Be safe on public lands over holiday weekend
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RENO, Nev. — As more people venture out onto public lands over the holiday weekend and rest of the summer, the Bureau of Land Management wants to remind them to be safe and aware of restrictions that are in place to help protect public health and safety.
“The threat of fire has increased recently and there are many fires burning in different areas of the state,” said BLM Nevada State Director Jon Raby. “Fire prevention orders and restrictions are in place across the state covering things like fireworks, campfires, target shooting and vehicle operation.”
For more information on restrictions and current fires go to www.nevadafireinfo.org. In addition to the BLM’s statewide fire prevention order, there are additional restrictions in place for southern Nevada including a ban on the use of all fireworks.
“In response to the continuation of Nevada’s Phase 2 re-opening, we have been making more recreation sites available to people so they can get out and enjoy the outdoors,” Raby added. “Just this week the Water Canyon Recreation Area near Winnemucca and parts of the Indian Creek Campground have reopened for day use.”
While the list of areas closed due to COVID-19 has shrunk, several areas still remain closed. These include the California Trail Center, the Sloan Canyon visitor contact station, and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area visitor center.
People going out and having a good time should keep the following recommendations in mind.
Follow local, state and CDC guidance on social distancing, group sizes and Governor Sisolak’s order on wearing face coverings. For more information about protecting yourself and others while out go to the CDC website and the Nevada Roadmap to Recovery. Additional information and links can also be found at www.blm.gov/nevada.
Visitors should also be aware Trego Hot Springs has tested positive for disease causing organisms and may pose a severe risk to human health. All bathing activities and contact with the water should be avoided. More about the hot springs can be found at https://on.doi.gov/2AvLBrT
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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.