HISTORY of the TOIYABE NATIONAL FOREST a Compilation
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HISTORY OF THE TOIYABE NATIONAL FOREST A Compilation Posting the Toiyabe National Forest Boundary, 1924 Table of Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Chronology ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Bridgeport and Carson Ranger District Centennial .................................................................... 126 Forest Histories ........................................................................................................................... 127 Toiyabe National Reserve: March 1, 1907 to Present ............................................................ 127 Toquima National Forest: April 15, 1907 – July 2, 1908 ....................................................... 128 Monitor National Forest: April 15, 1907 – July 2, 1908 ........................................................ 128 Vegas National Forest: December 12, 1907 – July 2, 1908 .................................................... 128 Mount Charleston Forest Reserve: November 5, 1906 – July 2, 1908 ................................... 128 Moapa National Forest: July 2, 1908 – 1915 .......................................................................... 128 Nevada National Forest: February 10, 1909 – August 9, 1957 .............................................. 128 Ruby Mountain Forest Reserve: March 3, 1908 – June 19, 1916 ........................................... 128 Independence Forest Reserve: Nov. 5, 1906 – July 2, 1908 ................................................... 129 Santa Rosa National Forest: April 1, 1911 – July 1, 1916 ...................................................... 129 Mono National Forest: July 2, 1908 – July 1, 1945 ................................................................ 129 Humboldt National Forest: July 2, 1908 – Present ................................................................. 129 Short History of the National Forest ........................................................................................... 129 The Use of the National Forest ................................................................................................... 130 Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir ................................................................................................. 130 Mono Lake Paiute ....................................................................................................................... 130 Appendix C, Vol. II: Proposed Transfer to Interior .................................................................... 131 Appendix D, Vol. I: Charleston Mountain Brochure .................................................................. 132 Appendix E, Vol. V: Molybdenite & Buckeye Roads ................................................................ 140 Appendix O, Vol. II: Field Quarters, 1919 ................................................................................. 144 Toiyabe National Forest History 1 Appendix P, Vol. I: Wildlife Resources on the Mono ................................................................ 147 Appendix Q, Vol. II: Toiyabe Recreational Features ................................................................. 165 Mono N.F. Chronology, 1891-1940 ........................................................................................... 169 Las Vegas District Fire History, 1926-1961 ............................................................................... 170 Cultural Chronology for the Central Sierra ................................................................................ 171 Toiyabe National Forest Development ....................................................................................... 171 Toiyabe National Forest History 2 Introduction This is a transcription of the Toiyabe National Forest history compilation cataloged in the R4 History Collection as R4-1680-2009-0291. In 1998, Bridgeport Ranger District archeologist Mark Swift provided the document (a poor-quality photocopy), which includes a chronology (writer unknown). Forest Service retiree LeAnn Tracy retyped the history in 2009 so it would be searchable, which scanning would not have allowed due to the document’s poor quality. We have taken the liberty of correcting minor spelling and typographical errors, reformatting to improve readability (including the addition of headers), relocating some additions to their relevant sections, and generating a table of contents. There are numerous references to appendices, most of which were not attached to the photocopy. Handwritten notes are indicated by script font. Richa Wilson Regional Architectural Historian USFS Intermountain Region Ogden, Utah December 24, 2009 Toiyabe National Forest History 3 HISTORY OF THE TOIYABE NATIONAL FOREST Chronology (This file recorded on microfilm at the Getchell Library on the U of N Campus, Reno) The purpose of this log is to present, by chronological record, important events that have happened on the Toiyabe National Forest, or adjacent influences that directly affected the natural resources. The area concerned is that within, or adjoining, the boundary as of January 1960. Names of Ranger Districts are those used as of this date. (See Appendix Map) The objective is not to write lengthy narration. Volumes have been written, and the reader should refer to these for details. A partial bibliography and some of the unpublished notes are in the appendix. It is hoped these brief comments will stimulate interest sufficiently to read the references, which hold many fascinating stories of the past. Further study or research could clarify some of the questionable events or add to the record through the years. For example, Fremont’s trip across the Sierra portion of the Toiyabe in February 1844 has left considerable doubt as to exact route, day of the month and authenticity of his guide’s (Kit Carson) carving on a tree at Carson Pass. Reports conflict as to the point from which Fremont discovered Lake Tahoe (Bigler). Reorganization and consolidation of National Forest lands, now known as the Toiyabe, have been frequent. Many fine people have taken part in the administration, although possible, it would be an exhaustive task to name all employees through half a century. Attempt is made to record Forest Supervisors (or acting) and District Rangers (or acting) who have served through the years. Many employees have been colorful, rugged individuals. People have made the history of the Forest Service, and there would be no National Forests without human beings, both in and outside the Service. There are individuals still living in the vicinity who were here and remember when the Toiyabe National Forest, or its previous various units, was established. It is a sincere wish that stories pertaining to the area be made a record from the old timers before they pass on, taking with them knowledge of events that might be lost forever. Many place names are in use in memory of people once here and other features of the time. Derivations of all names is far from complete. Manuscripts have been devoted to the subject. Additional explanations should be a continuing project, as keys to history. Some are humorous and some originated from strife or tragedy. Many are authentic, while others have been proven in error. For example, Lost Cannon Creek was thought to be named because Fremont abandoned his howitzer there in February 1844. Reliable sources are satisfied Fremont never traveled along the creek so named. The name Sierra Nevada (meaning “snow-covered mountains”) first appeared on maps of the Spanish exploring parties in the 1770’s. Toiyabe has been defined with several meanings. No doubt an Indian word, but translated by some as being the word for “black mountains,” while others contend it refers to “bald hills.” Some say that Mono refers to a band of Piute Indians. Toiyabe National Forest History 4 A page for each year provides additional space so that other historical notes can be included as they become known. Reorganization and consolidation previously mentioned, combined with additions both Acts of Congress and Executive Orders, have resulted in establishment of the largest National Forest except for the units in Alaska. The Toiyabe net area slightly exceeds 3,119,000 acres. March 1, 1907, the first National Forest named Toiyabe was created by proclamation of Theodore Roosevelt covering 625,040 acres. Forty known acts or orders have changed the area designated as Toiyabe National Forest. The Forest is now a composite including portions of six previous National Forests named as follows: Charleston, Monitor, Toquima, Tahoe, Mono, and Stanislaus. (See Appendix B, Vol. I) However, for seven years, 1932-1938, the name Toiyabe was discontinued because of consolidation with the Nevada National Forest. During that time, the Forest Supervisor’s headquarters was in Ely. The name Toiyabe not only has several translated meanings but it has also been spelled differently. In 1867, plats showed the mountain range named Toi-ya-be. Official records in 1925 omitted the “i” making it Toyabe. A misprint in letterhead in 1949 showed it spelled Toiyable. Regardless of the many changes in area and name, the National Forest lands have steadily increased in value and contributed to the economy and pleasure of the people in Nevada and California under the policy of multiple-use management. Toiyabe National Forest History