Rhyolite Partnership Visioning Workshop Meeting Notes

Rhyolite Partnership Meeting Notes

May 23, 2008

Beatty Community Center

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Attending: Bert Bertram – Beatty Town Advisory Board

Andy Gudas – Friends of Rhyolite

Claudia Reidhead – Interested Party

Athena Sparks – Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association

Aaron Leifheit – Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association

Ann Marchand – Beatty Chamber of Commerce

Deborah Reardon – NPS Rivers, Trails & Conservation

Sue Rigby – BLM Tonopah Archaeologist

Noelle Glines-Bovio – BLM Tonopah Recreation Technician

Tom Seley – BLM Tonopah Field Manager

Chairman Andy Gudas called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m.

1. Approval of Minutes of April 18, 2008 Meeting

Claudia Reidhead made a motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held April 18, 2008. The motion was seconded by Noelle Bovio and it passed unanimously.

2. Projects Update:

Sun shades

Sue Rigby reported that the sun shades have been completed. Tom Seley pointed out that Pahrump Steel was supposed to cut installation portals. Instead they removed a panel in each structure to allow easy access to utility hookups. A much better solution to the problem!

Miners Cabin

The roof is rusting beautifully. The contractor will be returning to get the doors so they can be redone. They will also re-stain the building and put glass in the transom.

Depot Roof

Mel Green will be coming to Rhyolite on June 5 to scan the roof for measurements and look at the other ruins to determine what needs to be done.

Trench Drain

Dave Fanning from Nye County Public Works has been working on the plans for the trench drain. Cost estimates for a pre-formed trench drain are much higher than expected. They are looking at alternatives.

Oral History

Claudia reported that Bob McCracken has already contacted and interviewed a number of people in Beatty.

Claudia asked what the status is of the mercantile. Tom Seley reported that the Tonopah office has a new realty specialist who will be working on solving the problem. The owner will be given time to move the building. If it isn’t removed, BLM will begin procedures to acquire the building and have it torn down. Some of the materials from the building could be stockpiled and used for rehabilitation projects.

Claudia suggested that the cemetery be considered as an interpretive node. She reminded Susan Rigby that it had been suggested a number of years ago that a plaque with the names of everyone buried in the cemetery be attached to the stone monument now in place at the cemetery. Discussion followed and it was agreed that an interpretive node honoring the people buried there should be located at the cemetery.

Susan Rigby reported that the archaeological survey has begun in Rhyolite. Statistical Research, Inc. was awarded the contract and they will be working out there until June 13^th.

3. Preserve Nevada’s 11 Most Endangered Site List

Most of the attendees had seen the website listing Nevada’s Most Endangered Sites. Everyone was very pleased that Rhyolite has been put on the list and they are hoping it will make it easier to find funding for some of the many projects that need to be done.

4. Keeping Restrooms Open

Noelle Bovio reported that Ricardo, the maintenance man for the Beatty Community Center is doing a great job cleaning and stocking the restrooms in Rhyolite, and emptying the trash. Tom Seley said that the restrooms have been spotless and there have been many compliments. Thanks to Ricardo, and the Caretakers when they are on-site, many of the visitors to Rhyolite have taken the time to let us know that our restrooms are outstanding.

5. Rhyolite Websites

Ann Marchand from the Beatty Chamber of Commerce stated that they have not been kept informed about the Rhyolite Partnership meetings. The Chamber of Commerce would like to be kept informed about what is happening in Rhyolite and they would like to become involved. She pointed out that the Chamber of Commerce has a website and they would be willing to provide a link to Rhyolite websites. Andy Gudas maintains a website for the Rhyolite Partnership that could be linked to the Chamber of Commerce. BLM does not have a website for Rhyolite at the present time.

6. National Public Lands Day in Rhyolite

The date for Public Lands Day in Rhyolite has been set for October 18.

Proposed Projects:

Heavy Trash Removal
Bottle House Walkway Improvements
Bottle House Hand Rail and Steps
Archaeological Site and Rattlesnake Sign Installation
More Restroom Signs
Build Picnic Tables
Seal Concrete

There was a lot of enthusiasm about the upcoming National Lands Day in Rhyolite. Everyone expressed an interest in participating. Athena Sparks and Aaron Leifheit emphasized that they have experience with Public Lands Days and are willing to help out in any way they can.

Some of the proposed projects were discussed. It was pointed out that construction of a handrail and steps down to the bottle house could be done using the excess redwood that is being stored for future use. The archaeological survey group will be providing information about hazards and specific features that may need special attention. Around 50 people are expected for this event.

7. NP Rivers, Trails, and Conservation

Andy Gudas introduced Deborah Reardon and Outdoor Recreation Planner from the National Parks River, Trails, & Conservation Assistance Program. She has taken Liz Smith-Incer’s position in Las Vegas. Deborah said that she wants to get involved in the area and is interested in the Rhyolite project. She is aware of the Habitat Trail project and that a trail was planned going from Beatty to Rhyolite along the railroad grade. During discussion it was mentioned that it would make a great rails-to-trails project and there are plans to formally open the railroad grade as a non-motorized trail sometime in the future. At the present time, vehicles are managing to drive in over the railroad grade even though it was severely washed out several years ago. Vehicles have gotten around the washed out areas by cutting a new road around the bad areas. Permission has to be obtained by the owners of three patented claims crossing the railroad grade before a trail can be developed and opened. The partnership would welcome any help or input Deborah could give us.

8. Set Date and Time for Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 20 at the Beatty Community Center.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m

THE MEETING DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THURSDAY, MAY 19 AT THE BEATTY COMMUNITY CENTER; 10 AM