INSIDE the FOREST PHOTO of the MONTH FOREST NEWS Safety Message on the Move FIRE INFORMATION Partnership Mt. Charleston Winter A

United States Department of Agriculture

Hope you enjoy the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Monthly External Newsletter! For additional information on the Forest, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/htnf https://twitter.com/HumboldtToiyabe https://www.facebook.com/HumboldtToiyabeNF/

INSIDE THE FOREST Forest Hires New Deputy Forest Supervisor The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest welcomes Jon Stansfield as the new Deputy Forest Supervisor. In this position, Stansfield will share leadership and stewardship for the For- est’s 300 employees and 6.3 million acres.

“Jon is a great addition to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “His 20 years of experience in land management planning and imple- mentation, wildland fire, partnering, collaboration, and community engagement will be invaluable.” Read More...

Forest Hires New Public Affairs Specialist in Las Vegas The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest welcomes Chris Sukach as the organization’s new Public Affairs Specialist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She will assist with planning and implementing the Forest’s Public Affairs Program that reaches both internal and external audiences using a variety of communication platforms.

“Chris is a great addition to the Forest’s Communication Team,” said Public Affairs Staff Officer Erica Hupp. “She has a strong communications background, with more than 20 years of public affairs experience.”Read More...

Partnership Paiute Cutthroat Trout Recovery Effort Continues De- spite the Slink Fire The Paiute cutthroat trout made national headlines last year when the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners returned this California native fish to its home waters in Alpine County for the first time in more than 100 years. The Paiute cutthroat trout was one of the first species in the nation listed under the federal Endangered Species Act in the 1960s.

Recovery efforts continued this October when fisheries biologists relo- cated 44 Paiute cutthroat trout by pack animals from the nearby Corral Valley Creek into Silver King Creek, the fish’s historic home. Both creeks are in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Read More...

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Taylor Tims, Recreation Tech- nician on the Spring Mountains Recreation Area, shows off the personal protective equipment that must be worn to clean Forest Service restrooms. Photo taken by Recreation Technician Kassidy Merritt.

FOREST NEWS Forest Supervisor Approves Winter and Summer Improvements Ana- lyzed in the Lee Canyon Environmental Impact Statement The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest issued the Final Lee Canyon Master Development Plan Phase I Record of Decision (ROD) and Environmental Impact Statement. The Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger selected the Bristlecone Trail Alternative. Read More...

Light Snowfall in Spring Mountains National Recreation Expected; Visitors Encouraged to be Safe Light snowfall is projected on Thursday, Dec 17, in the Spring Mountains Na- tional Recreation Area. Although snow showers are anticipated, there will not be enough snow to safely support winter activities like sledding, snowshoeing, or other typical snow play activities. Read More...

On the Move

WELCOME - New to the Forest • Kim Murcia recently started as the Recreation Staff Officer for the Bridgeport Ranger District. She -pre viously worked on the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. • Lindsey Steinwachs recently started as the new Recreation Staff Officer for the SMNRA. She previously worked as the Recreation and Lands Officer for the Cleveland National Forest in California. • Martha “Marty” McMahon recently started as the new District Archaeologist for the SMNRA. She previously worked as an Archaeologist for the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. • Matt Morehead recently started as the new Supervisory Rangeland Management Specialist for the Austin-Tonopah Ranger District. He previously worked as the Ecological Site Specialist for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Elko, Nevada. • Desiree “Desi” Hollingsworth accepted the Prevention/Patrol Technician position on the Austin-To- nopah Ranger District. She previously worked as an Interagency Initial Attack Dispatcher in the Forest Service Southwestern Region located in Phoenix, Arizona. • Jake Keogh accepted the Superintendent position on the Arc Dome Wildland Fire Module on the Ely Ranger District. He most recently was a member of the BLM’s Ely Helitack crew. • Jamie Strelnik accepted the Assistant Crew Supervisor position for the Arc Dome Wildland Fire Mod- ule on the Ely Ranger District. She previously worked as a Crew/Overhead Coordinator at the National Interagency Coordination Center out of Boise, Idaho.

MOVING UP - Forest Promotions or Details • Eric Tanner is detailing for 120 days as the Fleet Manager at the Supervisor’s Office. He was the Auto- motive Repair Inspector at the Angeles National Forest in California. He is replacing Aaron Nauer who completed his 120-day detail. • Scott Jackson accepted the full-time Minerals Archaeologist position at the Supervisor’s Office after his 4-year term appointment as the Sage-Grouse Project Archaeologist ended. • Rachel Van Horne accepted the Forest Fisheries Biologist position located at the Supervisor’s Office. She has been the Assistant Forest Fisheries Biologist since 2011. • Cody Nicholes is the new Law Enforcement Officer on the Ely Ranger District. He was formerly the Off-Highway Vehicle Manager on the Carson Ranger District • Corey Holmes accepted the Squad Boss position on the Arc Dome Wildland Fire Module on the Ely Ranger District. Corey spent the last few years on the crew working toward this permanent position.

