Over the past few years Wilson Canyon has become more popular than ever as a place to camp, fish, hike, picnic and ride off-highway vehicles (OHV). With this increased use has come increased pressure on the natural resources of the area, particularly the Walker River corridor. Vegetation has been destroyed and soils have eroded and washed into the river.

In cooperation with other federal and state agencies, Lyon County and citizen groups, the BLM will be fencing and signing along the bed and banks of the river in the near future. Pedestrian access to the river will continue, however, in order to protect this fragile resource motorized vehicles and camping will not be allowed inside the fence. OHV use and camping still may take place away from the river itself. Management emphasis will be on assuring multiple use while protecting the natural resources of the area for the enjoyment of future generations.

You can help protect Wilson Canyon and continue to enjoy the recreational opportunities that the area offers by following a few common sense guidelines:

• Respect private property – leave fences, gates and signs as you find them.
   

• Keep a clean campsite. Leave no trace of your visit. Do not cut down or destroy any bushes, trees or other vegetation.
   

• Use the existing toilet facilities or bring a portable toilet with you. Do not drain gray water or holding tanks onto the ground or into the river. Bybee’s store, in Smith provides an RV dump station for only $3.00.
   

• Practice sound OHV riding techniques
   

• Ride on existing roads and trails. Do not pioneer new trails or ride in the river.
   

• Keep dust and noise down by not riding fast along the frontage roads. Get off your motorcycle or ATV and push it across the highway to the nearest access trail.
   

• Observe safe speeds – 25 MPH on Copper Belt Road and 5 MPH in the Rest Area and around campsites. Ride on the RIGHT.
   

• Avoid using steep hill climbs near the river. They cause erosion and create ugly scars that everyone in the canyon can see.
   

• Fire restrictions are in effect. Absolutely NO OPEN FIRES ARE ALLOWED – this includes campfires and charcoal cooking fires.

If you have any questions please see a BLM staffer or call us at (775) 885-6000.

Thank you for helping keep Wilson Canyon a great recreation area for everyone!