False spring has arrived in Tecopa. February’s warmth has set the frogs singing in the hot springs district, while green shoots push through the burn-scarred meadow surrounding Borehole Spring—a testament to nature’s resilience.
A meeting will be held at the Tecopa Community Center on March 2, 5pm, to discuss the Center for Biological Diversity’s lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to put in place a management plan for the popular natural hot spring that is also home to the endangered Amargosa vole.
Fire and Recovery
At the most recent Southern Inyo Fire Protection District (SIFPD) board meeting, the Fire Chief noted that the BLM investigation into the Borehole Spring fire on February 11 may have uncovered some evidence, but the final outcome is still pending. The Barstow Field Office wildlife biologist, Chris Otahal, has been surveying the fire’s devastation, assessing the damage. However, we have not received a response from Barstow on our inquiry.
Meanwhile, the community has stepped up. Friends of the Borehole organized their first volunteer cleanup on February 25, drawing around ten dedicated locals. Within two hours they dismantled all the makeshift fire pits, treated burn scars by removing ash and charcoal, toting out four large bags of trash and a wheelbarrow full of fire pit rocks. A rolling magnet revealed an overwhelming number of nails left behind—remnants of burned pallets and wood—now embedded in the ground like concrete. The restoration efforts have highlighted the need to limit access points to the pools, allowing the surrounding ecosystem to recover.
The increased popularity of the springs has complicated conservation efforts and the signs of devastation around the water are clear. Tour operators from Las Vegas now bring visitors to Borehole Spring for $175 per person for a two hour visit. One such guide advertises his tours on TripAdvisor, drawing the attention—and ire—of locals who are concerned about the impact on this delicate natural resource. Let him know what you think of his business in the reviews.
Water Matters
The issue of water extends beyond the Borehole. The Tecopa Heights water kiosk recently went offline for almost 24 hours, just after one community member reported that two vans from the Marin Academy filled an estimated 300 gallons before the system shut down. SIFPD volunteers Larry and Angie managed to fix it after initial concerns that expert assistance from water equipment maker Culligan might be required—an option that, it turns out, could leave the community hanging until they are able to arrive.
At the recent fire board meeting, discussions centered on installing a generator to keep the kiosk operational during power outages. Although the generator is available, it still needs to be plumbed to the propane tank, a job for which they will now seek estimates. The board also debated whether priority should be given instead to adding a backstop to the water pump, allowing fire trucks to fill up on-site instead of relying on private property.
Meanwhile, renewing the SIFPD’s lease for the land remains in limbo. With no response from the BLM, progress on securing the property remains stalled, and funding cannot be retrieved until the paperwork comes through, meaning that building on the land cannot move forward without it. There is also a ticking clock on how long the SIFPD has to collect the funding before the deadline expires.
The next long term planning meeting for the SIFPD will take place at the Tecopa Community Center on March 13 at 6pm, all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
A Fire Department in Flux
The informal operations of the SIFPD continue to raise concerns. A former fire chief, who left abruptly, used department funds to purchase a truck for $13,000—yet the vehicle, along with other equipment, remains on his property in Pahrump. Since he moved, he’s demanding another $13,000 for storage and towing fees. The current fire chief must consult with county counsel before proceeding, as the invoice has raised eyebrows. The next SIFPD meeting on March 6, at 4pm in the Community Center, will center on this discussion.
In the meantime, the local EMT situation remains dire. With volunteer interest low, discussions at the long-term planning meeting considered housing an out-of-town EMT in a purchased trailer to provide part-time coverage. The proposed solution, however, involves paying market-rate rent to Delight’s Hot Spring Resort when in use—a questionable arrangement given that the resort’s operator sits on the fire board.
Part of the challenge is that while the SIFPD provides EMT training, it does not seem to require significant commitment in return CORRECTION: SIFPD does require a two year commitment in return for free certification, however they say there is no way to enforce it.
As a result, some trained individuals take advantage of the opportunity without contributing much back to the community. A notable example discussed at the last board meeting is Tyler Carter, who received 140 hours of training funded by SIFPD, responded to only two calls, and then leveraged his certification to secure a $120,000-a-year job as a firefighter at the Nevada National Security Site. However, Carter’s career was cut short when he was convicted of multiple felonies last year, including DUI, causing bodily injury and fleeing the scene. He reported to prison last month and is not expected to return for another two to five years, pending appeal of his DUI charge.
Mines and Restoration
Over at Tecopa Mines, owner Ross is pursuing his own water project, working to uncap an old well. “I’m probably a couple weeks away from having water test results, but then I’ve still gotta get a pump installed,” he shared while the kiosk remained offline. “I wish it was online right now so I could help out.”
His work restoring the mines has drawn a small community of volunteers, and even Brent Underwood of Cerro Gordo Mines stopped by to lend encouragement—and, naturally, for all the local YouTubers, Wonderhussy included, to grab a steak at Steaks and Beer.
Speaking of Wonderhussy, she recently documented the relocation of the miner’s shack on Noonday. “Woke up this morning to find Better Call Paul preparing to move the funky little miner’s cabin from its longtime resting place near the foot of our driveway!! A collector bought it and is turning it into guest quarters on his property,” she wrote. “I’ve gotten used to looking out and seeing that cabin… the view just isn’t going to be the same without it!”
The shack will be relocated and meticulously restored to serve as a charming local cabin rental, preserving its character while protecting it from the relentless wear of the elements.
Moving Forward
Restoration efforts extend beyond buildings. Locals have been discussing the return of Death Valley Brewing patron privileges to James, Tecopa’s well-known fire dancer and eccentric personality. “The bar just isn’t the same without him,” someone remarked over a recent campfire gathering. “Maybe he could apologize?” said another.
As Tecopa grapples with fire recovery, water security, and the shifting dynamics of community life, one truth remains: water is life. Whether it’s the springs, the kiosk, or the mines, the resource that sustains Tecopa is at the heart of every challenge and every solution. The town, ever resilient, continues to rise, rebuild, and restore what it holds dear.
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