National Park Service Park Newspaper U.S. Department of the Interior National Recreation Area Lake Mead National Recreation Area Fall/Winter 2012-13

Peregrine Falcon Photos - Mitch Urban - NPS

Peregrine falcon, escapes extinction Lake Mead National Recreation Today there are more than 30 known What you need to do.... Area (NRA) is home to the peregrine falcon territories within the park world’s fastest animal, the boundary where nesting pairs have been Attention Boaters! The staff at Lake Mead peregrine falcon. The found. Most of these areas are active each National Recreation Area is dedicated to peregrine falcon, a crow sized year. The peregrine falcons were removed preventing the further spread of quagga bird of prey, has a bluish/ from the endangered species list in 1999. A mussels but we need your help! grey back and a lighter condition of the delisting plan specified that white/rusty breast breeding success should be monitored at Quagga mussels pose a serious threat with black bars. The least every three years until 2015. Monitoring to native ecosystems, foul boat hulls falcon's black cap is in the park has been ongoing since the and engines, and can have detrimental often likened to an discovery of that first breeding territory. impacts on water supply systems and executioner's mask. Nestlings are banded in order to monitor hydro-electric infrastructure, causing Peregrine falcons the success of the species. Banding data millions of dollars in damage each year. are an Endangered is used for a large variety of studies on a Species Act national and international scale to monitor success story. They world-wide movements and the health Clean  Drain  Dry were listed as an of bird populations. Locally data is used endangered species in to learn more about the origin, longevity, 1970 primarily due to a movements and habits of birds living at decline in reproductive Lake Mead National Recreation Area. success caused by pesticides like DDT. The peregrine falcon had a remarkable comeback from near extinction due to pesticide bans and resource conservation efforts. In

Nevada, the species was Quagga mussel infestation on a boat propeller absent for at least 26 years before the first pair was Additional information can be found at: discovered at Lake www.100thMeridian.org Mead NRA in 1985. www.nps.gov/lake Resource Management team member gathers nestlings for banding Information and Services Emergencies learn about park news or view pictures of the Park Service 24-hour Emergency Response: park on flickr at www.flickr.com/lakemeadnra. Call 911 or 800-680-5851 or 702-293-8932. Events and Programs Cell phones have intermittent reception at Lake Pets Sign up for Mead programs at 702-293-8990 Mead NRA. Radio National Park Service on Pets are allowed on all trails and beaches within and for Mohave programs at 928-754-3272 marine band VHF Channel 16. Emergency call the park unless there is a sign that says otherwise. boxes are located throughout the park. See the Pets must be under physical control on a leash map on page 4 for locations. no longer than six feet at all times. Pets are not allowed to be left in cars at Lake Mead NRA and Fires Hoover Dam. Please consider your pet’s needs Followwww.facebook.com/lakemead us Fires are permitted using fire pits in developed for water and shade in higher temperatures. areas. Campfires are permitted throughout the backcountry except when fire danger is high (watch for notices). Firewood may be purchased at marina and most local grocery stores. stroke IMPORTANT INFORMATION Firearms Federal law allows people who can legally 2nps.gov/lake/parkmgmt/twostroke.htm Lake Mead is a climate friendly park. possess firearms under applicable federal, state Every five minutes, Americans use more than and local laws to possess them in the park. two million plastic bottles and one million Cell Phones WILL NOT WORK Firearms are prohibited in federal buildings, aluminum cans. Most end up in landfills, but such as visitor centers and ranger stations. It you can control where yours go by recycling in many areas of is the responsibility of visitors to understand your plastic water bottles and beverage cans Lake Mead NRA and comply with all applicable state, local and here at Lake Mead NRA. You could give federal firearm laws before entering the park. them a second life as furniture, jackets or Lake Mead Visitor Center Target shooting is prohibited. decking. has gone wireless! Social Media What to Recycle: Social media has arrived at our park, and you • Aluminum beverage cans • Plastic bottles marked with can join in the conversation. Our Facebook page, 1 or 2 on the bottom ‘National Park Service-Lake Mead National Where: Recreation Area’ is a great place to learn about • Echo Bay hikes, programs and other events. Post your • Willow Beach questions on our page and a Ranger will get back • Boulder Beach picnic area to you. Follow us on Twitter@LakeMeadNRA to • Marinas and other locations within the park www.nps.gov/lake

