Back in the mid-1990s, Don Manuel, the BLM archeologist and myself as a historian, conducted tours involving prehistoric and historic sites. It all began during Archeology Week during the month of May. The first one was so popular, we did several throughout the summer. For the next several years we did multiple tours—even a special east side Eagle Lake tour, though that was not with Don, but Stan Bales.
The tours had several purposes. One to introduce people to BLM lands and the opportunities of the various places to explore on their own. Equally important was to educate individuals about the importance of preservation of sites. Stops at archaeological sites that had been disturbed/vandalized provided was an opportunity to highlight the message.
Historical sites as well are subjected to vandals and such. One year I pushed to include Great Basin Architecture of abandoned homesteads, knowing full well the elements of Mother Nature would reclaim the property, so it was a rare opportunity to be included. BLM said no, and now the buildings are gone. To be quite honest this ticked me off. The BLM personnel involved in the tours were paid, I received no compensation, but I was half of the tour composition. Enough of my ranting.
From time to time I am asked if the tours can be revived. Those inquiries I relayed to BLM, while receptive, they were non-commital, and the last time was three years ago, but I never heard back.
Tim
The 1994 Smoke Creek tour was a lot of fun….interesting remote country with a lot of history, and great tour leaders. It’s a missed opportunity for BLM to not do them anymore, as it (I think) generated good will and support for their land management program. Maybe Tim can bother them again and get something going!
It is a shame that BLM is not what it used to be. They need to move BLM headquarters from Washington DC out here near the land that they are supposed to manage. These homesteads are a critical part of our Western history.