Page 19 - 2008 DT 12 issues

species may have a more toxic venom,
no human bite cases have been report- Grand Circle Award
ed to assess potential effects.
The brown recluse is a common
The Grand Circle Trail encompasses the majority of Red Rock Canyon. The
house spider in the in the south-central award is presented to the individual(s) who have made outstanding contribu-
USA, the only area it naturally inhabits. tions to Red Rock Canyon in multiple areas.
Nevertheless, claims of recluse bites Norm Kresge has been an active volunteer since joining Friends of Red
are common throughout the United Rock Canyon in May 2002. His volunteer contributions,
States and Canada, says Rick Vetter, an totaling over 2,000 hours, include chairing the Environ-
arachnologist at the University of Cali- mental Education Committee since 2003, co-publishing
fornia, Riverside. Although the bite of the Desert Trumpet, and working the information desk.
the recluse can cause necrotic wounds, Among his many volunteer activities, he chaired the
so can that of several other spider spe- 2004 Tortoise Trot and was one of the three volunteers
cies. This spider, like the vast major- who organized and operated the recycling program. He
ity of species, does not bite humans also participates in the Courtesy Patrol, talking with area
except by accident. Crawford relates that guests and restocking the dog waste dispensers. In his
“brown recluse bite” has become medical spare time, he collects and counts the donation boxes
shorthand for “this patient has a mysterious and is a member of the Cultural Resources Committee,
sore or lesion.” Vetter echoes Crawford’s as well as the Site Stewardship program.
mantra. “People just WANT to blame spi- In recognition of his outstanding volunteer service, the board unanimously
ders when there are lots of more probable selected Norm as the 2007 Grand Circle Award winner. Norm has been an en-
things that cause necrotic injuries.” thusiastic and much appreciated participant in all the volunteer and recruiting
Crawford is more than willing to events at Red Rock.
review your evidence that any of the In addition, Norm received the “Take Pride in America” Silver Lifetime
listed myths on his site are true. Just Achievement Award to commemorate his volunteer service, along with certifi-
send him the actual specimen (in a prop- cates of recognition from Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign.
er, non-crushable container, please) and Thank you, Norm! Don’t stop now . . . . —Pat Williams
he will gladly take a look. This patient
champion of the poor spider yearns to
communicate with interested, open- committee until a replacement is
minded readers who appreciate the July 2007 between Friends and the found. Ray Stafford has resigned
knowledge he has to impart. “. . . I BLM is in final draft. as Ways & Means Chair. He has
No release date has been

hope that those curious about spiders given for the Red Rock license. been in the position since 2002 and
who find their way to the Burke Muse- The Howard Hughes Corporation has contributed immeasurably to the
um website will absorb enough of the will be actively promoting the financial health of Friends.
information here to ask me some new launch of the plate via media and  The board voted unanimously
questions instead of the same old ones. Summerlin promotions. to accept the revised version of the
I can hope, can’t I”? q  Barb Jorgensen will resign Standing Rules.
as Campground Manager as of  The board voted unanimously
January 30. She has held the position to adopt the drafted Conflict of
January Board Notes since 2004. During her tenure, she Interest Policy document.
provided enormous improvements to
 Total Assets as of 1/11/08 the campground. She will continue
were $270,060. Fiscal year-to-date as board Secretary. Candidates
expenditures are 33.7% of budget. are being sought by RRCIA to fill
The BLM Special and BLM Work the campground position. Referrals
Project accounts have exceeded the should be sent to Blaine Benedict.
original budgeted amounts because  Gary Vetter, a director since
a special $5,000 grant received 2006, has resigned from the board
from REI was applied to those and also as chair of the Cultural
accounts. Resources Committee. Chuck
 T h e 1 9 8 4 C o o p e r a t i v e Williams and Norm Kresge will
Agreement update that began in co-chair the Cultural Resources News & Notes, continued on p.7

FORRC/March/ 2008 Page 3