The Spring Mountains ECHO

KYLE CANYON VISITOR'S CENTER UPDATE

By Charles Washington

The Spring Mountains Association (SMA) is an interpretative and volunteer organization, originally founded to support the management, use, and preservation of the resources in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA). Since the U.S. Forest Service is primarily responsible for the management of the SMNRA, both organizations have many common goals. Over the years, we have developed a good working partnership, but because the SMA is a "civilian" interpretative association, we are in a position to accomplish things that the Forest Service cannot. We can ask for support from our Congressional Delegation for a new visitor's center and more Forest Service staffing on the SMNRA (see Pat Fitzgibbon's article). In the interim, the SMA and Forest Service are in the final stages of a renovation of the existing Kyle Canyon Visitor's Center.

A fresh coat of "WHITE" paint has brightened the interior, and the new cabinets, bookshelves, map display, and counters in the sales display area look great! An initial order for books, post cards, maps, and other interpretative sales items, is being developed for delivery by the end of March. The cash register has been purchased by the SMA, and an operation training class is being developed. Now all we need are some volunteers to staff the Visitor's Center!!!

Among the Officers and Board of Directors of the SMA is a recommitment to the original SMA charter, which was 'to serve.' We would like to infect you, our membership, with this same commitment. With your help we can succeed. If each member can volunteer one weekend day, every two months, we will have good coverage in the Visitor's Center and fulfill our charter.

"Thank You's" for the renovation of the Visitor's Center go to Tim Short, Elaine Jones, Annice Ellis, and Don Eastis of the U.S. Forest Service, and to Harold who built the beautiful cabinets.