On December 2nd WHIN did our first clean up of our adopt a highway in Lincoln County. We had a good turn out for this project and our section of highway looks great. Thanks to everyone that participated in the clean up.
On November 17th WHIN members and eager youths planted grasses, shrubs and trees in degraded and altered sites on Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established September 10, 1979, to secure habitat for the endangered Moapa dace, a small fish commonly found throughout the headwaters of the Muddy River system. In the last decade, dace populations have declined due to habitat destruction and modification. Competition with introduced species such as the mosquitofish and shortfin molly have also added to the dace’s decline. The Moapa White River springfish, however, compatibly coexists with the dace. The refuge is located on 116 acres in northeastern Clark County and is approximately 60 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada. Dace habitat on the refuge consists of stream channels supported by six thermal springs emerging near the center of the refuge. The refuge strives to re-create and restore the natural habitat for a variety of the indigenous local species including the endangered Moapa dace. Planting native plants is an important part of the restoration process as they compete against exotic species, stabilize disturbed soils, and provide a natural habitat for wildlife.
On August 5th WHIN along with the Las Vegas Retriever club planted winter feed at Overton Wildlife Management Area to promote the nesting of all waterfowl that use the OWMA. At least 9 areas were planted and are doing very well. WHIN would like to thank Brian Passow and Jason Peterson from the Mossy Oak Pro staff for helping obtain the proper seed that was used in this project.
On April 21st The Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn with members of WHIN performed minor repairs, painting, etc. at 7 projects at the Last chance range, located just north of Pahrump. Craig Stevenson had the great idea to do all the maintenance on the project in one weekend which saved money and time. We broke up into small work parties of 4 to 6 people, and were air lifted by helicopter to the various projects so as to get all the work done in one day. After a long day of work the Fraternity brought out the big BBQ pit and World Renowned Chef from Italy, Jelindo Tiberti and his sous chefs, to burn some nice thick steaks with all the fixings for everyone that stayed for dinner.
On April 18th a couple of WHIN members went up to Cold Creek for the annual spring opening and checking the drinker system. There was still snow pack on the peaks and small patches along the trials. The spring head was reached with no challenges and water was restored to the system successfully. The line and six drinkers are all in tact and minor repairs were made where possible. There were about three (3) dozen elk spotted grazing in and around the lower tree lines as well as on the trail heading down the hill. There are still a couple repairs needed that we are looking to schedule in the upcoming week or two. Contact us to get the schedule and come help us finish the spring project.
On March 31st WHIN along with US Fish and Wildlife Service Planted over 500 trees and plants. We had a good turn out of 14 WHIN members. With Keven and Trevis on the auger it took only 2 hours to complete the planting. Then we traveled to the Alamo Truck Stop and put up our new sign. A special thanks to Kes Anderson of Pathfinder Signs for the complete donation of the sign.
On March 18th 10 members of WHIN went to Pine Spring for Phase 2 of an ongoing project. First thing done was to camo paint the old large steel storage tank. The next step was to remove and haul away all the old sinks, tubs, and galvanized drinkers that were not in use.Next step was to place a new drinker one canyon over from the existing stock tank drinkers located inside the coral. Then we ran a new water line to the drinker. Next there were numerous leaks at the pipe coming from the spring head that were repaired. When we left, water was flowing freely to the stock tanks as well as the new drinker. A special thanks to our youth members Wally, James, and Robert Werner along with Vikki Werner and Mike Guest for being the Rembrandt’s on the tank.
On January 22nd 6 members of WHIN went to Pine Spring for some repair and restoration work. The spring was roto rooted and the water flow was increased from 4 1/2 gallons per hour to about 10 gallons per hour. Then we repaired 5 bullet holes in the large storage tank. Phase 2 is in the planning stage and will be done soon.
