Trailhead signs, cleanup effort continued by volunteers

As temperatures dipped into the low-20s Saturday morning, a group of a half-dozen men, each claiming interest in trial protection, set out to mark the trailhead at Mexican Dam in southeast Carson City on the Silver Saddle Ranch.

The marker, made of steel and heavy-duty plastic, will serve as a trailhead signpost to let visitors and trail users know the limits of the multi-use trail; it would also remind them of how to keep the trails pristine.

"Mostly we just don't want people coming back here and dumping their stuff," said Carson resident and event organizer Brian Doyal. "This trial is for both equestrian and off-road (vehicle) use.

"We do a lot to try to keep the trails clean so we can continue to use them. This sign will hopefully be a welcome for all those who come to use it -and a reminder of how to be responsible."

Doyal, who is a member of the Pine Nut Mountains Trails Association, a group formed in 1998 that has charged itself with helping preserve public lands through cleanups and a "redirection of policy in the Pine Nut Mountain range."

While most members present Saturday were representative of off-road and four-wheel-drive vehicle users, local equestrian group Back Country Horsemen and Alta Alpina, a local mountain and road bike group also are supporters listed on the group's Web site.

"Off-roaders sometimes get a bad (reputation)," said Reno resident Tom Chattin, who was helping set the sign in the ground Saturday on behalf of the Motorcycle Racing Association of Northern Nevada.

"I've been a volunteer every time we're doing something out at the trails. Whether it's something like putting (a sign) up - or cleanup.

"I wish members of the general public just knew how many cubic yards of trash we remove from these trails, how many old washers and dryers - how many autos."

Eric Bevans, owner of Dr. Smash Fabrication in Carson City, a welding outfit which custom-fabricates "everything" from bicycles to off-road vehicles, said Saturday was his first time coming out with to help the Pine Nut group, but it wouldn't be his last:

"For me, it's an education out here every time I come," he said. "We want people to enjoy these trails; I want to be a part of their up-keep so I can continue to use them.

"You get what you give back."

The new signs were made possible through a $12,000 grant through the regional trails program from Nevada State Parks, said organizer Doyal.

"It took about a year to get grant money," he said, noting a similar trailhead kiosk will be placed by the group at the end of Stephanie Lane. "But I think people are going to start to appreciate what we're trying to do.

A cleanup party is scheduled for Dec. 16 at Prison Hill.

Those wanting more information can visit www.nv-trails.org.

• Contact reporter Andrew Pridgen at apridgen@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.