Volunteers wind up yards of barb wire
After a long day of workFriday, November 12, 2010
Removal: Before and After
North Black Rock, August 2008
Volunteers wind up yards of barb wire After a long day of work
Volunteers wind up yards of barb wireAfter a long day of work
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Monday, November 08, 2010
Constructing the Birdsong Trail: Before and After
Desert National Wildlife Refuge, November 2010
Daybreak over the Desert National Wildlife Refuge (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)
Volunteers carry supplies along the trail (Kurt Kuznicki) 
The team puts in steps on an incline (Kurt Kuznicki)
After the group finishes (Kurt Kuznicki) 
The group after a hard day's work (Kurt Kuznicki)Thanks to everyone who came out and helped for one, two, or all three days - the Birdsong Trail in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge is now complete thanks to you!
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Trail Building: Before and After
Toiyabe Crest Trail, July 2009
Friends of Nevada Wilderness volunteers begin working on an obstructed portion of the Toiyabe Crest Trail
After the team clears the trail
Friends of Nevada Wilderness volunteers begin working on an obstructed portion of the Toiyabe Crest TrailAfter the team clears the trailTuesday, November 02, 2010
Monday, November 01, 2010
Wilderness: A Beacon of Hope in a Changing Climate
Two recent articles have underscored the importance of wilderness areas—and in particular Nevada’s areas—as refugia to help species survive the onslaughts of climate change.
In short, Nevada’s mountainous wilderness areas hide niches, micro-climates, where species can survive while everywhere else is becoming unsuitable.
Unfortunately, we don't know which species, or how many, will be forced to move to adapt to a changing climate. But by protecting Nevada’s wild landscapes, we ut we can give a fighting chance to those here at home.
The myriad micro-environments nestled among Nevada's mountain ranges provide greater options for plants and wildlife trying to survive in a changing climate (the High Schells Wilderness, photo copyright Norman Herterich).
On October 27, the Washington Post reported on an article published in the online scientific journal, Nature:
“A growing number of creatures could disappear from the earth, with one-fifth of all vertebrates and as many as a third of all sharks and rays now facing the threat of extinction, according to a new survey assessing nearly 26,000 species across the globe.
“In addition, forces such as habitat destruction, over-exploitation and invasive competitors move 52 species a category closer to extinction each year, according to the research, published online Tuesday by the journal Science. At the same time, the findings demonstrate that these losses would be at least 20 percent higher without conservation efforts now underway.
"We know what we need to do," said Andrew Rosenberg, senior vice president for science and knowledge at the advocacy group Conservation International and one of the paper's co-authors. "We need to focus on protected areas, both terrestrial and marine."
…
In short, wilderness and other protected areas help minimize species extinction. A recent article, “Dancing with Climate Change” in High Country News explains the why:
“Mountain climate is patchy, explains [Forest Service ecologist Connie Millar]. The American West is warming more rapidly than other parts of the U.S., but that's just on average. Within the 11-state region lie tens of thousands of cooler pockets, due, in large part, to the presence of mountains. Biologically, this translates into resilience. On the flat, for example, an organism might have to travel several hundred miles to find a suitable niche, whereas in the mountains, a hop, skip and jump will often do the trick. "Because mountains are so topographically rough, so heterogeneous, they provide incredible opportunities for movement," Millar observes.”
On October 27, the Washington Post reported on an article published in the online scientific journal, Nature:
“A growing number of creatures could disappear from the earth, with one-fifth of all vertebrates and as many as a third of all sharks and rays now facing the threat of extinction, according to a new survey assessing nearly 26,000 species across the globe.
“In addition, forces such as habitat destruction, over-exploitation and invasive competitors move 52 species a category closer to extinction each year, according to the research, published online Tuesday by the journal Science. At the same time, the findings demonstrate that these losses would be at least 20 percent higher without conservation efforts now underway.
"We know what we need to do," said Andrew Rosenberg, senior vice president for science and knowledge at the advocacy group Conservation International and one of the paper's co-authors. "We need to focus on protected areas, both terrestrial and marine."
…
In short, wilderness and other protected areas help minimize species extinction. A recent article, “Dancing with Climate Change” in High Country News explains the why:
“Mountain climate is patchy, explains [Forest Service ecologist Connie Millar]. The American West is warming more rapidly than other parts of the U.S., but that's just on average. Within the 11-state region lie tens of thousands of cooler pockets, due, in large part, to the presence of mountains. Biologically, this translates into resilience. On the flat, for example, an organism might have to travel several hundred miles to find a suitable niche, whereas in the mountains, a hop, skip and jump will often do the trick. "Because mountains are so topographically rough, so heterogeneous, they provide incredible opportunities for movement," Millar observes.”
In short, Nevada’s mountainous wilderness areas hide niches, micro-climates, where species can survive while everywhere else is becoming unsuitable.
Unfortunately, we don't know which species, or how many, will be forced to move to adapt to a changing climate. But by protecting Nevada’s wild landscapes, we ut we can give a fighting chance to those here at home.
