircraft. There are currently no major airline services using the airport.
Facilities also include 7,300 square feet of a Fixed Base Operation, which includes an
office, pilot's lounge and living quarters. The base will also consist of maintenance
capabilities including 4900 square feet of a maintenance bay and fueling capabilities. The
improvements will include a well, which will be used for not only domestic uses, but fire
use as well. The fire flow tank will have a capacity of 30,000 gallons of water, which
will be used exclusively for fire purposes. As a part of this expansion, and as a support
service facility, one hanger and two paved runways and fueling services will be provided
for the use by aircraft.
Eureka
There is currently one runway at the Eureka Airport being
used for powered aircraft only. Runway 17/35 is 7,300 feet long and 60 feet wide and is
paved. The airport is located approximately six (6) miles northwest of Eureka in Diamond
Valley off of State Route 278 at an elevation of 5,946 feet.
Crescent Valley
There is one unpaved runway at the Crescent Valley
Airport, which is used for public use only. Runway 5/23 is 5,423 feet long and 62 feet
wide, while runway 14/32 is 4,793 feet long and 74 feet wide, with both runways consisting
of a dirt surface. The airport is located at an elevation of 4,787 feet and is a tenth of
a mile from the town of Crescent Valley. The County has owned this airport for 3 years.
Economic Development
Opportunities Within Eureka County
Identified in the Eureka County OEDP
Revolving loan fund
Dairy development
Tourism expansion (marketing of Eureka)
Add motel/hotel rooms
Golf course
Recreational reservoir
Medical services (Crescent Valley and Beowawe)
Additional Ideas
Mine related procurement and labor participation outreach
Identify and develop industrial sites
Identify mining industry induced industrial investment
opportunities
Water export fee to finance economic development
initiatives
Tourism
mine tours
mining institute (bring in domestic and international
guests)
Expand agricultural production using mine de-watered water
Geothermal development (greenhouses, aquaculture, etc.)
Oil related development
Create local Development Corporation - purchase and
relocate industry to County
Industrial park at Beowawe
Range improvements - create additional AUM's
County land bank - low interest loans to enable purchase
of leased
private grazing lands
The Area and Its Economy
The town of Eureka is located in the southern
portion of the County. Eureka is also the County Seat, and is the largest community in the
County. The population in and around Eureka is estimated to be approximately 1,200 people.
Eureka is located on Highway 50, and also served by SR 278. Eureka is 115 miles from Elko,
Nevada, and 77 miles from Ely, Nevada. The distance to any of the surrounding cities is
240 miles from Reno, 361 miles from Las Vegas and 327 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Historically, mining built Eureka in the mid-1800's, when
silver and lead were discovered. By 1878, ore production in the Eureka Mining District
peaked at over 118,000 tons valued at $5.2 million. More than 9,000 people lived in
Eureka, making it Nevada's second largest city. By 1890, mining was bust and miners moved
on to new boomtowns and there were only 1600 people left in Eureka. The industry
resurfaced in 1905, peaked again in 1909, and has been followed by several periods of
minor production.
In the 1860ís Central Pacific Railroad utilized Beowawe
as a supply point, or gateway, for the mining districts in the area. Today, the Beowawe
area continues to provide a comfortable lifestyle for its 200 residents. It is located in
the northern portion of Eureka County along the Humboldt River at an elevation of 4,000
feet. The Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads still pass through the center of
town, as does Highway 306. The majority of job opportunities in Beowawe and surrounding
areas are in the mining and agricultural industries. The construction industry also offers
substantial employment in the area.
Crescent Valley, at an elevation of 4,000 feet, became a
residential community after attempts to farm alfalfa and operate a dude ranch failed. It
has become a haven for those seeking a friendly, comfortable lifestyle. As in the 1800s,
mining still plays a major role in Crescent Valley and is again on the upswing. Today,
more than 400 people live in the area, located 13 miles south of Beowawe and 18 miles
south of Interstate 80. The majority of job opportunities in Crescent Valley and
surrounding areas are in the mining and construction industries. Agriculture also provides
employment opportunities for area residents.