Starry, Starry Night The night has been a source of important for stargazing, but it is critical for timers to control lights, all reduce the impacts of fear, inspiration and wonder, many wildlife species who rely on the natural light pollution. This protects park wildlife and to mankind for centuries. The patterns of light and dark for navigation, to cue gives stargazers a clearer view of the night sky. You night and our fear of what lurks behaviors or to hide from predators. can also reduce light pollution around your home there, have always helped our and reduce your energy costs by following the imaginations run rampant. As Did you know that even with a small telescope, same principles. Shakespeare wrote: “In the dark, stargazers in downtown Los Angeles or Las how often is a chair imagined a Vegas are unable to see more than a dozen Learn more about the night sky at free ranger bear?” Yet the night sky has long stars most nights because of all the light programs. Check bulletin boards, our website been a source of navigation for pollution? Choosing the right type of light www.nps.gov/lake or the Lake Mead NRA travelers on both land and sea, fixtures, directing lighting downward rather Facebook page for times and locations. both lighting and pointing the than outward and adding motion sensors and way for those who had to brave the night. Astronomers, past and present, have studied the night Lake sky to learn about the origins of Mead ... the universe. And who among us hasn’t been awed gazing up at ... on foot the innumerable twinkling lights in the night sky or fallen asleep Feeling cooped up after a long hot summer? However, easily accessible trails also abound. to dream under their reassuring Ready for a relaxing stroll or a rugged desert glow? adventure? As temperatures in the desert cool, Perhaps the most popular trail is the Historic it’s time to explore the land at Lake Mead Railroad Trail, which follows 3.7 miles of Boating, fishing, swimming and National Recreation Area. historic railroad bed from the trailhead near spending time with your family the Alan Bible Visitor Center to Hoover are just some of the reasons Luckily, Lake Mead National Recreation Area Dam. This flat, easy trail passes through five to visit Lake Mead National isn’t all water. tunnels on its way to Hoover Dam. Recreation Area. However, there is another reason to come and Approximately 87% of the park is desert South of the dam, ambitious hikers can enjoy Lake Mead--stargazing! landscapes, offering hikers the opportunity follow the narrow White Rock Canyon Your National Parks are working to experience and explore the diverse history, down to the to enjoy the to keep the night sky free from ecosystems and animals of the Mojave Desert. Arizona Hot Springs. This moderate to undesirable light, otherwise strenuous, six-mile roundtrip hike provides known as light pollution. Not Many hiking opportunities exist within stunning views of Lake Mohave. Be sure to only is ‘natural lightscape’ (the wilderness areas, offering solitude and watch for desert bighorn sheep scrambling 2 absence of human-caused light) challenge to those with backcountry skills. continued on page 3 Concession Services Lake Mead Callville Bay Resort and Marina Lake Mead Cruises Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina 702-565-8958, rentals: 800-255-5561 702-293-6180 702-297-1464, rentals: 800-255-5561 www.callvillebay.com www.lakemeadcruises.com www.cottonwoodcoveresort.com ∙ Marina ∙ Launch ramp ∙ Slip rentals Scenic boat tours and private charters. ∙ Marina ∙ Laundry ∙ Pump-out ∙ Boat repair ∙ Lounge ∙ Cafe’ Boat Harbor ∙ Boat repair ∙ Launch ramp ∙ Showers ∙ Campgrounds ∙ Showers ∙ RV park ∙ Cafe’ ∙ Campgrounds ∙ Fish cleaner ∙ Laundry ∙ Dry storage ∙ Pump-out 702-293-1191 Main Number ∙ Meeting room ∙ Dry storage ∙ Fish cleaner ∙ Restaurant 702-293-3484 Lake Mead Marina Complex ∙ Beach front motel ∙ Slip rentals ∙ Auto/boat fuel www.boatinglakemead.com ∙ Auto/boat fuel ∙ RV park ∙ Visitor trailer village ∙ Visitor trailer village ∙ Gift/convenience store ∙ Marinas ∙ Boat fuel ∙ Pump-out ∙ Boat repair ∙ Banquet room ∙ Dry storage ∙ Gift/convenience store ∙ Boat decontamination services ∙ Boat decontamination services ∙ Houseboat and small boat rentals ∙ Restaurants ∙ Lounges ∙ Small boat/patio boat rentals ∙ Houseboat and small boat rentals Echo Bay Marina ∙ Convenience and grocery stores ∙ Boat decontamination services Lake Mohave Resort, Katherine Landing 702-394-4000, toll free: 800-255-5561 928-754-3245, reservations: 800-752-9669 www.echobaylakemead.com Temple Bar Marina www.sevencrown.com ∙ Auto/boat fuel ∙ Launch ramp ∙ RV park 928-767-3211, rentals: 800-255-5561 ∙ Boat repair ∙ Slip rentals ∙ Pump-out www.templebarlakemead.com ∙ Marina ∙ Launch ramp ∙ Showers ∙ Campgrounds ∙ Cafe’ ∙ Fish cleaner ∙ Auto/boat fuel ∙ Dry storage ∙ Fish cleaner ∙ Dry storage ∙ Marina ∙ Laundry ∙ RV Park ∙ Boat repair ∙ RV park ∙ Motel ∙ Small boat rentals ∙ Boat repair ∙ Launch ramp ∙ Pump-out ∙ Laundry ∙ Pump-out ∙ Auto/boat fuel ∙ Cafe’ ∙ Lounge ∙ Motel/Cabins ∙ Campgrounds ∙ Visitor trailer village ∙ Campgrounds ∙ Dry storage ∙ Restaurant and lounge ∙ Gift/convenience store ∙ Fish cleaner ∙ Slip rentals ∙ Visitor trailer village ∙ Boat decontamination services ∙ Auto/boat fuel ∙ Gift/convenience store ∙ Visitor trailer village ∙ Boat decontamination services ∙ Gift/convenience store ∙ Houseboat and small boat rentals Lake Mead RV Village ∙ Boat decontamination services 702-293-2540 ∙ Houseboat and small boat rentals Willow Beach Harbor www.lakemeadrvvillage.com 928-767-4747 ∙ Laundry ∙ Dry storage Lake Mohave www.willowbeachharbor.com ∙ Showers ∙ Visitor trailer village ∙ RV park ∙ Gift/convenience store Black Canyon/Willow Beach ∙ Auto/boat fuel ∙ Tent camping ∙ RV park ∙ Activity center ∙ Lake view RV park River Adventures ∙ Cafe’ ∙ Fishing pier ∙ Pump-out 702-294-1414 ∙ Showers ∙ Launch ramp ∙ Fish cleaner www.blackcanyonriveradventures.com ∙ Laundry ∙ Slip Rentals ∙ Gift/convenience store Scenic raft trip through Black Canyon, with ∙ Small boat, canoe and kayak rentals views of Hoover Dam.

