Bulldozers are digging up a portion of the popular Seventh Street pits in northwest Reno, part of an effort to return an area disturbed by years of motorcycle use to a semblance of its previous condition.

City officials said they are searching for a replacement area for motorcyclists, but property owners have expressed concern about liability.

In the fall, the entire 50-acre area is expected to be fenced off and motorcycles prohibited.

Closure of the pits to motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles is part of a long-range management plan for Peavine Peak that was released last year by the U.S. Forest Service, Reno and Washoe County. A portion of the privately owned pits soon will become part of Lakemont Homes subdivision.

“We heard loud and clear from the public that noise, dust and trash resulting from use of the pits were major concerns,” said Gary Schiff, chief ranger for the Carson Ranger District.

After the pits are closed, Schiff said, motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders still can use hundreds of acres of roads and trails on Peavine.

Rich Thorwaldson, manager at Big Valley Motorsports in Reno, said he understands the need to address conflicts between motorized sports and new homes steadily creeping up Peavine’s flanks but opposes closure of public land to motorized sports enthusiasts.

Still, Thorwaldson said, new places to play must be found.

“It’ll create some hardships at first, but these folks are going to find some place to ride,” Thorwaldson said.

Reno officials have met with organized motorcycle groups concerning the possibility of establishing a new motocross area near the Somersett subdivision. But no one is interested in owning such an operation because of liability concerns, said Reno Councilman Dave Aiazzi.

“Obviously, there’s a need in the community,” Aiazzi said. “I would like to find one but I don’t know if we’re going to find one on Peavine Mountain.”

Two other areas are being considered as potential locations for a motorcycle play area north of Reno, officials said.

Early work on the Seventh Street pits will focus on portions of the 23 acres owned by the U.S. Forest Service. Some trails leading into the pits from the south are being removed. At another location, a bulldozer is loosening up compacted soil so new vegetation can take root.

“This is the first investment the Forest Service is making in trying to reclaim the pit,” said Gene Blanchard, a civil engineer for the Forest Service. “We’re just trying to take a little corner and make it better.”

City, Forest Service and Lakemont Homes officials are working out a schedule to fence and revegetate the entire area at a cost of about $100,000. Seeding of the area likely will be at the same time as for about 2,200 acres of Peavine Peak seared by a wildfire in July.