Warning of low water levels at Lahontan

SILVER SPRINGS, Nev.–Severe drought conditions and continued above-normal temperatures have contributed to the rapid decrease in water levels at Lahontan Reservoir.

The Silver Springs and North Shore Marina docks have been removed from the water. Water levels are expected to drop lower than the launch ramps on or prior to Labor Day Weekend.

Beach launching is allowed but requires the use of a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Beach launching is recommended in sandy areas only. Park supervisors recommend avoiding all areas with silt or mud.

“Dropping reservoir levels continue to expose underwater hazards,” said Park Supervisor Rob Holley. “Please use extreme caution when boating on Lahontan Reservoir and do so at your own risk.”

NDEP to meet with Las Vegas residents about indoor PCE vapor

LAS VEGAS–The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is arranging in-home meetings with 146 homeowners in a residential area east of the Boulevard Mall to check the indoor air in their homes for the presence of a common solvent used in dry cleaning.

The NDEP suspects that the solvent, perchloroethylene or PCE, was discharged into the shallow groundwater from a former dry cleaner, located at 3661 South Maryland Parkway in the Maryland Square Shopping Center. The investigation continues into other possible sources of the contamination and any other associated responsible parties.

Groundwater monitoring data indicate that, over time, the PCE has migrated eastward in the shallow groundwater underneath the Boulevard Mall and some residences in the neighborhood east of the Mall. The NDEP is offering to test the indoor air in the homes to see if vapors from the underground PCE plume are making their way into the homes. The tests are voluntary and free-of-charge to the homeowners.

Plant species conservation

 

State botanist keeps his eye on Nevada’s rare flora

By Bob Conrad

Third-graders in Huntsville, Alabama are singing a new song. It goes: “The roots on the plant go root, root, root, mostly in Madison County.” It’s sung to the melody of “Wheels on the Bus.” The children are vocalizing about the Morefield leather flower, Clematis morefieldii, an endangered plant found only in Alabama’s Madison County.

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This spring Southern Nevada’s Nellis Air Force Base received a permit from the Nevada Division of Forestry for new construction on a portion of the Air Force’s property. More than 200 acres, however, will remain undeveloped for the sole purpose of protecting a plant found only in the Las Vegas area—the Las Vegas bearpoppy, Arctomecon californica.

Portions of Lake Tahoe-Nevada backcountry to close temporarily

 

Affected areas include Lakeview Road, Hobart Road

LAKE TAHOE, Nev.–Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park is temporarily closing a portion of the Marlette-Hobart backcountry Monday through Friday, August 20 through October 15, 2007.

The affected park areas will be Lakeview Road, Hobart Road between Marlette Lake and Hobart Lake, Red House Flume Trail and the Tunnel Creek Road in the Red House / Franktown Creek area.