Page 18 - Spring 2018 issue v1

18 Friends oF red rock canyon Friends oF red rock canyon 19

The photo to the
left was taken by
Will Rempel, (GBI)
at 4:15 pm, Satur-
day, November 25,
2017.
This image of
Walkway tiles are used for multiple reasons; some people want parking and Scenic
Drive congestion
to recognize friends and loved ones who have passed, others has become the
want to celebrate a milestone or special event. Other tiles norm instead of the
are simply placed because the donors love Red Rock Canyon unusual.
and want to leave their marks in a positive way.
e need you. The Bureau of Land help the BLM managers decide how to manage
W Management (BLM) and the Great peak visitation within Red Rock Canyon.
By Pat Williams and Cam Camburn Basin Institute (GBI) really need your knowl-

his summer will mark the 17th Anniversary During construction of the new Visitor Center edge, enthusiasm and physical presence. As you We are recruiting volunteers to attend a three
T of the Red Rock Canyon Dedication Walk- Complex, the Dedication Walkway was carefully all likely know, Red Rock Canyon is loved and to four hour training session on Tuesday, April
way. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) documented, disassembled and stored at Oliver visited by millions annually. This love of Red 10, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Red Rock Canyon
approached the Friends of Red Rock Canyon Ranch. The Walkway donors were notified that Rock Canyon creates an enormous amount of Visitor Center Classroom to learn more about this
board in early 2001 about creating a fund-raising their tiles would not be displayed during construc- foot and road traffic that limits everyone’s ability process and then help us collect data in the future.
walkway. The walkway would consist of 12” x tion but would be reinstalled in the new picnic area to safely enjoy the Canyon. The high seasonal
12” Nevada quarried sandstone tiles and it would after all work was finished. Friends went to great traffic also creates havoc on State Route 159.
encircle the existing Tortoise Habitat. The Friends lengths to ensure that the relocated tiles were both Vehicles, traveling to Red Rock Canyon from Las
board agreed to take the installed correctly and were intact and legible. Ap- Vegas, routinely get stuck in lines of traffic that
lead on this endeavor, and proximately 30 tiles were replaced, at no charge to stretch more than a mile from the entrance.
Chuck Williams, then the original donor, due to breakage or other issues.
Volunteers dedicated to the preservation of Red Rock Canyon
Friends President, The walkway tiles were reinstalled in the spring We need you. The GBI is seeking volunteers
created the policies of 2010 to coincide with the Grand Opening of the to help us monitor parking lot capacity around the
and procedures. The new Visitor Center Complex. Scenic Drive. The information you provide will
first dedication tiles were
installed in July 2001. Preparation for and installation of dedication
tiles is complex. The engraver’s art department
A special dedication area, commemorating the prepares a proof for approval by the donor. Once Dedicated to the Ones You Love (Continued from page 18)
victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack on America, approved, a rub- sandblasting the templates with granite $66,600 in program support has been
was installed on ber template is granules. After sandblasting the letters generated from the 588 tiles that have
September 26, prepared which on each tile, the tiles are dusted off and a been installed. The Dedication Walkway
2001. Representa- is placed by special Lithochrome paint is applied. The is located in the picnic area at the Red
tives from Nellis the engraver taped templates are removed and the area Rock Canyon Visitor Center Complex
Air Force Base, on a blank tile is carefully swept and examined. The tile and is viewed by the hundreds of thou-
the City of Las that has been donors are notified after the twice-yearly sands of guests to the Conservation Area.
Vegas and BLM warmed to rid it installations are completed.
First Responders, of moisture and The minimum donation is $400 ($350
and many elected to chip away Dedication tiles may be ordered at any for Friends members) and the tile is
officials took part any “popped” time for the Memorial Day and Veteran’s guaranteed against breakage and for leg-
in the September 29 areas, creating a Day installations. Proceeds from the ibility for two years. For further informa-
ceremony honoring those who died in the attack. smooth surface. tax-deductible (as allowed by law) dona- tion, contact the Walkway Coordinator
The Red Rock Canyon 9/11 Victims Dedication The engraver tions are used for the many programs and at 702-515-5360 or email us at tilesale@
area is believed to be the first permanent remem- then dons protec- services funded by Friends. More than friendsofredrockcanyon.org.
brance in the nation. tive gear for
(Continued on page 19)

the Rock - Volume 8 Issue 3 Spring 2018