Governor Gibbons issues notice of increased fire danger

CARSON CITY, Nev.–Much of the west experienced a lack of rain and snowfall this past winter resulting in an abundance of dry vegetation that burns rapidly. Subsequently, fire season has arrived early.

This week’s wind conditions coupled with dry vegetation have prompted Governor Jim Gibbons and the Nevada Division of Forestry to place the following counties on Red Flag status for the corresponding days. Red Flag status is the highest risk for fire and is based on wind and fuel conditions.

• Friday, June 29, 2007: Carson City, Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, White Pine
• Saturday, June 30, 2007: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Southern Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, White Pine
• Sunday, July 1, 2007: Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, White Pine.

Nevada Division of State Parks Implements Fire Restrictions

Campfires not allowed at Lake Tahoe-Nevada, Beaver Dam, Fort Churchill and Cathedral Gorge State Parks

CARSON CITY, Nev.–The Nevada Division of State Parks and Nevada Division of Forestry announced today that added fire restrictions are being implemented at Nevada state parks because of the high potential for wildfires. In addition to fire restrictions that are in place for all of Nevada’s 24 state parks, visitors to the following parks are not allowed to have any open fires even in designated picnic and campground areas:

• Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, which includes Sand Harbor, the Marlette/Hobart backcountry and Spooner Lake
• The Carson River Ranches area of Fort Churchill State Park in Silver Springs
• Beaver Dam State Park near Caliente
• Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca

State Parks presenting new management alternatives for South Fork State Recreation Area July 18, 2007

ELKO, Nev.–The Nevada Division of State Parks kicked off its new development planning for South Fork State Recreation Area in March. The division held two public meetings and public comment was paramount in developing the three alternatives that will be presented at the July 18 meeting.

The proposed alternatives to the existing park management include recommendations such as a new group-use area, reservoir loop trail and new campground.

New park aide oversees oasis in the heart of Dayton (Dayton Courier)

DAYTON, Nev.–In case you haven’t noticed, activity at the Dayton State Park has been kicked up a notch. Read the complete story at the Dayton Courier.