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 –
rmltman says
I had a question raised by an apparent user of the trail about yielding to animals, tortoise, on the trail. And yes, we the trail users must yield, give right-of-way to tortoise. It is the law. The trail is 99% built on federal managed lands, thus it is home to tortoise and big horn sheep etc. WE are the visitor.
If you/we can not abide by these rules, then do not use the trail.
Thanks….The Mgt.
Terri Jones says
rmltman, you are “the mgt.”?
Who are you?
rmltman says
Who am I? Good Question! I’m a trail walker, hiker, builder, and supporter. I enjoy the outdoors and like to share the experience with others; I’m a trail volunteer and I do my part to make Henderson and the valley a better place to live and raise my kids, and grandkids. I’m a “Trail Watch volunteer”. But to answer your Question I’m the Chairman of the River Mountains Trail Partnership Advisory Council and I write this BLOG on behalf of the Advisory Council.
Happy Trails are Safe Trails…..
P.S. What did you do today to make the Trail a better experience for the person behind you….?