FRIENDS OF WILDERNESS WINTER 2003 BLM’s wild areas under attack By Shaaron Netherton eas the BLM recommended as non-suitable for It appears that the extractive industries may be Wilderness. The BLM’s reasons for why areas pushing the Bureau of Land Management to drop shouldn’t be Wilderness included: the areas are too protection for millions and millions of acres of Wil- flat, too steep, not enough vegetation, vegetation derness Study Areas. In a move that is blatantly too thick, it might have mineral values, and so the against the intent of Congress, the Administration excuses went. These recommendations were de- is looking to drop all of the Wilderness Study Ar- veloped over two decades ago when the face of the west was much different. When the final Wilderness suitability recom- WBy ildernessBrian Beffort fire fighting mendations were made in Nevada, of the 110 Wil- When BLM notifies Friends of Nevada Wil- derness study areas totalling over 5.1 million acres, derness of illegal activities and proposed actions in the Nevada BLM recommended less than 2 million Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, we have acres as suitable for designation. Under the 30 days to respond with our comments. Administration’s plan, over 2 million acres of This fall, we learned of two wildfires in WSAs Nevada’s Wilderness Study Areas could lose pro- in 2002 that resulted in unnecessary impacts. Last tection and their chances for designation be lost summer, crews fighting fires in the Desatoya forever. Success! Mountains WSA (Carson City district) and the Congress has shown time and time again that Parsnip Peak WSA (Ely district) used bulldozers BLM recommendations were outdated and no to cut fire lines. Similar fire mismanagement oc- longer valid. In 2000, Congress designated wilder- Clark County curred this last year in the Elko and Battle Moun- ness areas in the Black Rock region that Conservation tain BLM districts. the BLM said were not suitable; areas like the Although it’s legal to use bulldozers to fight Calico Mountains, the Jackson Mountains, Pahute of Public Land fires, we believe they should be used when loss of Peak and the North Black Rock Range. Only a and Natural property, life or other emergencies could result few months ago, Congress designated areas like Resources Act without their use. In both of these situations, the the North McCullough Mountains, Arrow Canyon, BLM admitted the bulldozers were not necessary, Jumbo Springs, El Dorado and Ireteba Peaks, of 2002 stating that out-of-state fire crews, who were less which the BLM found were not suitable for Wil- designates familiar with the areas, used them accidentally. derness designation. Friends of Nevada Wilder- 452,000 acres While we understand that in the heat of a fire, ness will be closely monitoring the situation and these things can happen, these two events and will keep our members updated. of Wilderness other similar violations show that we need to work see story on harder with the BLM’s fire program to prevent From the front lines Page 2 page 3 violations. We are working with state director Bob Citizens at work on wilderness Page 3 Abbey and the field offices to implement sure-fire Wilderness areas and acerage Page 4 (yes, pun intended) Minimum Impact Suppression Kick off new 2003 campaign Page 4 Tactics that will allow crews to fight fires without Trek the Page 5 Inside: Action alert to acquire lands Page 6 unnecessarily damaging Wilderness values. Helping hands restore the land Page 7 1 d From the front lines by Shaaron Netherton, Executive Director Board of Directors Happy New Year to all! our watchdog efforts over all Wilderness I’d like to welcome all the new quality lands within the state and fighting members who joined Friends of Neva- to keep WSAs protected. We’ll also be Las HermiVegas MembersHiatt da Wilderness last year. We appreciate working for expanded protection of our John Hiatt Theo Byrns your dedication to Nevada’s wildlands. Forest Service roadless areas as part of We celebrated the upcoming Forest Plan Reno Members another Wilder- revision in Nevada. Ron Hunter It would not have Roger Scholl ness success in Friends of Nevada Wil- happened without Marge Sill southern Nevada derness will be working to you, our dedicated Karen Boeger with the passage protect Fish and Wildlife Henry Egghart of the Clark members. Service managed Wilder- Corey Lewis County Conserva- Thanks to each and ness- quality areas in both tion of Public every one of you! the Desert National Land and Natural Game Range and the Executive Director Shaaron Netherton Resources Act of Sheldon Antelope Range. 