Friends --
 

BLACK ROCK RENDEZVOUS APPROACHING FAST!

FREE! Over the past eight years, we've charged admission to the BlackRock Rendezvous but this year it's a FREE event! Friends and our collaborators want more people to come out and learn about the Black Rock area, its beauty and reasons for our being there as stewards for its conservancy.

Experience guided tours, visits to several hot springs, and otherwise restricted trips to the famous Fly Geyser, which is an additional charge, know that space is limited, and your much appreciated Friends membership is required! You can sign up online, your payment is your reservation at shopblackrockdesert.org/fly2012.html. Respected regional speakers will set the stage telling you about the richness of the Playa and surrounds and Saturday night there's Cowboy Poetry and fireside sing-a-longs, and Sunday a well-known blue-grass group take you into the night as you kick back and star gaze. You'll want to join in and participate in a Dutch Oven Cook-off, and express your culinary delights at Sunday's Potluck- Bring Your Own Barbecue. We supply the Grill, you supply the yummies! JB of the Iveson Ranch and board member graciously is supplying the grill.

Did you miss out your lottery ticket to the 2012 Burning Man over Labor Day Weekend? Well- Friends has a surprise for you! Two- yep count 'em two- tickets are being raffled off and will be pulled from the hat on Sunday. Get your chance to play on the Playa at this global historic event- $20 each. Tickets available at the Friends office in Gerlach, GrassRoots Bookstore and Prism Magic in Reno.

So get your Playa on, May 26-28. Camps can begin setting up on the 25th if you're so inclined. We'll be there for sure!

WILD HORSES SHOT NEAR BLACK ROCK CANYON

The BLM is currently investigating the shooting of 2 burros and one wild horse in Black Rock Canyon, about 15 miles north of Lovelock. Sort of a paradox that 'Black Rock Canyon' isn't anywhere near the Black Rock Desert!

In addition, an investigation of other shootings near Eagleville, California , Eureka County, and Lander County are in process. A $10000 reward is offered for information leading the arrest and conviction of the shooter or shooters.

Whether you love wild horses or are annoyed by them, it's illegal to shoot to injure or kill them. With such a sizeable reward, these folks must to get caught and be held accountable. With this kind of scofflaw attitude these folks probably have friends or acquaintances who will turn them in, and that's what we're all pulling for. The shooter(s) in this case is worth more when he's in jail than walking around free!

WILDERNESS LAND TRUST PURCHASES LAND IN EAST FORK HIGH ROCK CANYON WILDERNESS

The Wilderness Land Trust recently purchased a private in-holding on the Washoe/Humboldt County line just east of the Yellow Hills in the East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness. This is their first Nevada acquisition. The Land Trust concentrates their efforts on purchasing private in-holdings from willing sellers in wilderness areas, holding them for about a year, and then turning them over to the administering agency of the area. In this case, that would be the Bureau of Land Management. When this 320 acre acquisition is turned over to the Bureau of Land Management, the entire wilderness area will be owned by the public with no additional in-holdings. The property will probably be transferred to the BLM in late 2012. For more information, visit their website at wildernesslandtrust.org.

WOLF REPORT

The 'latest' information on the first verified wolf in California isn't very recent. According to the California Department of Fish and Game website, his most recent mapped location is just east of Highway 5 on the California/Oregon border but their information only shows his track through early March. It sure doesn't look like he's going to make it to Nevada. Their website indicates that as of May 3, he's in southwest Modoc County but they aren't giving a more exact location. Some people were sort of hoping for a wolf in the Black Rock but it doesn't look like that's going to happen! This wolf is male and is only 3 years old so this is typical adolescent male behavior, exploration, looking for other wolf buddies, and seeking females so he probably wouldn't be very happy in the Black Rock anyway. See also californiagraywolf.wordpress.com.

FRIENDS DISPLAY WILL BE AT JACKPOT OF GEMS

Friends of Black Rock/High Rock will take their 'roadshow' to the annual Reno Gem & Mineral Society Jackpot of Gems show at the Reno Livestock Event Center on May 12 & 13, 2012. Are you a rockhound? This event is for you! Admission, $5, Saturday hours 10-5, Sunday 10-4. Sunday is Mother's Day and you'll certainly be able to find something for her there as they'll be selling gifts, jewelry, and supplies. Stop by, say hi, see the display buy a Burning Man Raffle ticket (remember there are two available tickets at $20 per raffle ticket) and get a regional map! The Livestock Event Center is located just off Highway 80 at 1350 North Wells. renorockhounds.com

ARE YOU A 'RUT NUT?'

That's what the Emigrant Trail buffs call themselves. If you are, this is for you!

The BLM California Trail Interpretive Center in Elko is having a Grand Opening on June 2 & 3, 2012. Their event is going to include an 1850's Trail Camp, live oxen, a Trail Shop, and wagon rides. They will also have Shoshone Crafts and Gold Rush Music. They are located at I-80 on the Hunter Exit, exit # 292. For more information, visit their website at californiatrailcenter.org or call (775) 738-1849.

WHERE WAS THIS PICTURE TAKEN?

About 15 miles north of Springfield, Missouri! What? You didn't know there was a Nevada in Missouri? Yep, there is. And just to make things really interesting, there's also a Reno in Kansas. It's about 15 miles southwest of Kansas City!

Want to see another Picture Puzzle? Just wait until the next e-newsletter!

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