Journey to the Center of the Wild: Wes Hoskins on the Hunter Creek Trail
By Wes Hoskins
Renee, Michael, Sara, Paul, and Tim (photo by Wes Hoskins)
Paul hard at work on the trail (Wes Hoskins)
We also naturalized by revegetating 3 informal trails that led down to the creek. On this trail there are no designated routes down to the water.
Michael and Sara pause for a picture (Wes Hoskins)We did leave a few places to access the water so that dogs and people may drink. We humbly ask that if you are on the Hunter Creek Trail and need to get to the water please don’t walk where a path has not already been developed. The paths that exist now have been consciously left there.
Tim and Paul create a designated path to the creek (Wes Hoskins)
I look forward to hiking the trail in the winter, but we won’t be doing any more work there until 2011. Thanks again to Tim, Paul, Sara, Michael, and Renee!
Would you like to see your trip on the blog? Write up a description of your hike and include a photo or two and email it to darcy@nevadawilderness.org and your adventure could be featured!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Restoration: Before and After
Jett Canyon, June 2009
Before Friends of Nevada Wilderness begins eliminating an illegal off-road track from the wilderness area
After the FNW team finishes
Before Friends of Nevada Wilderness begins eliminating an illegal off-road track from the wilderness areaAfter the FNW team finishesWednesday, October 27, 2010
Journey to the Center of the Wild: Kurt Kuznicki and the Las Vegas Mountaineers Club on the South Loop Trail
By Kurt Kuznicki
We partnered with the US Forest Service and another volunteer along with the Las Vegas Mountaineers Club to work on the South Loop Trail in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness. Five of us camped overnight before the trip in the Cathedral Rock area.
We hiked up the South Loop Trail with the intentions of restoring the big switchback cuts just below the ridge, but turned around because of slippery, snowy slopes.
We came back down to around 9700 ft and started repairing switchback cuts on the way down. It was pretty chilly and the trail was wet and muddy but we were rewarded with beautiful view of a cloudy valley and a very snowy Mt. Charleston. 
A great big "Wild Thank You" to the Las Vegas Mountaineers Club for coming out on a chilly damp day to make a difference by doing some trail work in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Silver State Blazes Gold
By Brian Beffort
Friends of Nevada Wilderness Stewardship trips have taken me into the North Black Rock Range and the Pine Forest Range for years. Each of these mountain ranges hides majestic aspen stands you cannot see from the highway. Glorious, cool and quaking in summer, with emerald leaves and burbling streams bouncing over the rocks.
But to see them in fall--ablaze with gold, orange, even red--is one of the fairest views Nevada affords. Luckily, on the weekend of October 16-17, I was lucky enough to coincide my trip with a blaze of color.
These But they're so darn remote, the roads are rough; and an unlucky brush with a winter storm could leave me stranded deep in the mountains. Lucky again, I enjoyed warm, calm days and nights--just in time as the first fierce winter storm howls outside as I type.
Two hours of dirt north of Gerlach, Mahogany Creek rises from Summit Lake into the northern drainages of the North Black Rock Range. In this small watershed lives the purest-remaining strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. In fact, when the LCT died out in Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River, replacement fish were relocated from Summit Lake. Stradling this stream rarely deeper than a few inches, I had trouble imagining 12 and 20-inch fish swimming up over these rocks to spawn.
Friends of Nevada Wilderness Stewardship trips have taken me into the North Black Rock Range and the Pine Forest Range for years. Each of these mountain ranges hides majestic aspen stands you cannot see from the highway. Glorious, cool and quaking in summer, with emerald leaves and burbling streams bouncing over the rocks.
But to see them in fall--ablaze with gold, orange, even red--is one of the fairest views Nevada affords. Luckily, on the weekend of October 16-17, I was lucky enough to coincide my trip with a blaze of color.
These But they're so darn remote, the roads are rough; and an unlucky brush with a winter storm could leave me stranded deep in the mountains. Lucky again, I enjoyed warm, calm days and nights--just in time as the first fierce winter storm howls outside as I type.
Two hours of dirt north of Gerlach, Mahogany Creek rises from Summit Lake into the northern drainages of the North Black Rock Range. In this small watershed lives the purest-remaining strain of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. In fact, when the LCT died out in Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River, replacement fish were relocated from Summit Lake. Stradling this stream rarely deeper than a few inches, I had trouble imagining 12 and 20-inch fish swimming up over these rocks to spawn.
Somewhere in the combination of shorter days and colder nights of autumn, deciduous leaves pull the cyhlorophyll out of their leaves and beging shutting down for winter. The sugars that remain can turn brilliant colors.
The next range to the northwest likes the Pine Forest Range, which rises to 9,377 feet. The Blue Lakes and Alder Creek wilderness study areas comprise about 25,000 acres of forested slopes, cool lakes, stunning granite outcrops and yes, more aspen.
On Monday morning, October 18, the Humboldt County Commission voted unanimously to support wilderness. It was a wonderful feeling to enjoy my morning cup of coffee while taking these pictures, knowing that a bunch of people from diverse backgrounds put aside all other possible disagreements to agree that this beautiful place deserves to be protected as wilderness. In this age of negative advertising and partisan politics, t's not often we see people come together like that. It's what makes America great. That's good news, by any measure.
