Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site closes

PANACA, Nev.—The Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site will be closed to the public on May 15, 2008 until the reconstruction on the Rainbow Canyon Highway, State Route 317, is complete.

The highway was washed out in January 2005 in an unusually strong flood. Because of the continued degradation of certain sections of the highway, it has been determined that travel, other than for local access, is inadvisable.

Reconstruction of the highway is expected to be completed in late 2011 or early 2012.

“We regret any inconvenience this may cause,” said Dave Morrow, administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks, which operates the site. “After careful consideration for public safely, we decided that we could not encourage people to visit a site that is only accessible by a damaged road.”

The schoolhouse will continue to be maintained by State Parks staff while it is closed.

Director’s Update May 2008: It’s Wildfire Season

[NOTE: This was sent to DCNR employees May 1.]

Good afternoon to everyone in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This is the second of the Director’s Office updates on activities and issues ongoing in the Department.

We are entering the wildfire season so this month’s report has a fire focus.

Thanks to all of you who responded last month with regard to these updates. I hope they continue to be useful to you. I’m still interested in your feedback and don’t forget to sign up for the Department’s news as it happens (see the bottom of the email.) Let me know how we can make this monthly update more useful for you.

Enjoy Spring!

Allen Biaggi
Director

Forestry employee in recovery

Richard D. Sharp recently collapsed from a heart attack while doing a firefighting pack test in Winnemucca. This test is a requirement for all firefighters and is a prerequisite for our fire suppression efforts for the upcoming season. It is a fairly rigorous test that requires covering three miles with a 45 pound pack in 45 minutes. Two years ago I did the test and can assure you it is quite demanding. Protocol requires that EMTs be on hand in case of an emergency. Thankfully Richard was administered CPR immediately by Gary Davis, Mary McDowell and Steve Sweetland, which saved his life. He was later transferred to a hospital in Reno and is now recovering at home. We wish Richard a speedy recovery and commend the quick actions by his NDF co-workers, as well as the employees (Cory Moore, Mike Erquiaga and Jody Weintz) who professionally managed the situation.

Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend at the Carson River Festival

Fort Churchill State Historic Park is the place to be on Saturday morning, May 10. The Carson River Festival features activities to learn about the Carson River. The park waived admission for the day. Activities begin at 10 am and conclude at 2 pm.

Students from Churchill, Silver Stage, Fernley, Dayton and Carson High Schools are leading the hands-on activities. Learn about native plants, Leave No Trace, insects, rodents and other animals living along the river. Help control mosquitoes by releasing mosquito minnows in the river. Discover amphibians and reptiles, check out arachnids, take home a lilac bush sponsored by the Dayton Valley Conservation District. You can have your face painted to reflect the spirit of the day!

Musical entertainment is provided by Slidebase Jammers and Friends. Food is offered by the Train Station BBQ concession. The day is filled with activities and fun. There is something for all ages.

In preparation for the festival, River Wrangler teens met with Mary Kay Riedl, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, to learn more about non-point source pollution as they prepare for the festival.

Wildflower walk at Washoe Lake State Park May 10

WASHOE VALLEY, Nev.–Nevada State Parks is hosting a wildflower walk at Washoe Lake State Park May 10, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 11a.m.

Join park staff for a leisurely stroll through the park to meet the wildflowers and to learn their common and scientific names, each plant’s use and whether a plant is poisonous. Park staff will also discuss climate and growing zones. Some uphill walking is involved. Children under seven are not recommended. Please bring water, a camera and a picnic lunch to enjoy after the program.

On this one-and-a-half-mile walk visitors will get to see the following types of wildflowers: Wild Phlox, Desert Peach, Bitterbrush, Balsamroot, Butterweed, Stork’s Bill, Wild Rose bushes, Cattails, Tidy Tips and more. Aspen and Willows that have returned since the fires on Deadman’s Trail will also be viewed.