This USFS information sign installed in September near Raleigh Heights was recently vandalized. This sign took many hours with pneumatic tools to install. Here is a report from a member of the Washoe County Backcountry Coalition:

On National Public Lands Day, September 20, 2003, members of several local recreation groups turned out to help the Forest Service with needed improvements on Peavine, including the installation of Forest Service bulletin boards at motorized access portals. Sometime between Sunday, November 15th and Tuesday, November 18th an unknown party removed the bulletin board that was installed at the Raleigh Heights access point, behind the Washoe County water tanks. This has upset members of the Washoe County Backcountry Coalition, Reno Dust Devils, Hills Angels 4x4 Club, Canyon Krawlers, and UNR Cycling Club; the volunteers who spent their weekend installing the signs.

Though littering and discharging of firearms are issues that have plagued Peavine Mountain in the past, this new offense is puzzling. The bulletin board was not shot at, ran over, or burnt down; it simply disappeared with only a few shards of pressure treated wood marking the location. Cursory searches of the area did not produce any indications of the sign, nor its charred remains. “I just cannot understand why anyone would do this” said Carl Adams, of the Washoe County Backcountry Coalition. Although members of the Dust Devils Motocross Club and Hills Angels 4WD Club currently perform volunteer patrolling of Peavine Mountain, they cannot provide a constant presence.

The motivation of the vandals is unknown at this time, as the bulletin board was simply meant to notify individuals of the Forest Service boundary and provide visitors with relevant information. Even with the volunteer labor, the government spent $500 in materials and labor to build the sign. Members of the Forest Service and Washoe County Backcountry Coalition are disappointed by the vandalism, but state that they will not let this criminal act affect future efforts.

Larry Anderson, OHV Ranger for the Carson Ranger District stated “It makes me sick to think of all of the hard work that the volunteers put in to installing these bulletin boards just to end with this type of destruction. I am not going to give up on this site though and we intend to install a new bulletin board as soon as possible.” Anderson also noted that the Forest Service is working with Washoe County on new surveillance options for the area.

As the bulletin boards were federal property, their destruction is a federal offense punishable by a fine of up to $5000 and six months in prison (Federal Penal Codes 16USC551, 18USC3559, 18USC3571, and 18USC3581). Anyone with information regarding this crime or any other criminal activity witnessed on Peavine Mountain is advised to place an anonymous call to the Forest Service at 775-882-2766.




 

Approximately 50 individuals from the two off-road clubs participated in this years Peavine Cleanup on National Public lands Day. With these clubs incredible resources (custom 4wd trucks and trailers, tow ropes, cables, and pneumatic tools), probably the biggest and best cleanup in Peavine's history took place. Check out Raleigh Heights and the ponds near Poeville the next time your out riding. 

For every volunteer hour, the USFS received $15 per hour/per person in matching state funds to be used specifically for future Peavine projects, including trails.

A half dozen non-motorized folk also helped out. Hopefully more will get involved in the future. 

A big thanks to following mountain bikers that helped:

Fritz Fleishman (RW)
Christina Stark (UNR Cycling Team)
Jason Susslin (mtn. biker)
Tyler (mtn. biker)
Allison (mtn. biker)
Dale Beesmer (RW/IMBA/TMTA)

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