It was a week of both devastation and renewal in Tecopa, marked by the luminous presence of a full moon. Our cherished Borehole Spring was ravaged by fire, with over 9 acres burned.
“A BLM Fire investigation is ongoing, with no obvious source of ignition determined from physical evidence,” reports the Amargosa Conservancy, intimating that earlier reports of a bottle rocket being set off are unfounded.
Then, as if nature itself sought to cleanse the wounds, nearly an inch of rain fell on February 13, soaking the charred marshland. Now, with hope in their hearts, locals await the emergence of new life from the ashes, and grumble as outsiders continue to soak in what remains.
Despite the community’s concerns, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Barstow Field Office has remained unresponsive to our requests for comment, even three days after the fire. Yet, in a striking twist of timing, BLM is currently recruiting wildland firefighters across the state, including positions within the California Desert District Office—the very jurisdiction that encompasses Tecopa.
Water World
On February 8th, just three days before the fire, the Shoshone Museum and Friends of the Amargosa Basin hosted hydrologist Andy Zdon for an informative talk on the Amargosa River Basin. With 15 years of experience studying the region, Zdon discussed the origins, age, and composition of the area’s water. The event featured a photographic tour of the springs in the Shoshone and Tecopa area, including Borehole Spring, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the local water system. According to Zdon, the water emanating from the Borehole is approximately 25,000 years old and rising from a depth of 350 feet. He also cautioned that it could take up to 2,000 years for a local aquifer to recharge with water after depletion due to the low rainfall.
Bully for You
In a Facebook thread where locals were attempting to coordinate volunteer efforts to prevent further damage to the Borehole after the fire, a newcomer to the discussion thread, Lake Tecopa property owner Adrian Wilton, startled participants with remarks seemingly aimed at discrediting Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity. Wilton’s comments appeared to undermine Donnelly’s ongoing legal efforts advocating for the BLM’s responsible management of Borehole Spring.
“With your legal efforts falling on deaf ears/in abeyance,” he wrote, “do we all think that is a good use of energy?”
“The Amargosa Conservancy (who I do not work for now, but previously did) has variously done community engagement on Borehole over time,” Donnelly responded. “You haven’t been here long so maybe you missed all of that…”
He continued, “The problem is – it’s all up to BLM to take action. We can’t literally do anything without BLM. In 2015, Amy [Noel] and Susan [Sorrells] and I tried to get signage installed, telling people to respect simple rules to protect the hot spring. BLM rejected us. We’ve provided water quality testing showing that fecal matter in the water makes it test positive for E. Coli. They need to put a toilet up. They’ve rejected that too. Amie is talking about building kiosks and outhouses and great! Yes! That’s what we should do! But BLM won’t let us do it!”
“This feels defensive and negative,” retorted Wilton, who was arguing to put grassroots efforts and resources ahead of legal ones, though other folks on the thread provided clarity that these efforts do not need to be in opposition.
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“If I’m defensive it’s because filing lawsuits is my career and you said it’s a waste of time,” Patrick wrote back, “I’ve been working on this particular lawsuit for a very long time and it means a lot to me. We all have ways of trying to create change – this is mine.”
Later, after condescending further, Wilton abruptly left the chat, to the relief of many.
Apparently, there is more to this exchange than meets the eye. According to insiders, Wilton recently applied for a position at the Amargosa Conservancy but was deemed unqualified and rejected. The role is meant to advance a local restoration project funded by a grant. Upon learning of his rejection, Wilton reportedly called up the head of the nonprofit, unleashing a tirade over the decision. In a fit of frustration, he disparaged a local geologist employed by the conservancy, sneering that they were “dumb as rocks.” Meanwhile, Wilton was texting that exact geologist, attempting to pit him against his boss.
Locals focused on newly pressing restoration efforts have little patience for Wilton’s outbursts. They say his reputation for combative behavior precedes him—he has a history of pitting himself against others and berating those who challenge him. He has been fired from both of the town’s restaurants, and last season, his business partner seemed to disappear just as four workampers abruptly fled the property after he attempted to strong-arm them into paying exorbitant rental fees that were never part of their agreement.
