The Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Henderson to begin a study of unauthorized roads, paths and trails into the River Mountains. Over the last 10-12 years with the development of the SNWA pipelines, Water treatment plant, Powerlines and the River Mountains Loop Trail many new roads and trails have been cut into the desert and the River Mountains on Bureau of Reclamation managed lands. Some of the these roads are authorized for access and patrol of utilities by authorized vehicles. Many more are not. An inventory process has already begun by B.O.R. on both types of roads/trails along with dumps sites and environmental issues needing clean up. Along with help from the City of Henderson, and others; a plan will be formulated to restore the desert, remove unnecessarily roads and trails over time. Wherever possible re-vegetation will be done to restore natural habitat. The hope is that through these methods and public education these areas can return to a natural state before man’s careless activities destroyed them in the first place. The most active areas of un-authorized uses may require temporary use of k-rails, post and cable, and large rocks until nature can take hold.
Many of these un-authorized roads and trails lead to other un-authorized uses such as desert dumping on Federal BOR lands; striping and burning of vehicles; target shooting near housing; endangerment of desert tortoise and big horn sheep; violation of PM-10 dust regulations; etc.
One thing I have learned is patience…it took ten years to do the damage and it will take even longer to fix it. So let’s all do our part.
John Barleycorn says
In a way I hate reading a post like this. These are the areas I grew up in and played in. I understand progress. AND, I understand the need to close these roads. It is sad, but necessary. Close the roads.
rmltman says
The plan is not to close the area to access for those you play in the river mountains, but to remove un-necessary and illegal roads. John Q. Public is loving this area to death. We are all to blame and now its time to repair, restore and recreate ( re-create).
rmltman says
On January 20th a field workshop was held with some 14 stakeholders touring portions of the trail. Good discussion and ideas were shared on how best to protect the area, and provide safety to trail users. Both the BOR and Henderson have set aside funds to start the process. This effort will require many volunteers and volunteer hours. Safety and education are key components of the long term fix.
rmltman says
After a trail inspection tour on May 5th, 2009 I learned that plans and projects are starting to take shape. BOR and COH will target the critical areas first. COH has some round #10 SNPLMA funds in the works whick will help also.