Wild Nevada 2011 Calendars Still Available!
Have you picked up your Wild Nevada 2011 calendar? Check out our website for a special deal, but hurry, the offer ends Nov. 15!
February
June
November
Are you a retailer interested in carrying our calendar? Join Barnes and Noble, Patagonia, Sundance Books, REI, and others - email darcy@nevadawilderness.org for details!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Removal: Before and After
Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, June 2009
Volunteers remove barb wire (photo by Kurt Kuznicki)
After the team finishes for the day (Kurt Kuznicki)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Why We Love the Clean Water Act
Waterfall in the Calico Mountains (Kurt Kuznicki)On October 18, 1972, a variety of amendments modified and reorganized the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Now known as the Clean Water Act, it allows the Environmental Protection Agency to establish programs to set wastewater standards for the industrial sector as well as water quality standards for all surface water contaminants.
The statute employs a variety of regulatory and nonregulatory tools to sharply reduce direct pollutant discharges into waterways, finance municipal wastewater treatment facilities, and manage polluted runoff. –Environmental Protection Agency
The CWA aims to restore and maintain the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of America’s waters. With clean water, fish, shellfish, and wildlife can maintain healthy population levels, and plants can flourish in their natural habitats.
Marshes and shallow lakes form the American Avocet’s habitat (photo by Diane McAllister)Nevada wilderness areas contain a variety of surface waters that are monitored for contaminants and protected from non-permitted pollution discharge thanks to the Clean Water Act.
Fishing at Baker Lake (photo by Jim Yoakum)
Kayaking in Black Canyon (photo by Brian Beffort)
Alder Creek in Blue Lakes (Brian Beffort)You can read the entire text of the Clean Water Act here.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Save the Date: 2010 Wilderness Wingding
Food, friends, and a good glass of red at the 2009 WingdingWe’re starting to plan for the Wilderness Wingding – our annual volunteer appreciation event that is open to the community. With a raffle and silent auction, live music, and great food from local businesses, Friends of Nevada Wilderness members, volunteers, sponsors, and staff are all looking forward to the event on Friday, Dec. 10 at the Grand Sierra Resort! In fact, we’ve devoted a blog to share the details with you. Visit the Wilderness Wingding blog to find out about food, prizes, and performances!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
StorySongs: A Benefit for Nevada’s Wild Places on Nov. 12
Experience the songs of award-winning musician Jim Eaglesmith blended with the award-winning photography of Mark Vollmer in an unforgettable live event to benefit Nevada’s wild lands. Join Friends of Nevada Wilderness Friday, November 12 at 7 pm in the Reno Patagonia Outlet’s employee cafe for this once-in-a-lifetime performance. Tickets are available now! Call 775 324-7667. ($15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 kids)
Capturing the Mt. Rose wilderness (photo by Mark Vollmer)
Aspens turn gold in northern Nevada (Mark Vollmer)
The gnarled trees of Mt. Charleston reach for the sky (Mark Vollmer)
Mark Vollmer has been a long-time supporter of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, and is also our cover photographer for the Wild Nevada 2011 calendar. His work has been displayed in galleries across Nevada and California, including the Truckee River Gallery, and he was honored with the 2007 Excellence in Teaching award from Truckee Meadows Community College.
Check out Jim Eaglesmith’s YouTube Channel to see more of the duo and hear about how they work together to pair scenic Nevada photography with moving music.Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Restoration: Before and After
Calico Mountains, 2007
Friends of Nevada Wilderness works to remove traces of an illegal off-road track (photo by Brian Beffort)
After the team finishes (Brian Beffort)Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Camp Cuisine: Black Forest Cake in a Dutch Oven
The perfect wrap up to a camp dinner, plus leftovers are great to dunk in morning coffee!
Double-layer dessert – to conserve coals and space, the Black Forest Cake cooks on top of Apple Crisp in Honor of Crazy Steve at National Public Lands Day 2010 in Black Rock (photo by Darcy Shepard) Black Forest Cake in a Dutch Oven
1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix and its required ingredients
1 can cherries (whole, not in syrup), drained
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix and its required ingredients
1 can cherries (whole, not in syrup), drained
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1. Mix cake according to box directions.
2. Fold in chocolate chips and cherries.
3. Melt butter in Dutch oven. Once oven is greased, pour cake mix in.
4. Follow cooking directions on cake box by placing the appropriate amount of coals over and under the Dutch oven to achieve desired temperatures.
5. Bake until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
2. Fold in chocolate chips and cherries.
3. Melt butter in Dutch oven. Once oven is greased, pour cake mix in.
4. Follow cooking directions on cake box by placing the appropriate amount of coals over and under the Dutch oven to achieve desired temperatures.
5. Bake until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Do you have an awesome outdoor recipe? See it featured in our “Camp Cuisine” series! Submit your recipe to darcy@nevadawilderness.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)