Page 10 - FINAL fall 2014 magazine

By Cam Camburn

In September 1984, a group of enthusiastic people formed
Significant programs and services initiated and/or supported by the
Friends of Red Rock Canyon (FORRC) at the request of the Bureau Friends of Red Rock Canyon through the years include:
of Land Management (BLM). Their original charge was to provide
1985 – First Volunteer Awards Banquet
trained volunteers for Red Rock Canyon Recreation Lands.
1985 – The Desert Trumpet, Friends newsletter, begins publication
The 14 founding members of FORRC held their first general 1986 – First annual Red Rock Clean-Up removing six tons of litter
meeting in October 1984. Meeting minutes noted, “There was some 1987 – First Volunteer Manual created and distributed

question as why have an organi- 1988 – Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association founded
1988 – Cooperative agreement regarding merchandise sales established with Red Rock
zation and what should this
Canyon Interpretive Association. This agreement was terminated in 2014
organization do?” Joel Mur, 1988 – Visitor Center opens seven days a week, facilitated by volunteer staffing on the
BLM representative, explained Information Desk
that “FORRC would allow BLM 1991 – Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Dedication Ceremony
to provide activities and infor- 1994 – Funded and installed Moenkopi Trail interpretive panels
mation to the public that could 1995 – Tortoise Habitat is dedicated. Currently Friends volunteers manage all staffing

not otherwise be provided.” for care and maintenance, as well as providing visitor education for the Habitat.
Anga Rebane and Joel Mur signing Friends also provides the Tort Chow and other necessities.
original Cooperative Management President Anga Rebane added, 2000 – Volunteer Appreciation Program implemented
Agreement in September 1984. “The organization would allow 2000 – Secured funding from the Howard Hughes Corporation for trailhead signage
Photo from Friends Archives the volunteers to work with 2000 – Cultural Resource Team Monitoring, Documentation & Protection reestablished;
people of similar interests … trail maintenance, environmental to date, archival documentation on over 18 significant sites completed

education, orientation, fund-raising projects, etc.” 2001 – Dedication Walkway established
2001 – First permanent memorial for 9/11 Attack dedicated at Red Rock Canyon
With their incorporation in August 1985, Friends of Red Rock 2001 – Friends funded the Lost Creek Boardwalk

Canyon formally became the first volunteer organization associat- 2004 – 20th Anniversary of Friends of Red Rock Canyon
ed with the BLM. 2005 – Friends of Red Rock Canyon, the BLM and REI co
Difference Day at Red Rock Canyon with 85 volunteers
At that time, dues to join FORRC 2008 – New Visitor Center groundbreaking
were $5 per calendar year, general 2008 – Red Rock Canyon license plate issued
membership meetings were potlucks BLM site
and a frequent item of board meeting 2010 – Grand opening of the new Visitor Center
discussion was t-shirt designs for the 2010 – Inaugural issue of The Rock quarterly magazine published
2013 – Graffiti Removal Team reestablished
gift store sales. The bulk of the 2014 – Landscape Team reestablished after a 6
th
Page 10 One of the original T Designs 2014 – 30 Anniversary Banquet