Eureka County recognizes that two major industries in
Eureka County (mining and ranching) are unstable at times and expects to see a decline in
both due to the added regulations and assessments through the Mining Reform and Range
Reform Acts. Eureka County also recognizes that it is very important to work toward
economic development and diversity to secure its future economic base. It plans on
focusing on its most positive attributes: good schools, a small but productive labor
force, little traffic, a relaxed quality of life and an extremely low crime rate, to
attract and keep business.
Mining never has completely died in Eureka County,
however, it has created the typical "boom and bust" economy. During the years
1981-83, Eureka County suffered an extreme economic decline. This was due to the stagnated
activities in the mining industry that forced layoffs. In 1982, the Countyís unemployment
rate nearly tripled in one year to 14.2%, and school enrollment dropped by 18 %. In 1990,
mining accounted for 3,510 workers in Eureka County, however, ninety-two percent of these
workers worked in Eureka County, but lived in another county. Only 269 mining workers
actually resided in Eureka County. Unemployment dropped from 6.9% to 3.7% in 1990. Today,
mining is still a major economic activity in the County. During 1996, the State of Nevada
estimated that 4,990 persons were employed in mining within Eureka County.
In September of 1996, Eureka County had an unemployment
rate of 6.6%. These figures do not reflect however, a correct image of labor force, job
availability or unemployment rates for the Eureka County residents. Adjusted information
(southern Eureka County only) from the Employment Security Department in Ely, Nevada has
typically revealed that the number of persons, by place of residence, and the total labor
force suggest higher unemployment rates than are reported. While mining provides a
beneficial infiltration of jobs and capital into the local economy, it has not provided a
stable, long term foundation for the local economy. Agriculture employs a relatively
significant number of residents ( 24.7 % of the total resident work force in 1990) and has
provided a stable economic base. A primary reason for the smaller labor force required for
agriculture is an increase in productivity through the use of pivot irrigation systems.
Such systems require less labor while attaining higher productivity.
In addition to expanding and diversifying the existing
agriculture based industries that are located near the community, Eureka has the potential
of developing a tourism market by focusing on its historical character. A tourism market
is slowly being developed in the community of Eureka. The town of Eureka stands as one of
Nevadaís most beautiful and well preserved mining towns, with many authentic brick and
masonry buildings dating back to the 1870ís and still in use. Major attractions are the
Eureka County Courthouse, Eureka Opera House and the Sentinel Museum. The Eureka Opera
House was renovated in 1992 and is now in use as a Convention Center and has acted as a
drawing card for conventions, retreats and performances. The Perdiz Sporting Clays Ranges
and the Eureka Fair Grounds draw outside people to the community. Monthly and special
events held at each facility are very popular. The tourism industry could be expanded
immensely (i.e., tour groups, larger conventions, etc.) but can not be properly marketed
until Eureka has sufficient hotel or motel rooms to accommodate such groups.
During the past year Eureka County received a $650,000
Economic Development Grant. Dollar for dollar, Eureka County matched the grant and has
completed development of the Eureka Airport and a Downtown Eureka Beautification Project.
The improvements at the airport include fuel tanks, a hanger and shop, and an apartment
for a fixed-based operator and/or caretaker. Eureka County has contracted with a
fixed-base operator for the Eureka Airport. The grant also provided for acquisition and
development of off street parking, sidewalks and downtown historic beautification, which
has been completed.
Schools
Current Facilities
The Eureka County School District serves all of Eureka
County. Currently, the District has 2 Elementary Schools and 1 Junior/Senior High School
of which one elementary school and one high school are located within the Town of Eureka.
Current Facilities Inventory Eureka County School District
The Eureka County School District is headquartered
in the Town of Eureka. In addition to its administrative offices, the District operates an
elementary and a junior/senior high school in Eureka. The elementary school was built in
August, 1995. The former elementary school is used for storage, as well as a gymnasium.
The existing elementary school in Beowawe will be closed in November, 1996 following the
completion of a new elementary school in Crescent Valley.