2002 that designated 452,000 acres We want to help the Fish and Wildlife Staff Jeremy Garncarz of threatened Wilderness. A special Service celebrate their 100-year anni- Dino Fulgencio thanks to the leadership skills of Sena- versary in 2003 with a legacy gift of Reno Staff tor Reid and his staff. While this was a Wilderness protection. Lastly, we’re Brian Beffort bipartisan bill, it would not have suc- looking forward to working with the state Pat Patera ceeded without Senator Reid’s extreme legislature on Wilderness issues during Richard Knox ability and influence in the Senate. It the 2003 session. also would not have happened without Think big and act wild, you, our dedicated members. Thanks NorthernPO BoxNe v9754ada Office to each and every one of you! Reno, NV 89507 (775) 324-7667 Without breaking stride, Friends of Nevada Wilderness is jumping into our Foreman speaks Eastern Nevada Wilderness Campaign Sout1700hern E. Desert Nevada Inn #406Office with both feet. Our next issue will focus out for wild places Las Vegas, NV 89109 Friends of Nevada Wilderness in more detail on the incredible Wil- (702) 650-6542 hosted an evening fundraiser with derness values found in Lincoln, White Dave Foreman, leading Wilderness www.nevadawilderness.orgWebsite Pine and Nye Counties. With your con- activist and author on October 7th. tinued help, we hope to see significant Dave shared his passion and vision [email protected] Wilderness protection for some of for wild landscapes with over 100 these fabulous wild places. We’re add- supporters at Patagonia in Reno. ing a rural Wilderness organizer in Ely Over $1,000 was raised to help pub- Get on the list to help make this protection a reality. lish the Nevada Wilderness Testimo- Our new year, 2003, is shaping up ny Book, scheduled to be out this To get Wilderness news to be a very busy one—in addition to spring. A huge thanks to Dave for and action alerts, eastern Nevada, we’ll be working for coming back to Nevada to help raise subscribe to the Friends sound management of our newly des- awareness about our stunning wild of Nevada Wilderness places. Many thanks to Roberta ignated Wilderness areas in the Las email list: Send post to Moore for putting the Nevada Wil- Vegas area as well as for the Black [email protected] derness Testimony book together. A subscribe with as subject Rock/High Rock Wilderness areas des- howling great time was had by all. ignated in 2000. We’ll be continuing 2 d CitizensKeeping it Wild: work creates Wilderness By Dino Fulgencio Barely two months ago, two years of exten- The bill was introduced as a comprehensive sive field work, public meetings, grassroots orga- conservation and growth plan for public lands in nizing and education efforts to obtain Wilderness Clark County. Nevada’s Congressional delegation protection for some of Southern Nevada’s spec- has been working with local governments and in- Southern tacular wild lands finally reached fruition. The terest groups for more than a year to develop the proposal, which will accommodate growth while Nevada Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Happenings Natural Resources Act of 2002 was signed into protecting natural resources for current and future law on November 6, 2002. Area list on page 4. generations of Nevadans. From the heights of the Ireteba Peaks to the Activists mapped potential protected areas. Volunteer Night depths of Arrow Canyon, from the Joshua trees They wrote letters, published brochures and gave every Thursday of Wee Thump to the pon- slide show presenta- 4-8 pm at Moose derosa pines of the LaMa- tions to the public to McGillicuddy’s dre Mountains, some introduce their fel- Happy Hour 452,000 acres of southern Clark County low citizens to the Nevada Wildernesss are Conservation of Public wild beauty in their Northern now permanently protect- Land and Natural own backyards. And Nevada ed as Wilderness. Resources Act of 2002 they met with other Happenings The new law balances stakeholders to en- The legislation, introduced by Nevada’s sure that conserva- the needs for infrastruc- Volunteer Night ture development, recre- Senators Harry Reid (D) and John Ensign (R) tion was represented and Rep. Jim Gibbons (R), designated in the public lands first Wednesday, ational opportunities, and 5:30 - 7:00 at 452,000 acres of new Wilderness in Clark bill, which also ad- conservation of our pre- Silver Peak cious natural resources in County and created the Sloan Canyon dressed recreation and development Brewery southern Nevada. In a National Conservation Area. Happy Hour nutshell, this landmark concerns in the na- piece of legislation tem- tion’s fastest-grow- pers development with conservation measures ing county, Las Vegas’ own Clark County. that will protect our pristine vistas and promote Conservationists, although not entirely in favor responsible growth in what is becoming a highly- of every aspect of the legislation, welcomed the urbanized segment of Southern Nevada. wilderness component of the public lands bill be- cause it is a positive first step towards wilderness protection in Southern Nevada. Black Rock plan As such, we at Friends of Nevada Wilderness to be unveiled extend our warmest gratitude to our congressional BLM’s Resource Management Plan/EIS for the delegation and their staff for all their hard work Black Rock-High Rock