FAREWELL - Retired, Transferred, or Moved • Ken Maas, Forest Safety Officer/On Scene Abandoned Mines Coordinator, will retire January 2, 2021, after 36 years with the government, of which 19 years were with the Forest Service. • Nicole Bolton, South-Central Zone Hydrologist on the Ely Ranger District, took a private sector job in Boise, Idaho. • Forest Watershed Program Manager John McCann accepted a position with the Green Mountain & Fin- ger Lakes National Forests in Rutland, Vermont, as their Watershed Program Manager.

Safety Message

Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance

Everything You Need to Know When Visiting the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area this Winter The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and partnering Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance organizations encourage you to plan ahead before making the drive up to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) to play in the snow.

COVID-19 Protection Measures: Visitors are asked to adhere to COVID-19 protection measures that are in place this season:

• Maintain physical distance of at least six feet from others. • Wear a facial covering if proper distancing is not possible. • Follow current state and local group size restrictions. • If you feel sick stay home.

Additionally, the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway facilities and parking area at 2525 Kyle Canyon Road are closed to the public to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19. Free public restroom facilities are available in Kyle Canyon at the Cliff Rose Trailhead across the traffic circle from the Visitor Gateway and in Lee Canyon at Sawmill Trailhead.

Avoid Busy Times: The popularity of Lee and Kyle Canyons during the winter season can bring thousands of cars to the area, especially on weekends. Anticipate higher traffic volumes during weekends and holidays. Week- days, early morning, and non-holiday times may provide fewer crowds and better access. Go early, be patient, and abide by traffic laws. You may have to wait to go up the mountain if traffic is too congested or conditions are unsafe.

Know Before You Go: Before heading to the SMNRA, visit https://www.gomtcharleston.com/snow-season/ to plan your visit. Information about conditions and safety is posted on the site. For current weather conditions, visitors can also check the National Weather Service website at: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/vef/rec/index.php?loc=SM or view one of the following webcams:

• Weatherbug/News 3 Webcam is on the Mt Charleston Lodge in Kyle Canyon. https://www.wrh.noaa. gov/vef/rec/index.php?loc=SM • The Mount Charleston Weather Webcam faces towards Nevada State Route 156 (Lee Canyon Road), which is helpful to see snow play traffic.https://mtcharlestonweather.com/webcam/ • The Lee Canyon Resort Webcam shows various angles of the slopes and lodge area. https://www.leecanyonlv.com/the-mountain/webcams

Road Information: Also, it is important to check driving conditions, chain requirements, and road closures before traveling to the SMNRA. Check real-time information by calling 511 within Nevada and 1-877-NV-ROADS (1-877-687-6237) outside of Nevada or visit https://www.nvroads.com/.

Chain Requirements: When chain requirements are in effect, you must have chains if the vehicle has no snow tires. For more detailed information on chain requirements, please visit: https://www.nevadadot.com/safety/ safe-winter-driving/traction-and-chain-requirement-descriptions.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving: When traveling to the SMNRA, start with a full tank of gas, because there are no gas stations on the mountain. Always carry with you: tire chains, tow strap, cell phone, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cable, snow shovel, blankets/sleeping bags, first aid kit, compass, maps, bag of sand/kitty litter for traction, spare batteries, non-perishable foods, and water.

Access Regulated: To ensure timely emergency response and public safety during the popular winter months, Nevada Highway Patrol and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department monitor traffic congestion, available parking, and road conditions in Kyle and Lee canyons and regulate access. Depending on conditions, delays and periodic road closures may occur on Nevada State Routes 156 (Lee Canyon Road), 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) and 158 (Deer Creek Road).

Obey Signage: Observe and comply with highway reader boards and flashing signs on Lee Canyon Road and Kyle Canyon Road when they indicate you must have four-wheel drive and snow tires or tire chains in order to proceed up the mountain. Failure to comply will result in unsafe driving conditions and may result in accidents, stuck vehicles, and citations issued by law enforcement.

Parking Restrictions: Abide by all posted parking signs in both Kyle and Lee Canyons. Illegally parked vehicles may be fined and towed. In areas where roadside parking is permitted, ensure all tires are to the right of the white line to keep the lane clear for emergency vehicles. For more detailed information where parking is restricted, please visit: https://www.gomtcharleston.com/wp-content/uploads/spring-mountains-snow-season-map.pdf

In Case of Emergency: Dial *NHP (*647) in case of a roadway emergency or 911 to report a serious accident. Since cell phone service is limited, public phones are located along Lee Canyon Road near Lee Meadows and the Old Mill Picnic Area. Local and 911 calls from these phones are free.

Recreation Opportunities: The Lee Canyon Ski Resort is the largest winter activity area on the mountain and offers skiing for daily and annual fees. Information about this ski area is available at:https://www.leecanyonlv . com/ or by calling (702) 385-2754. Ski Resort visitors are reminded to have their pass or online reservation re- ceipts available to show law enforcement officers who are monitoring traffic. Due to COVID restrictions, parking reservations are required, and details can be found at https://www.leecanyonlv.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here/ reserve-parking.