The district employs a staff of 58, including 34 certified
teachers, 3 principals, and a superintendent. Twenty classified staff provide
administrative services and operate the District's transportation and maintenance
department. Total enrollment has been between 291-366 over the past 6 school years.
Enrollment at Eureka Elementary has increased to 135, while the number of students in the
junior/senior high has increased to 141 students in the 1995/1996 school year. Enrollment
at Beowawe Elementary School is also growing due to continuing residential development in
Crescent Valley, increasing from 34 students in 1990-1991 to 90 at the start of the
current school year.
Due to geographic distances between communities, school
districts in Nevada often serve students who live in rural areas outside the District's
boundaries. Five students from White Pine County, and 20 students from Nye County
currently attend school in Eureka. Forty-five students, mostly junior/senior high-school
students from Eureka County, are attending school in Lander and Elko County.
The new Eureka Elementary school has a physical design
capacity of about 300 students. The optimum capacity of the junior/senior high is about
140 students with a maximum capacity of 160 students. Consideration is being given the
merits and feasibility of expansion and renovation of the existing facility versus
construction of a new high school. The new Crescent Valley school will have a capacity of
120 to 140 students, pre-kindergarten to 6th grade.
Library
Current Facilities
Eureka County contracts with Elko County to provide a
full-time librarian to operate the library in Eureka 25 hours a week, on Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays. The building housing Eureka's library was built in 1982 and
currently totals 1,500 square feet of main library space. A wide selection of
approximately 10,000 books and periodicals is available, with additional materials
available through interlibrary loan accessed through a statewide computer database. A
total of 5,080 checkouts were made from July 1995 through June 1996, with 3,718 of them
being checked out by adults and the other 1,362 by young adults and children.
The Beowawe Library and the Crescent Valley Library are
also contracted with the Elko County Library system. Currently, these libraries are
staffed by one part-time librarian who works for approximately 4.5 hours a week, on
Mondays and Thursdays in the Beowawe Library and 4.5 hours a week, on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays in the Crescent Valley Library. The Beowawe Library is currently located in the
old Courthouse, which was built in 1874 and has the capacity of 3,000 books. The Crescent
Valley Library is presently located in the Town Hall, but will relocate to the new
Crescent Valley Administration Building upon completion. The current library has a
capacity of 2,500 books. Between the two libraries, there were 1,340 checkouts from July
1995 through June 1996. Adults account for 864 checked out books, while 476 books were
checked out by young adults and children. These libraries operate on an inner-library
system, which allows for the staff to supply the community with the books they want.
Senior Citizens Center
Eureka County has two senior centers to support the senior
citizens of the communities. The Eureka Senior Center was renovated in 1996 in a historic
building in downtown Eureka. The Center currently has three (3) full-time employees and
two (2) part-time employees. Eureka's Senior Center serves lunch to approximately 15 - 30
people at the facility and approximately 6 - 15 delivered lunches to seniors of the
community. This service is provided Monday through Friday. Currently the Meals on Wheels
program only serves seniors within the Eureka townsite, but as of December 1, 1996, the
program will be expanded to include the Diamond Valley area. The center has the capacity
to serve 69 people at the facility with additional services through the Meals on Wheels
program.
The Senior Center also qualifies applicants for the County
Food Pantry, the Emergency Food Program and the Temporary Food Assistance Program. The
Center distributes commodities through those services to approximately 50 - 60 families in
the entire County. Other services provided by the Center include assisted transportation
services, housekeeping services, Medicare/Medicaid, ICA representation, and the TLC
Hospice Service. The TLC program supplies Hospice support to clients and their families in
Eureka County. Transportation services are provided for Senior Citizens in the area within
a five (5) mile radius of the Center.
The Eureka Senior Center also provides numerous
educational, social and interactive activities including health and nutrition lectures,
Bingo, Bridge, and Karaoke.
The Senior Center in Crescent Valley was completed in May
1995. The Center serves lunch to approximately 25 people per day. Lunch is provided to
both congregate and homebound participants with the help of 3 full-time employees.