Grand Opening of the Alan Bible Visitor Center timers to control lights, all reduce the impacts of Under renovation since Fall 2010, the Alan improvements will earn the Alan Bible Visitor light pollution. This protects park wildlife and Opening Soon! Bible Visitor Center will reopen this winter Center a LEED (Leadership in Energy and gives stargazers a clearer view of the night sky. You and will be better than ever! Environmental Design) silver rating, a unique can also reduce light pollution around your home award for a historic building. and reduce your energy costs by following the The Alan Bible Visitor Center, built in 1966 same principles. has been brought into the 21st century while Other changes are more subtle; a new park film preserving its historic elements. Improvements is being produced, the improved bookstore Learn more about the night sky at free ranger include bringing its many systems up to will carry many new educational and nature programs. Check bulletin boards, our website code, improving accessibility throughout the gift items and the cactus garden will have www.nps.gov/lake or the Lake Mead NRA building and making it more climate friendly improved sidewalks and masonry walls. Facebook page for times and locations. by conserving and producing energy. Please call 702-293-8990 for more Those driving by the visitor center site information about the upcoming will notice the new solar panel array on Alan Bible Visitor Center grand opening. the property. These nine panels and other

continued from page 2 Visit the temporary Lake Mead Visitor Center on the towering cliff walls.

