GERLACH - Dozens of inspired people who love the desert landscape of the Black Rock gathered to celebrate National Public Lands Day. The campsite was selected by the Bureau of Land Management to be in close proximity to two projects which required some love and attention.
In September, 40 volunteers gathered to camp, clean up and build a buck and rail fence to protect an area east of Trego Hot Spring, which has been degraded by illegal OHV traffic. Trash left at the springs was extensive with beer bottles, broken fire rings, shell casings, cans and steel cable were removed. To encourage better campfire locations, a permanent fire ring was also installed.
Spring monitoring is another project which is ongoing in the Black Rock Desert, High Rock Canyon. Several people hiked to the Lava Beds to monitor the water conditions in old springs locations. With the 10-year drought still working into its 11th year, this monitoring is essential for wildlife and fire mitigation.
The fence project was completed and the trash was collected. Digging post holes, setting posts and attaching the rails, "an assembly line in reverse," made the work go fast. BLM archaeologist Kathy Ataman was on hand to ensure no cultural or historic objects were disturbed or removed keeping in line with the conservation awareness of all participating organizations.
The Friends of the Black Rock High Rock, along with Friends of Nevada Wilderness and the Nevada Outdoors School, made up the cast and crew for this family gathering for conservation. After a long day's work, people gathered around the fire - tasting delicious meals made for the Dutch oven dinner Saturday was maybe the high point of the weekend. Dutch ovens were the centerpiece for the potluck dinner with a contest and trophies. Entries ranged from Chili de Cola (Oxtail chili, an old Columbian recipe), cornbread, and a real apple pie, cooked in a Dutch oven from fresh apples. This Dutch oven thing is getting pretty competitive and since everybody tries to outdo everybody else, it makes for good eating.
Trego Hot Springs is located on the south edge of the Black Rock Playa near Jungo Road in northwest Pershing County. The natural spring is sacred to the Northern Paiutes and was used in ceremonies. The emigrants dug it longer and wider to disperse the heat so they could water their cattle in the farthest end and take baths in the middle.
Friend of the Black Rock High Rock is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Black Rock Desert, High Rock Canyon and Emigrant Trails areas of northern Nevada.
Karen Dallett is executive director of Friends of the Black Rock High Rock.
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