During the winter months, the Ski Resort manages the McWilliams Campground, Old Mill Picnic Area, and Fox- tail Snow Play Area in Lee Canyon. The Old Mill Picnic Area is generally open on weekends and holidays. When there is at least 12 inches of snow, the Foxtail area is also open on weekends and holidays. It is best to check the resort website for details at https://www.leecanyonlv.com/plan-your-trip/activities/winter-activities.

Winter Recreation Tips: • Wear appropriate outdoor clothing including layering light and warm clothing, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots. • Do not sled in areas with less than 12 inches of snow and avoid traffic and dangerous objects like trees and rocks. Sledding may be dangerous in icy conditions. Use sturdy sleds for snow play, not makeshift items like cardboard boxes. • Do not trespass on private property or closed areas. • Pets must be kept on leash and please clean up after them. • Please help keep the SMNRA beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Take trash home or put it in provided trashcans or dumpsters.

The Mount Charleston Winter Alliance promotes public safety during the winter months when Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon see large spikes in visitation. Agency partners include: Clark County, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Metro), Lee Canyon Ski Resort, Mount Charleston Fire Protection District, National Weather Ser- vice, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), U.S. Forest Service, and the Southern Nevada Conservancy.

2020 INTERMOUNTAIN REGIONAL FORESTER’S AWARD

Front Row (left to right): Nicholas Rupp, Michael Van Riper, Joseph Smith, and Zach Williams. Middle Row: Taylor Tims. Back Row: Quentin Hays, Paul Carrillo, Franz Hahn, and Kassidy Merritt. Not pictured: Adam Floyd, Roger Haga, Lorrie Brittingham, Jared Deal, and Jonathan Stein.

COVID-19 RESPONSE AWARD - FIELD OPERATIONS: Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Recreation Team When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, visitation on the Spring Mountains National Recreation increased expo- nentially. The Recreation Team sought ways to continue serving the public through remote and contract services until appropriate personal protection equipment could be obtained for team members. Although the Spring Moun- tains Visitor Gateway complex had to be physically closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Recre- ation Team continued to provide seven-day a week phone service to answer a record numbers of phone calls. The team later extended service hours to answer the explosive volume of calls received during multiple fire incidents and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.

The Recreation Team took on the challenge created by the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying cleaning and public contact procedures to ensure all employees and visitors were able to recreate in a safe environment. Despite being in a designated “hot spot,” the team’s proactive efforts enabled the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area to safely open and manage the developed campsites and day use areas before Memorial Day weekend, as well as the dispersed camping and 85 miles of popular trails. The team met the increased visitation demands with purpose-driven professionalism and exemplifies the Forest Service values of safety and customer service.

REGIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATION AWARD: Officer Dan Reardon and Officer Nicholas Laprade On May 12, 2020 Law Enforcement Offi- cers Nicholas Laprade and Dan Reardon demonstrated outstanding customer service and a steadfast commitment to public safety. The officers responded to a Search and Rescue medical report of a dirt bike rider who had an accident. The incident occurred on the Spring Mountains National Recre- ation Area.

The officers were the first on scene and- lo cated a critically injured victim with a bro- ken collar bone and a severe laceration on his knee. The officers quickly determined the laceration on the man’s leg required life saving measures to prevent further loss (Left to Right): Law Enforcement Officers Dan Reardon and Nicholas Laprade. of blood. Officer Reardon made the quick decision to apply a tourniquet on the man’s leg just above the knee to restrict the bleeding. Officers Laprade and Reardon continued to provide treatment and reassurance until the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue team could arrive.

However, due to the remote area, and no landing zone available for the medivac helicopter, the victim was loaded up in the back of Officer Reardon’s patrol truck bed and transported an hour down the canyon to the life flight landing zone. From there, the victim was taken by medical helicopter to a hospital in Las Vegas.

The actions of officers Laprade and Reardon embody the core value of service. Due to their swift actions, medical professionals were able to save the victim’s life, as well as his leg. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Other Recognized Forest Employees:

• Nevada State Liaison Cheva Gabor - COVID-19 RESPONSE AWARD - REGIONAL OFFICE SUPPORT: Intermountain Region State Liaisons • Data Services Specialist Demetrius Purdie-Williams - WORK ENVIRONMENT AWARD: “This is Who We Are” Regional Ambassadors

• Forest Botanist/Invasive Plant Program Supervisor Dirk Netz - WORK ENVIRONMENT AWARD: “This is Who We Are” Regional Ambassadors

FIRE INFORMATION BRIDGEPORT HELITACK: Eyes in the Sky and Boots on the Ground Every day, millions of people head to work in some form of transportation. Cars, buses, bicycles. They walk, take the subway, carpool with kids or coworkers. There are a very select few, however, who do none of these things. There are some who, through their unique career choice, head to the job site by way of helicopter. Instead of music or talk radio, they listen to the whir of rotors and a dispatcher giving them critical information about the fire they are flying into.Read More..