Our temporary visitor center is located Hikers who properly prepare for their at 601 Way, Boulder City, trip will have a safer and more enjoyable Nevada. Explore a wide selection of experience. Always tell someone where Lake Mead and Hoover Dam books, you are going and when you plan to return. kids' items, movies, postcards, music Never hike alone and carry plenty of water. and much more (see map on back page). Essential equipment includes sturdy shoes, long pants, (for protection from rocks and Feel good about your shopping! cactus) a hat and sunscreen. Carry a small Purchases directly support outreach daypack to hold items such as water, food, and education at Lake Mead National first aid kit, jacket, flashlight and matches. Recreation Area. The beauty of Lake Mead is open to The Bookstore is operated by Western explore. All that’s missing is you! National Parks Association, a nonprofit For more information: www.nps.gov/lake www.wnpa.org partner of the National Park Service. 3 Food service Ranger station Lodging 169 Marina Picnic area Boat tours 15 Overton Boat launch Campground Car gas

ARIZONA Trailer Village Emergency Phone Store NEVADA

0 20 Kilometers Overton Beach VALLEY OF FIRE 0 20 Miles 169 Road to Overton Beach STATE PARK is closed North Entrance Station STATE FEE Open early 2012 AREA Blue Point Spring 41mi (no drinking water) Rogers Spring (no drinking water) GRAND CANYON - PARASHANT NATIONAL MONUMENT

95 Echo Bay

Redstone 25mi (no drinking water) Low water, shifting sandbars 147 Northshore Road and rapids possible Callville Bay Entrance Station 5.6mi Pearce Bay LAS VEGAS is dry Las Vegas Bay Lake Mead Pearce GRAND CANYON Lakeshore Boulder Ferry Entrance Station Scenic Drive NATIONAL PARK Harbor Las Vegas Boat Harbor South Marina Complex Cove

HENDERSON Boulder Beach Lake Mead Cruises Lake Mead RV Village Entrance Station Hoover Dam 215 Hoover Visitor Center Dam Temple Bar Rafting Meadview 146 Tour Entrance Station Park Lake Mead Headquarters Visitor Center BOULDER CITY Emergency:

15 Willow Beach Fire - Police - Medical 911

Lake Mead Visitor Center 165 800-680-5851

Eldorado Lake Mead Blvd. Canyon 702-293-8932 Entrance Station Callville Bay 93 NELSON Non emergency: Lake Mead Pky. Northshore Road Entrance Station ARIZONA 702-293-8998 NEVADA

Henderson Dolan Springs Boulder Beach 95 Entrance Station Cottonwood Cove

Hoover Dam Clean, Drain and Dry your vessel, trailer, equipment and anything 93 164 Entrance Station else that came in contact with the water. BOULDER CITY Lake HISTORIC SEARCHLIGHT Stop the spread of DISTRICT Mohave y a W Wyoming Street invasive mussels!

a d a v e N 93 Lake Mead Visitor Center (closed for renovation)

Las Vegas Temporary Visitor Center Princess 601 Nevada Wy.Boulder City Cove Arizona Telephone Cove Katherine Landing

NEVADA Entrance Station CALIFORNIA 68 40 KINGMAN

163 MOJAVE NATIONAL BULLHEAD LAUGHLIN PRESERVE 95 CITY

Visitor Information E-mail Website 702-293-8990 [email protected] www.nps.gov/lake Mailing Address Lake Mead National Recreation Area 601 Nevada Way Boulder City, NV 89005

www.facebook.com/lakemead www.twitter.com/lakemeadnra