The Senior Center in Crescent Valley offers the same types
of services and programs as previously mentioned regarding the Eureka Senior Center.
The Crescent Valley and Eureka Senior Centers are
considered adequate for the County's current demands and have the ability to provide
adequate services for future growth of both communities through 2010.
Eureka County Opera House
The Eureka County Opera House was built in the late 1880's
and was recently renovated in 1991. The Opera House, which is located in the Town of
Eureka, is used for many local events, such as town meetings and stage programs. The
facility is also used to host such events as political party meetings and is often rented
out for private use. The facility has one full-time manager, one full-time assistant and
one part-time assistant in the summer.
Parks and Recreation
The Eureka County Parks and Recreation facilities provide
many important benefits to a community. They give residents a place for both active and
passive recreation. They provide a quiet setting for picnics and relaxation, and include
unique features or open space areas for outdoor recreation. Facilities for special
activities or interests benefit not only community residents, but opportunities for
community involvement and participation.
In addition to the benefits gained by individual residents
who use the parks and recreation facilities, trails, and open space, these facilities
enhance the community, reduce crime, provide a community focal point, have environmental
benefits, and assist economic development efforts by attracting business. The primary
objective of parks and recreation areas is to improve the quality of life for residents
within the community.
The Rodeo Grounds in Crescent Valley are located at the
north end of town and are used by members of the community on a regular basis. This
facility consists of an announcerís booth, an arena with stalls around it, as well as
stalls that are separate from the arena. There is also a concession stand, which includes
restroom facilities and showers. The arena is rented out once a year for roping and barrel
racing for the use of the Christian Women's Club out of Battle Mountain, as well as being
used for local events, activities, and horse shows.
Eureka has two local ball fields, Little League Ball field
and Vandal Ballpark. Little League Ball field is the primary ballpark in Eureka being used
for such events as little league in the early spring, and later in the season for local
softball leagues. Little League ballpark is where any local tournaments are held,
including the menís tournament and coed tournaments. Although bigger, Vandal Ballpark,
also located in Eureka, is usually used for overflow purposes, with the exception of the
local High School Baseball team. The baseball team has regular practices at this park in
the spring and also plays there when playing at home. Each park has only one diamond for
play.
There is one County park located in the Town of Eureka.
This park is used for recreational use, BBQ use, horseshoes, and includes a playground for
youngsters. The park is located one block off of Main Street, adjacent to the downtown
area.
Crescent Valley has one baseball diamond. It is located in
the Town Park, both being funded through the Crescent Valley Town Budget. Since the
ballpark is located within the Town Park and it is the only park in the town of Crescent
Valley, it is used for all outdoor functions.
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Overview
of the Area
The town of Eureka is located in the southern
portion of the County. Eureka is also the County Seat, and is the largest community in the
County. The population in and around Eureka is estimated to be approximately 1,200 people.
Eureka is located on Highway 50, and also served by SR 278. Eureka is 115 miles from Elko,
Nevada, and 77 miles from Ely, Nevada. The distance to any of the surrounding cities is
240 miles from Reno, 361 miles from Las Vegas and 327 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Historically, mining built Eureka in the mid-1800's, when
silver and lead were discovered. By 1878, ore production in the Eureka Mining District
peaked at over 118,000 tons valued at $5.2 million. More than 9,000 people lived in
Eureka, making it Nevada's second largest city. By 1890, mining was bust and miners moved
on to new boomtowns and there were only 1600 people left in Eureka. The industry
resurfaced in 1905, peaked again in 1909, and has been followed by several periods of
minor production.
In the 1860's Central Pacific Railroad utilized Beowawe as
a supply point, or gateway, for the mining districts in the area. Today, the Beowawe area
continues to provide a comfortable lifestyle for its 200 residents. It is located in the
northern portion of Eureka County along the Humboldt River at an elevation of 4,000 feet.
The Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads still pass through the center of town, as
does Highway 306. The majority of job opportunities in Beowawe and surrounding areas are
in the mining and agricultural industries. The construction industry also offers
substantial employment in the area.