Region will be available for and leadership in providing a lasting legacy of Wil- Declare your public comment starting in late January. derness to present and future Nevadans. wilderness sup- Dave Cooper, the National Conservation Area We thank and acknowledge the invaluable sup- port with a Manager, says there will be a 90-day comment port of all our business supporters and individuals colorful T-shirt period with public meetings tentatively March 3-7. who voiced their desire to keep Nevada wild to Printed on 100% You will be able to review the plan online at our newspapers, senators and congressmen. organic cotton, these www.blackrockhighrock.org or call Jamie Their passionate and even-keeled advocacy bright white T-shirts feature the colorful Thompson at (775) 623-1500 to be placed on for the protection and preservation of our natural the mailing list. This plan will guide how the new FNW logo on the and cultural resources are the guiding lights that National Conservation Area and Wilderness areas front. Please specify will be managed. Friends of Nevada Wilderness serve as an inspiration not only for the Nevada size: S, M, L, XL will send our members more detailed information Wilderness Coalition but for all Americans who Cost: $10 + on the plan once it’s available for public review. deeply believe that our beautiful wild places are $2 shipping. worth preserving. 3 V New 2003 campaign in eastern Nevada By Brian Beffort local officials in White Pine and Lincoln counties As we enter 2003, Friends of Nevada Wilder- to discuss issues concerning eastern Nevada Wil- ness is taking advantage of our momentum from derness. This groundwork has helped us become recent Wilderness designations in the Black Rock familiar with specific on-the-ground issues affect- Desert and Clark County to launch efforts to pro- ing Wilderness designation in the region, which tect Wilderness in eastern Nevada. will help us ensure that our eastern Nevada Wil- From the Mormon, the Meadow Valley and the derness Proposal is reasonable and manageable. in southern Lincoln County to We are looking forward to working with our the Goshute Canyon WSA in northern White Pine Friends of Nevada Wilderness members, other County, eastern Nevada boasts some of the wild- members of the Nevada Wilderness Coalition, Mission est and most spectacular country in the state. De- Senators Reid and Ensign and Congressman Jim Statement spite their relative isolation from major population Friends of Nevada Gibbons, the staffs from the federal, state and lo- centers, many of these areas are feeling the brunt Wilderness is cal agencies and local residents in eastern Nevada of unrestricted off-road vehicle use and other hu- over the next year. With our broad base of public dedicated to man impacts. participation, support and concern for our public preserving all While the public and politicians have been fo- lands, we are confident that we will be able to qualified Nevada cused on the Clark County bill for the last two help ensure the ability of present and future gen- public lands as years, members of the Nevada Wilderness Coali- erations to enjoy wild and free landscapes across Wilderness, tion have been meeting with interested public and the Silver State. protecting all potential Wilderness from ongoing threats Nevada wilderness designated in new bill including mining, Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002 over-grazing, road construction, and North McCullough Wilderness 14,763 acres BLM off-road vehicle South McCullough Wilderness 44,245 acres BLM use, educating the Wee Thump-Joshua Tree Wilderness 6,050 acres BLM public on the El Dorado Wilderness 31,950 acres NPS/BLM values of – and Ireteba Peaks Wilderness 32,745 acres NPS/BLM need for – Jimbilnan Wilderness 18,879 acres NPS Wilderness, and Nellis Wash Wilderness 16,423 acres NPS improving the Spirit Mountain Wilderness 33,518 acres NPS/BLM management and restoration of these 27,530 acres BLM public lands. 7,761 acres NPS Black Canyon Wilderness 17,220 acres NPS/BLM Pinto Valley Wilderness 39,173 acres NPS Muddy Mountains Wilderness 48,019 acres BLM/NPS Rainbow Mountain Wilderness 24,997 acres USFS/BLM 23,233 acres BLM Jumbo Springs Wilderness 4,631 acres BLM Mt. Charleston Additions 13,598 acres USFS/BLM La Madre Mountain Wilderness 47,180 acres USFS/BLM

