EAR TO THE GROUND News and notes from the outdoor industry

Silencing The Sundown Siren

Folks from Nevada and California gathered together in Minden Park, NV over Memorial Day weekend for the Siren Run to show unity and continued spirit to silence one of the last sundown sirens in the US. A sundown siren was used in communities across the US to give people of color (primarily African Americans) an evening warning to get out of the town limits before sunset or face repercussions like arrest, verbal abuse, possible physical assaults and other extreme measures. The Minden siren was used to get the Washoe Indians, the original inhabitants of the Carson Valley, out of town. The Washoe would become refugees in their own homeland!

The 2023 SIren Run was the third annual event to bring awareness of the original intent of the siren. The event also consisted of a run from Genoa to the upslopes of the Sierra Nevada. As of press time NV Senate Bill 391 is sitting on the governor’s desk for his signature. If he signs it, a loophole in the 2021 legislation that was meant to silence the siren will be closed and the Town of Minden (Douglas County) will face a $40,000 fine for each infraction.

Thacker Pass Mine

Despite serious environmental concerns and the availability of more sustainable alternatives, the proposed Thacker Pass open pit lithium mine in northern Nevada continues to progress despite better alternatives for lithium extraction elsewhere. The project faces opposition from environmentalists and local communities due to potential harm to delicate ecosystems and water sources. Moreover, the land holds cultural and spiritual significance to Native tribes including the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe, and the Duck Valley Shoshone-Paiute Tribe among others who view it as part of their ancestral territory. The mine’s advancement raises concerns about the preservation of Indigenous rights and the need for meaningful consultation.

“There are more important considerations than just money. This proposed mine is just wrong no matter how you look at it,” said Gary Mckinney of the Duck Valley Shoshone-Paiute Tribe during a recent interview with ASJ editor Matt Niswonger.

Wildlife Conservation Board Funds Environmental Improvement And Acquisition Projects

The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved approximately $83.15 million in grants to help restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat throughout California and, in some cases, provide new and improved public access, recreational and educational opportunities.

Among the 28 projects approved, the WCB provided a $24 million grant to The Wildlands Conservancy for a cooperative project with the State Coastal Conservancy to acquire approximately 11,691 acres of land in the Carmel Valley in Monterey County for the protection of upland and lowland habitats and the wildlife species they support. The property, which exceeds the total acreage of some state parks, will provide wildlife-oriented education and research along with compatible public and private uses.

IN-RIVER SALMON FISHERIES IN CALIFORNIA TO CLOSE FOR REMAINDER OF 2023

The California Fish and Game Commission acted unanimously to enact a full closure of California’s recreational salmon fishing season in the Klamath River Basin and Central Valley rivers. In a separate emergency action, the Commission also voted to close recreational salmon fisheries in the Smith and Eel Rivers, and the summer season in the Klamath and Trinity rivers. Additionally, the Commission voted to allow federally recognized tribes that currently or historically used the river segments affected by the recreational fishing closures, to continue fishing under existing inland sport fishing regulations. The regulations are expected to take effect no later than July 1, 2023.

“This decision, while difficult, is intended to allow salmon to recover in order to provide future fishing opportunities,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham. “Salmon are an iconic species in California. We treasure them for their intrinsic, cultural, recreational and commercial values. The state is committed to ensuring long-term survival of our salmon runs and supporting our struggling fishing communities.”

Nevada State Parks Introduces New Reservation System

In response to a surge in visitors and growing demand for camping and dayuse facilities, Nevada State Parks is set to launch an online reservation system this fall. The system will enable users to reserve campsites, cabins, group use areas, tours, and special events. It will also provide the convenience of purchasing annual and day-use permits. Additionally, select parks will pilot dayuse reservations to alleviate traffic congestion.

While reservations are not mandatory, they are recommended for those seeking specific dates and locations. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, with modifications allowed up to a month prior to arrival, subject to applicable fees.

California Investments In Outdoor Recreation

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom introduced the California Comeback Plan, which includes a $1 billion investment in conservation, climate, and outdoor recreation. The plan addresses the increased popularity of outdoor activities and aims to enhance access and meet the growing demand. The proposed investment covers deferred maintenance, new urban greenspaces, outdoor equity grants, K-12 outdoor educational programs, and coastal access grants. The plan also includes building new parks and green spaces.

The goal is to conserve 30 percent of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030. These investments promote outdoor recreation access and climate resiliency. California’s investment in outdoor recreation sets an example for other states and emphasizes the need for infrastructure development and staff resources to sustain outdoor spaces.