Does this pile of Trash and Household Garbage belong to you??!!

 

Desert Dumping 4-11-09

April 11, 2009

- While doing a volunteer trail project Saturday morning a group of us came across this pile of trash, yard clippings and just plan old household garbage. Ten plus bags of it just off the trail. This trash could have been left at the curb for Republic Services to pick up, at no cost to the owner; or he or she could have taken it to the Republic Services transfer station and dumped it for free, legally. Now an enforcement officer will go through the trash, look for any item with a name and address on it, cite the owner into court where various degrees of fines can be leveled on the owner. You see, according to Nevada Revised Statues (NRS) you own this trash until it is properly disposed of in a legal landfill. I hope this is not your trash, as the next knock at your door could be the police.

The desert is not a dump…it is our responsibliity to be good stewards of the land.

So love it more…:)

 Photo Gallery of dumps:

Desert Dumping 4-11-09

Hay left at SNWA rest area May 2009

Garbage dump & dog photo by Paul may 2009

Trash dump in desert Pauls dog photo May 2009

 

 

 

 

Desert Tortoise On the Trail….March 2009

It is March 2009 and the warm weather will bring our Desert Tortoise out of their burrows any day now.  We had numerous sightings last year on the trail.  Please…please do not touch them or harass in any way.  Tortoise are protected under the Federal Endanged Species Act* as a Threatened Species.  If you think one is in danger on the trail you can flag other users around it until it leaves the area.

 

If you see a desert tortoise wandering in a developed area or find an injured tortoise, please call the Tortoise hotline at 702-383-TORT (8678).

Large Tortoise on Trail 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 NOTE: Federal protection means it is illegal to “take” a desert tortoise. “Take” means to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct.” The habitat of the desert tortoise is also protected and may not not be damaged.  Both civil and criminal penalties can be levied. Criminal penalties of $25,000 fines and 6 months in jail can be assessed for each violation.

PHOTO GALLERY TORTOISE -

Large Tortoise on Trail 2008

Tortoise Crossing trail 2008

RMLT tortoise fence 22509

Tortoise up close trail RRPass 2008

Big tortoise SNWA 429

DOGS UNLEASHED….@##$%^

 No this not the latest horror movie at the theater… it is real everyday occurrence on the Trail.  It is the policy of the Advisory Council that dogs are welcomed on the trail on a leash.  All jurisdictions through which the trail runs has rules and ordinances about dogs on a leash.  Dogs love the outdoors and they all love to walk with their masters and we encourage that, but when off leash they also chase things and we have alot of wildlife long the trail.  Desert tortoise and Desert Big Horn sheep are protected forms of wildlife and they occur throughout the River Mountains Loop Trail.  Horses and dogs do not necessarily mix. Dogs must be kept clear of horses and all wild life. 

  

Our four legged friends also are known for doing their duty while walking/running along the trails. Be responsible and considerate of other trail users and clean it up.  Other hikers and bike riders do not want to step in dog crap or ride through it and have it flip up on them.  Look for doggy bags at trail heads or take a bag with you…pick it up and carry it out.

I look forward to seeing all of you and your four legged walking buddies on the trail following all the rules for a safe and pleasant trail outting.  Try these guidelines for a great time on area trails:

Trail Manners for You and Your Dog

1.       Respect wildlife and their habitat – you are in their home.

2.       Respect the environment – don’t let your dog dig or cause damage.

3.       Clean up after your dog. Leave all trails as clean or cleaner than when you arrived.

4.       Yield the right-of-way to other hikers. Many people are afraid of dogs. Communicate with others and always keep your dog under control.

5.       Yield the right-of-way to equestrians. Move off the trail far enough to allow horses to pass. Keep you dog close to you, quiet and under control.

6.       Always be courteous. Don’t give other trail users any reason to complain. Set an example for others by being a conscientious owner with a well-behaved dog out enjoying the trails.

 

       Happy trails to all….

Trail Watch program kicks off in Henderson

This is a program used across the country to bring volunteers into the local trail system.  Trail Watch is intended to be the “Eyes & Ears” of what is happening on our trails.  Trail Watch provides improved safety for all trail users and also a means for trail maintenance and upkeep.  If you want to support Henderson trails and more specifically the River Mountains Loop Trail I encourage you to get involved by contacting Jennifer Magby, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator at 702-267-4050 or go online to City of Henderson web page, Parks & Recreation, and click on Trail Watch logo.  You can fill out an application online, then mail or fax it.  Photo in this post is yours truly completing my trail log at the SNWA rest area.

Link: http://www.cityofhenderson.com/parks/parks/trail_watch.php

Rocks on Trail at road crossings

Street bike riders need to beware of rocks on trail at road crossings. Trail is swept once each week, but rocks appear daily.

The bulk of rocks found on trail result form illegal vehicle (ATV) activity on trail. I’m encouraging Trail Watch volunteers who are able to take a street broom with them and sweep rocks off trail when found. Parks maintenance can only get to trail once a week to sweep….I encourage all users to kick rocks off trail while walking and/or hiking, it will help all users have a safer experience.

January 26th 2009 – Time for an update on rocks on the trail. Vehicles riding on the trail are still the biggest problem.  Rain run off adds small rocks and dirt on to trail and dogs.  City of Henderson can only sweep every other week or so do to lay-offs and cut backs. We the users need to pick it up and sweep and remove rocks whenever possible.  The photo below was a rock/gravel problem I ran across Saturday Jan. 24th, north of the Equestrian park bridge. We swept the problem.  We need more eyes and ears out there.  Trail Watch ph 267-4050.

Sweeping rocks off trail 12409