Page 2 - magazine winter2011-1

yo
n with a friend
at Red Rock Can
I was invited, in 1984, to do some technical rock climbi
ng
f
I was invited, in 1984, to do some technical rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon with a friend and I fell instantly
in love with the sport and with this incredible area. On days when we could not climb, we still made the drive
in love with the sport and with this incredible area. On days when we could not climb, we stil
mply
to be in Red Rock Canyon.
simply to be in Red Rock Canyon.
was rare to see other people deep in the canyons or on the trails. Willow Spring was the popular spot for fel
It was rare to see other people deep in the canyons or on the trails. Willow Spring was the popular spot for fellow climbers to
meet at the end of the day. There were always picnic tables vacant for the groups.
eet at the end of the day. There were always picnic tables vacant for the groups.
he demands of a growing family put an end to climbing for a few years and reduced the visits to Red Rock C
The demands of a growing family put an end to climbing for a few years and reduced the visits to Red Rock Canyon. My
reintroduction was to participate in Red Rock Day. Having such a good time working with and meeting truly wonderful people, e,
both volunteers and BLM staff, I decided that volunteering was something I would like to do on a regular basis. In 1999, I joined
ned
Friends of Red Rock Canyon and have served as Natural Resource Chair as well as a member of the Board of Directors. I look
ok
s I
back with a lot of pride on all that we have been able to accomplish as volunteers and am also thankful for the many friends I
have made while volunteering.
Areas to
Red Rock Canyon has gone from being a National Recreation Area to one of the country’s first National Conservation Areas to
with climbers,
now being a part of the newly formed National Landscape Conservation System. Today we share this special place with climbers,
mountain bikers, road cyclists, hikers, tourists and equestrians in ever increasing numbers. I know of no other place in this
in this
country with so many opportunities and challenges for recreation so close to an urban center. We never considered in 1984 that
d in 1984 that
the crush of visitors, the vast numbers of people seeking information at the Visitor Center, and families expecting to find picnic
g to find picnic
in minutes of Red
tables would severely strain the capacity of the area. Urban encroachment has brought many more people within minutes of Red
expense of caring
Rock Canyon. BLM staffing has not increased in many years and federal budgets have not kept pace with the expense of caring
of new visitors to Red
for our public lands. The advent of social media and meet-up groups in cyber-space has brought thousands of new visitors to Red
Rock Canyon. This explosion of visitors creates an opportunity to educate new users about the challenges of resource protection.
of resource protection.

ral sit
tu
ed and
We are all saddened by the actions of those who do not appreciate Red Rock Canyon. Litter abounds, cultural sites are vandalized and
es ar
e vandaliz
graffiti is a constant problem, but we are here to preserve and protect the Canyon.on.
ny
The mission of Friends of Red Rock Canyon is, “To preserve and protect Red Rock Canyon” words that are easier said than rds that are easier said than
wo
done. While our organization has grown and developed over the years to adapt to new challenges the mission has remained the
nges the mission has remained the
same. As my family has grown to include grandchildren, the mission has taken on renewed meaning. I want future generations to
have the opportunity to enjoy the solitude of the canyons, to test themselves on great sandstone peaks and to discover the art left
by the original inhabitants of this land. Although, the challenges facing Red Rock Canyon today are daunting, I am convinced

that the challenges are attainable. If we, as volunteers of Friends of Red Rock Canyon, work closely with our partners in the
Bureau of Land Management and Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association as well as engage the Las Vegas community, I am
confident that we can accomplish the mission. I am fortunate to be in a leadership position with Friends during these challenging
times. Our organization has an excellent Board of Directors, qualified Committee Chairs, and dedicated Volunteers. Thanks to
each of you for your support and hard work as we continue to “Preserve and Protect Red Rock Canyon.”
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