4 W Take a trek to the Mormon Mtns By Brian Beffort Simply put, the Mormon Mountains are spec- find out why we love them so. Make sure to bring Location:Just the Northfacts: of I-15 tacular. Flanked by the jagged and impressive food, water, sturdy shoes and extra layers in case and east of Meadow Val- Moapa Peak, these mountains rise majestically of changeable weather. ley Wash, about 75 miles northeast of the Las Vegas Valley. The easiest northeast of Las Vegas. access to the riches here is at Hackberry Directions: Take 1-15 Spring. This area will give you a sense of the northeast from Las The Vegas. Exit at the Carp many wonderful experiences the Mormon Elgin Interchange, then Mountains offer. Mormon follow the frontage road From the parking area, hike up the wash, Mountains on the north side of I-15 through the narrow stone gate and another are a northeast for four miles, mile or so to Hackberry Spring. where it turns sharply great left. Follow this dirt road Wherever you hike in the Mormons, you place to as it winds north, under will find stunning geology—massive cliffs the power lines, for 7.5 striped with purple-brown and gray bands, spot miles. Turn left peaks and outcrops in brownish orange and bighorn (northwest) onto a faint red, and a fairyland of spires, fins and egg- sheep jeep track (you should see a WSA sign here, shaped formations. There are numerous and unless someone took it), caves. You will also find yucca, agave, Joshua many which climbs 3.5 miles to trees, several species of cacti and pinyon the parking area on a species pines. High on the mountain lives a relic stand shelf, before the track of ponderosa pines. of drops into the wash. A raptors. high-clearance vehicle is Archaeological resources abound in these necessary. mountains. In fact, look diligently as you hike WSA size: 162,867 acres to Hackberry Spring, and you just might find Services: None an agave roasting pit, and post-contact Details: BLM Ely District pictographs. Please be very careful with these at (775) 289-1800 fragile and irreplaceable resources. Please leave what you find, do not touch petroglyphs and please The Mormons report any vandalism to the BLM’s Ely office by are home to phone at (775) 289-1800. Bear poppies, Speaking of impacts, as you get closer to agave cactus, Hackberry Spring, you will notice the garbage and rock climbers, vehicle tracks left behind by less-than-thoughtful tilted strata. past visitors. Climb higher, however, and you will be reward- ed with beautiful views in every direction—over the Las Vegas Valley to the south; the and the WSA to the northeast; the WSA and the Delamar Mountains WSA to the west and north. To the west, beyond the newly-designated Ar- row Canyon Wilderness, you will see the in the Desert National Wildlife Range. You will be hearing more about these areas as we move into our eastern Nevada Wilderness Cam- paign. Now is a great time to visit the Mormons and 5 z z Action alert! calls and letters needen By Brian Beffort Preserve access, habitat and recreation in Northern Nevada Last May, the Executive Committee of the Home Camp. Senator Ensign has opposed Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act the acquisition of 17,500 acres in and around the (SNPLMA) approved 33 proposals to acquire en- Wall Canyon WSA in northwest Nevada, argu- vironmentally-sensitive land around Nevada, then ing that there’s too much federal land in Nevada forwarded their recommendation to the Secretary as it is. While a reasonable opinion in general, of the Interior. Seven months later, all but a few of we feel the specifics of this situation show over- the northern Nevada proposals in this round are in whelmingly that the acquisition would be best A heartfelt danger of being eliminated. Your calls and letters for the owners, the public and the wildlife. Thank You are needed to keep these key areas from being de- On December 16, John Ensign said live on to all the veloped. KUNR that the process is still open. If there are Friends of Despite the public process of SNPLMA, Sena- projects that people care about, he said, please tor John Ensign (ironically a coauthor of SNPL- Nevada contact him immediately. Please write or call his MA) convinced Secretary of the Interior Gale office and Senator Reid’s as well. Urge Ensign Wilderness Norton to remove Northern Nevada proposals to reconsider the elimination of northern Nevada new members, from the list, saying (in a Nov. 10 Reno Gazette- proposals, especially Weimar and Home Camp. renewing members, Journal article) that the original intent of SNPL- If you need more background, please call Life Members MA was to fund acquisitions in southern Nevada Brian Beffort at (775) 324-7667. If you can for- and , and that too much money is going and Patrons. ward us a copy of your letter, we will have a toward projects elsewhere in Nevada. At least $31 better idea of what and how many comments million is available. Two proposals considered for they’re receiving. Special thanks elimination affect Wilderness: to Weimar Parcel. SNPLMA funding would Honorable John Ensign Honorable Harry Reid The Pew Charitable have allowed the public acquisition of property at 400 S. Virginia St. #738 400 S. Virginia St. #702 Trusts Hunter Creek, currently the closest trailhead for Reno, NV 89501 Reno, NV 89501 the Wilderness from Reno. Traditional Wilburforce (775) 686-5770 (775) 686-5750 access has been cut off by development. If this 333 Las Vegas Blvd. S. 333 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Foundation property is not acquired, hikers may have to drive Suite 58203 Suite 8016 Wyss Foundation to Galena Creek County