Date: April 28, 2004

CONTACT: Diane Hendry at (775) 623-1500

VANDALISM AT WATER CANYON

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Winnemucca Field Office recently reported vandalism of erosion control projects (straw waddles) installed in the Water Canyon area during the 2003 National Public Lands Day (NPLD) event. The straw waddles were dismantled in an attempt to burn them for fuel, but the plastic coating and mesh framework prevented them from igniting. The vandals also left trash behind and their campfire burning.

Last fall, several groups representing federal, state and local agencies as well as community volunteers, spent a Saturday installing the erosion control structures and planting native seeds on the same hillside to prevent/reduce erosion to support earlier rehabilitation of the area. They also built signs, established campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, and began construction of an interpretative trail – all in recognition of NPLD and to create an enjoyable recreational experience for Canyon visitors. The past and recent vandalism has attacked this goal.

Winnemucca City Manager, Steve West, stated, “The Water Canyon Partnership involves the City of Winnemucca, Humboldt County and the BLM. But, it can’t end there because we need everyone in the community to support our efforts.” 

Randy Reader, BLM Law Enforcement Ranger, commented, “Working together as a community, every citizen can assist with protecting Water Canyon and the surrounding environments, by reporting any damage. The BLM is grateful for the citizen report that led to the discovery of the recent Water Canyon damage.”

To report any vandalism and/or suspicious activity in the Water Canyon area please call the BLM office at 775-623-1500. 

- BLM -