Crescent Valley, at an elevation of 4,000 feet, became a
residential community after attempts to farm alfalfa and operate a dude ranch failed. It
has become a haven for those seeking a friendly, comfortable lifestyle. As in the 1800s,
mining still plays a major role in Crescent Valley and is again on the upswing. Today,
more than 400 people live in the area, located 13 miles south of Beowawe and 18 miles
south of Interstate 80. The majority of job opportunities in Crescent Valley and
surrounding areas are in the mining and construction industries. Agriculture also provides
employment opportunities for area residents.
Eureka County recognizes that two major industries in
Eureka County (mining and ranching) are unstable at times and expects to see a decline in
both due to the added regulations and assessments through the Mining Reform and Range
Reform Acts. Eureka County also recognizes that it is very important to work toward
economic development and diversity to secure its future economic base. It plans on
focusing on its most positive attributes: good schools, a small but productive labor
force, little traffic, a relaxed quality of life and an extremely low crime rate, to
attract and keep business.
Mining never has completely died in Eureka County,
however, it has created the typical "boom and bust" economy. During the years
1981-83, Eureka County suffered an extreme economic decline. This was due to the stagnated
activities in the mining industry that forced layoffs. In 1982, the Countyís unemployment
rate nearly tripled in one year to 14.2%, and school enrollment dropped by 18 %. In 1990,
mining accounted for 3,510 workers in Eureka County, however, ninety-two percent of these
workers worked in Eureka County, but lived in another county. Only 269 mining workers
actually resided in Eureka County. Unemployment dropped from 6.9% to 3.7% in 1990. Today,
mining is still a major economic activity in the County. During 1996, the State of Nevada
estimated that 4,990 persons were employed in mining within Eureka County.
In September of 1996, Eureka County had an unemployment
rate of 6.6%. These figures do not reflect however, a correct image of labor force, job
availability or unemployment rates for the Eureka County residents. Adjusted information
(southern Eureka County only) from the Employment Security Department in Ely, Nevada has
typically revealed that the number of persons, by place of residence, and the total labor
force suggest higher unemployment rates than are reported. While mining provides a
beneficial infiltration of jobs and capital into the local economy, it has not provided a
stable, long term foundation for the local economy. Agriculture employs a relatively
significant number of residents ( 24.7 % of the total resident work force in 1990) and has
provided a stable economic base. A primary reason for the smaller labor force required for
agriculture is an increase in productivity through the use of pivot irrigation systems.
Such systems require less labor while attaining higher productivity.
In addition to expanding and diversifying the existing
agriculture based industries that are located near the community, Eureka has the potential
of developing a tourism market by focusing on its historical character. A tourism market
is slowly being developed in the community of Eureka. The town of Eureka stands as one of
Nevadaís most beautiful and well preserved mining towns, with many authentic brick and
masonry buildings dating back to the 1870ís and still in use. Major attractions are the
Eureka County Courthouse, Eureka Opera House and the Sentinel Museum. The Eureka Opera
House was renovated in 1992 and is now in use as a Convention Center and has acted as a
drawing card for conventions, retreats and performances. The Perdiz Sporting Clays Ranges
and the Eureka Fair Grounds draw outside people to the community. Monthly and special
events held at each facility are very popular. The tourism industry could be expanded
immensely (i.e., tour groups, larger conventions, etc.) but can not be properly marketed
until Eureka has sufficient hotel or motel rooms to accommodate such groups.
During the past year Eureka County received a $650,000
Economic Development Grant. Dollar for dollar, Eureka County matched the grant and has
completed development of the Eureka Airport and a Downtown Eureka Beautification Project.
The improvements at the airport include fuel tanks, a hanger and shop, and an apartment
for a fixed-based operator and/or caretaker. Eureka County has contracted with a
fixed-base operator for the Eureka Airport. The grant also provided for acquisition and
development of off street parking, sidewalks and downtown historic beautification, which
has been completed.
Public and Community
Services
Eureka County exhibits all the services typical of a
county of similar size. Most residents in the County have ready access to adequate police
and fire protection, judicial services, etc. The following is information on public and
community services available in Eureka County |
