Fire restrictions implemented in Western Nevada

Drought conditions, increasing daytime temperatures and high winds have prompted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Carson City District Office, the Carson and Bridgeport Ranger Districts of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the Nevada Division of Forestry’s Sierra Forest Fire Protection District to announce the implementation of fire restrictions Tuesday, July 1, 2008, and lasting until further notice.

Vegetation in western Nevada and eastern California has dried out significantly since receiving only about 50-percent of normal snowfall last winter. A large crop of grass and brush is evident at lower elevations and trees and other forest vegetation at higher elevations are quickly drying out. The public is encouraged to safely enjoy the public lands, bearing in mind that the recent Martis, Waterfall, Andrew and Hawken fires were all human-caused.

Motorists are advised to be careful when driving off-road, because hot exhaust systems can ignite dry grasses. The potential for another devastating fire during the summer is very real. Report fires to the Interagency Dispatch Center, Minden, Nevada,   (775) 883-5995, or dial 911.

Free fishing at Nevada state parks June 14

CARSON CITY, Nev.—Nevada’s Division of State Parks is granting free fishing access to its state parks on June 14, 2008.

“Fishing is still one of our great pastimes and is an excellent way to get families and children into our parks,” said Dave Morrow, administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks. “In support of Free Fishing Day, all of our water-based parks are participating by giving free entrance to visitors who show fishing poles at park entrances.”

Beaver Dam State Park nature hike June 14

PANACA, Nev. — Beaver Dam State Park invites you to participate in a ranger led nature hike on June 14, 2008. Beaver Dam has 2,393 acres of pristine beauty located only three hours north of Las Vegas off U.S. 93.

This 4.2-mile round trip hike runs along Beaver Dam Wash and will let you explore native plants, animals, and fish that exist around the stream. Hikers should be prepared to bring their own food, water, adequate hiking boots and insect repellent.