Confluence of Conflicts

Dick and Joani Dufourd – RecConnect, LLC
Friday, March 14, 8 AM - 4:30PM
One-day outdoor workshop
Location: Atlantis, Meet Bus at Rear Entrance of Casino, at covered bus loading area.

The Session

Many law enforcement officers refer to the urban interface as their “Bermuda Triangle”- a place where anything and everything can happen. Every urban area has at least one area like this. In recent years, the urban growth in the Reno-Sparks area has exploded with subdivisions. In the middle of this and nearly surrounded by it, is a

piece of land called Hungry Valley. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), heavy pressure for public access and public uses has changed this once remote area of 40,000 acres into an area that needs to be managed more as an urban park or open space. There are issues with trails for OHVs, equestrians, and hikers, dumping, shooting, driving for pleasure, litter, vandalism, parties and alcohol abuse, private inholdings, dog trials, a radio-controlled airfield, wildlife, visual quality and other resource impacts, and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. The area is a hotbed of passions and it’s getting “loved to death.” Hungry Valley is in the backyard of many subdivisions, and it IS the backyard for many residents. It is the confluence of conflicts and the attitude of NIMBYism, or Not In My Back Yard, abounds.

Evidence of shooting & vandalism   Parties & drinking add to the issues    Visual impacts from Unmanaged OHV Use

In a field trip format, this unique workshop discusses these complex issues and challenges and the solutions that are being implemented here. The session will also focus on how creative partnerships, non-agency funding sources, and non-profits have been utilized to help manage this area. A multiple use group called the Friends of Hungry Valley (FOHV) and the Great Basin Institute (GBI), a non-profit, have been instrumental in garnering support, funding, and management for Hungry Valley. Members of the BLM, FOHV, GBI and law enforcement officers will be present to offer their perspectives and insight and to assist the group in providing solutions to the myriad of problems facing of those living near and managing the urban interface.

      Equestrians and OHVs                  Rock Crawling at Moon Rocks        RVs staged at Moon Rocks for an event

We will visit several sites in Hungry Valley, discuss the issues associated with each site, and have the group brainstorm their solution. The group will then have the opportunity to hear how the agency and stakeholder personnel have tackled the issues and their rationale for that solution. Topics include: understanding the user’s needs, trail planning, trail design, trailhead and staging area design concepts, providing resource protection, events, effective signing, mapping, education, and law enforcement. This session will give the attendee the tools and concepts to turn challenges and frustrations into successful managed areas and trail systems. Anyone dealing with OHV design and urban interface management issues will benefit from this workshop.

   New portal signs installed          Working with Great Basin Institute    Signing for Courtesy Zones

The Presenters

Dick and Joani Dufourd of RecConnect are a team of professional experts who are committed to providing high-quality recreation trails and facilities. Specializing in OHV trails and OHV consulting, we believe in maintaining access for the public, multiple use, and resource protection. With our extensive experience, we help our clients produce outstanding projects by assisting them in planning, location, design, or construction. We also provide training and technology transfer that gives our clients the tools they need to understand what needs to be done and how to successfully do it.

What sets us apart from many other contractors is our multi-faceted approach to project design and management. We recognize the importance of stakeholder involvement, so we not only work with our client, but also network with agency personnel, enthusiast groups, and other organizations to garner understanding and support of the project. We provide public relations, form implementation groups, and conduct workshops and site visits to help keep everyone involved and abreast with the project vision and development. This helps to insure that concerns are addressed in a timely manner and that the vision of our client is transformed into a successful project on the ground.

The basic issues and problems here in Hungry Valley are similar to those nationally and internationally. We provide real solutions to real problems. Since we have successfully implemented and managed several trail systems and programs, we can provide our clients with the key tools to help them achieve the same success. 

When and Where

As part of the annual Professional Trailbuilders Association Conference, this valuable workshop will start at the Atlantis Casino Resort on Friday, March 14, 2008. A 31-passenger mini bus will pick up attendees at the rear entrance of the Atlantis at 8:00 am. We will tour several sites in Hungry Valley, have lunch in the field, and return to the Atlantis at approximately 4:30 pm.

This is a field trip, so please wear field clothes and dress accordingly. Average weather on March 14 is mostly sunny with a high of 56°F, low 30°F, 19% chance of light precipitation, no snow on the ground. Weather averages for Reno on March 14.  However, this is early spring in the desert, and the weather will not be predictable, so please be prepared. The bus is set up in a meeting room configuration with a sound system, so we can conduct our discussions in the comfort of the bus if the weather is inclement. The bus is also equipped with a restroom.

Fee
The cost will be $170 for early registration (through Feb. 22) and $205 after Feb. 22. A box lunch and a variety of refreshments will be provided. An assortment of handout materials will also be provided. Registration is on a first-come basis and is limited to 25 attendees.

For More Information
Contact Dick or Joani Dufourd at 541-382-8319 or Please visit our website at www.recconnect.biz

The start of a classic desert motorcycle race