Spring creek Ambulance
The Spring Creek Ambulance station is now open serving the Spring Creek Valley and is available 24 hours/day, 7 days per week. Remember in an emergency call 9-1-1. The Spring Creek station has one Paramedic and one Advanced EMT on duty all the times.
The Spring Creek Ambulance is supported by the Elko Ambulance Station. We are working closely with the Elko County Fire Protection District to prepare for and respond to emergencies and look forward to a newly renovated station near the roundabout soon.. Many of our employees call Spring Creek home and we are excited to have an ambulance in Spring Creek.
Station Location: The ambulance currently borrows space at Fire Station 29 (on Spring Valley Parkway) during nights and is frequently staged at Fire Station 28 (on Licht Parkway near the roundabout) during day hours.
We always encourage people to call 911 in case of emergency. The non-emergency dispatch line (775-777-7304) also should be used if requesting an ambulance for any type of service besides emergencies. There is not currently a dedicated number for the Spring Creek crew, but their supervisor is a Captain that can be reached at 775-397-6332 or 775-738-7406.
The ambulance Facebook page is Elko County Ambulance Service so please like and follow for updates.
Important information from Elko County
The Spring Creek Association would like to inform residents that the Elko County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 19 at 5:15 PM regarding a Conditional Use Permit request for a recreational lodge with up to five chair lifts on a parcel located off Pleasant Valley Road near the Ruby Dome Trail access. The application was submitted by Modern Land & Development, LLC and Ruby Mountain Ranch Holdings, LLC. Residents who would like to review the location and details of the proposal can view the map and application materials below.
Community members who wish to provide comments or learn more are encouraged to attend the public hearing.
What is Being Proposed
The application submitted by Modern Land & Development, LLC requests permission to build:
• A recreational lodge
• A private residence associated with the lodge
• Up to five guest rooms available for rent
• Up to five mechanical chair lifts
• Outdoor recreation activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking
The lodge would be less than 20,000 square feet and located on a 2,296-acre parcel in the Ruby Mountains with access from Pleasant Valley Road.
The land is currently zoned Open Space (OS).
Previous Zoning Request
The property owner previously applied to change the zoning of the property to allow recreation development, but that request was denied by the Elko County Planning Commission in November 2024.
The current application is requesting a Conditional Use Permit instead.
Overview of the County Staff Report
County planning staff reviewed the application and prepared a report for the Planning Commission.
According to the staff report:
• Recreational lodges are an allowed conditional use in the Open Space zoning district under county code.
• The surrounding properties are primarily Open Space land, National Forest, and agricultural ranch land.
• Staff believes the private nature of the lodge would likely result in minimal traffic increases along Pleasant Valley Road.
• Other than limited traffic impacts, staff states the project would likely have little negative effect on public health, safety, or general welfare.
Conditions Staff Recommends if Approved
If the Planning Commission approves the permit, staff recommends several conditions, including:
• If the property is sold, a new owner would have to apply for a new Conditional Use Permit to continue operating the lodge.
• The access road from Pleasant Valley Road must meet county standards and be maintained by the operator.
• Construction plans must be approved by Elko County Planning & Zoning and Building & Safety.
• The project must comply with state requirements for drinking water, septic systems, and environmental protection.
One condition addresses a hiking trail that crosses the property:
• The applicant would be required to grant a 15-foot wide public access easement along the Hennen Creek (Ruby Dome via Griswold Lake) trail where it crosses the property.
The staff report also notes that recommendations could change if new information or concerns are raised during the public hearing.
Summary of Concerns Raised in Public Comments
Several residents have already submitted written comments for the Planning Commission to consider. Some of the concerns mentioned include:
Access to Ruby Dome
Some residents are concerned about the future of public access to Ruby Dome, since part of the trail crosses the private property.
Zoning and land-use questions
Some commenters questioned whether a project of this scale fits within Open Space zoning, which is generally intended to preserve rural land and low-intensity recreation.
Size and scale of development
Concerns were raised that the project could function more like a destination recreation facility because it includes multiple chair lifts and lodging accommodations.
Environmental concerns
Some comments mention possible impacts to the fragile mountain environment, including erosion, disturbance of soils, vegetation loss, and impacts to wildlife habitat.
Impacts to nearby communities
Residents have also raised concerns about possible:
• Increased traffic on Pleasant Valley Road
• Increased road wear and maintenance
• Fire risk
• Light and noise impacts in an area currently known for being quiet and dark at night
Additional Issues Communities Often Consider With Similar Projects
In other mountain communities where similar recreation projects have been proposed, public discussions sometimes include topics such as:
• Long-term environmental impacts to alpine or high-elevation ecosystems
• Wildlife habitat disruption, especially for migration corridors or sensitive species
• Water availability for snowmaking, lodging operations, or other infrastructure
• Emergency access and rescue response in remote terrain
• Traffic and road capacity on rural roads
• Visual impacts to mountain landscapes
• Future expansion beyond the initial proposal
• Economic benefits versus environmental or community impacts
• Private land ownership versus traditional public recreation access
These are general considerations that sometimes arise in discussions about recreation developments in rural or mountain areas.
Letter from Elko County Fire:
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Opposition Letters Currently on Record:
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