Park, 30 minutes away, Las Vegas, NV 89101 Las Vegas, NV 89101 Patagonia for easy access to this Wilderness. (702) 388-6605 (702) 388-5030 Tortuga Foundation Solid research builds strong base for Wilderness campaign By Richard Knox law, the campaign is moving into other, mainly ru- Getting Wilderness designated is a complex ral, areas. Friends of Nevada Wilderness is now process, part of which involves education of our gathering data in preparation for the next “Wilder- members, elected officials and the public. Friends ness process.” Research topics include: mining of Nevada Wilderness works to provide site-spe- and mineral resources, cultural resources, grazing, cific, factual information to all interested parties. oil and gas, outdoor recreation of all descriptions, Our staff and board work hard to acquire from wildlife, “urban” development, access, economic agencies, companies, private citizens and other trends, type and intensity of human intrusion and sources the most complete and accurate informa- others. Good data helps us get the best deal for tion possible. To communicate from a solid foun- Wilderness. dation of science-based fact, we educate our- Through appropriate education, Friends of Ne- selves about the reality both on the ground and in vada Wilderness attracts allies who are deeply the political arena. In this way we hope to best committed to the preservation of wild lands. We serve our members and our state’s wild lands. believe that only when everyone takes “pride in Nevada is a big place, and the regional issues good Wilderness stewardship” will the wild be- vary significantly. With the Clark County bill now come both truly free and fully protected. 6 z z Helping hands heal old wounds By Brian Beffort, Conservation Director Preserve access, habitat and recreation in Northern Nevada I will never forget the feeling of It was as though the tracks had never watching time move backward, and been created. Admiring our work was I will never forget the people who easily my most rewarding moment dur- made it happen. ing the year of 2002. On September 28, about 20 Several of the Corps members members of the Nevada Conserva- were fresh to Nevada from places like tions Corps (NCC) came to the Tennessee, New York and the upper to help Friends Midwest. Watching them look out over of Nevada Wilderness, Friends of the Black Rock playa, I was surprised the Black Rock and other organiza- that they weren’t more taken aback by tion volunteers work to make our the vast, arid desert. “It’s different,” public lands prettier and healthier. was the biggest reaction I could get. Using picks, shovels, rakes, a lit- But that night, reactions were much tle ingenuity and some muscle, the more enthusiastic. Maybe it was the crews rehabilitated four unneces- beer, but more likely it was a carpet of sary vehicle routes in the Calico brilliant desert stars sweeping over- Mountains Wilderness. Some raked head. “Oh my God! This is sooo amaz- dirt and scattered rocks over the ing!” was a common refrain. scars. Others transplanted sage- I want to thank all of the volunteers brush in the tracks. Brian Murdock, who helped make National Public Wilderness Specialist for the Winne- Lands Day a success, especially the mucca Field Office, topped off the NCC crew members. You have helped project by scattering wild grass and me realize that a committed group of shrub seeds, donated kindly by people can help nature heal from hu- Comstock Seed in Carson City. man impacts. I wish you all many Now you see it ... A few hours later, the scars more rewarding days and nights under were gone, blending beautifully into the wide, blue or star-studded Nevada the backdrop of sage-covered hills. sky.

B equeath a future of Wilderness Solid research builds strong base for Wilderness campaign A wonderful way to honor a friend or family member who has loved the wild places of Nevada is to make a contribution in her/his name to the Friends of Nevada Wilderness Endowment Fund. This fund will grow as the years pass. Friends of Nevada Wilderness has a long-range mission: to help Neva- da’s wild places remain wild forever. Since you share this commitment, you Now you don’t. may wish to make a legacy gift to Friends of Nevada Wilderness a part of your estate planning. For further information, call Shaaron Netherton (775) 324-7667. Memorial gifts and bequests We hope you will consider the Friends of Nevada Wilderness in your es- tate planning. Memorial gifts and bequests can permanently support conser- vation in Nevada. We welcome inquiries about bequests at (775) 324-7667. If you wish to make a provision in your will, the following general form is suggested: “I give, devise and bequeath to the Friends of Nevada Wilderness, a Neva- da not-for-profit corporation, located on the date hereof at One Booth Street, Before and after photos of two routes restored to Reno, NV 89509, the sum of $______(or specifically described property)”. natural landscape by the NCC crew. 7