Ash Meadows Action
A public meeting has been scheduled to gather comments on the proposed mineral withdrawal in Ash Meadows, a critical and ecologically sensitive area, on February 27 at the Amargosa Valley Community Center, located at 829 E Amargosa Farm Road, Amargosa Valley, Nevada. This meeting provides an important opportunity for community members to express their views on the preservation of this unique landscape. Prior to the meeting, the Amargosa Conservancy will host a rally at 4:30 p.m. to raise awareness and galvanize support for the protection of Ash Meadows. The formal meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., where participants will have the chance to submit their comments to the BLM. This is a vital occasion to ensure that the voices of the public are heard regarding the future of this invaluable area. More information available on the BLM website.
3 Moons For Sale
Beneath the luminous glow of Wednesday night’s full moon, Charleston View shimmered with an ethereal light as revelers at 3 Moons explored the ever-evolving landscape of earthen structures, trailers, and sheds emerging across the property. Jehane Rucquoi, the land’s devoted steward and owner, led an intimate tour, inviting Tecopa’s younger generation—those still under 55—to witness the fruits of her two decades of dedication. With hope in her heart, she sought to inspire and perhaps discover the next steward who would continue nurturing the land’s legacy.
Perched approximately 20 minutes away and 1,000 feet above downtown Tecopa, Charleston View enjoys a slightly chillier climate, often around 10 degrees cooler. Spanning 2.5 acres, the property—listed at $60,000—includes a well, septic system, and a collection of existing structures that can accommodate guests seeking a quirky environment. While suggesting the land holds the potential for a serene yoga retreat, Jehane is also preparing to fulfill Inyo County’s requirement to build a traditional home, ensuring the property’s future aligns with local regulations.
The tour culminated atop the roof deck of an earthen dwelling—two modest yet thoughtfully crafted rooms that Jehane both built and now calls home. This space, having welcomed many visitors over the years, offers a breathtaking panorama of the valley, where sweeping desert vistas stretch endlessly in every direction. In the distance, car headlights exiting Las Vegas to the west dance along the highway in formation over Spring Mountain pass.
A carefully placed shade cloth draped from the railing at a particular spot on the roof deck, its positioning far from arbitrary. As one resident explained with a knowing smile, this discreet barrier ensured that Eric, a neighbor further down the valley, was denied any glimpses of rooftop sunbathers baring themselves towards the freedom of the open sky.
At 92, Jehane is formidable but also ready to pass on her legacy and building practices. “When you see all the buildings burning down in LA,” she pointed around at the earthen structures, “This will char, but because they are plaster, it won’t burn.”
The bags of earth are stacked and covered in lime mixed with earth, she said. “I don’t like cement—lime, you can keep going on and on, on top.”
Cannabis Inspector
Inyo County is seeking qualified individuals for Cannabis Inspector roles within its Agriculture & Weights and Measures department. These positions involve ensuring cannabis businesses adhere to local regulations through inspections, law enforcement, and audits. Inspectors also monitor product safety, educate industry stakeholders, and verify compliance with environmental and safety standards. Available at three levels (I, II, or III), the role offers varying responsibilities based on experience and qualifications. For more information, please visit the job listing here.
Caw Caw
Aldi, a global discount supermarket known for offering high-quality products at affordable prices, is expanding to Las Vegas with three new locations. The stores feature a no-frills layout that helps keep costs low, offering a wide range of private-label items that often match or surpass national brands in quality. Aldi’s product selection includes fresh produce, organic foods, meat, dairy, and pantry staples, all at competitive prices.
The new Las Vegas locations are:
- Henderson: 611 Marks St., near Galleria at Sunset mall.
- North Las Vegas: Craig Road and Clayton Street.
- Southwest Las Vegas: Rainbow Boulevard and Arby Avenue.
These stores are expected to open later this spring, though the previously announced April 16 date has been removed. Aldi’s entry into the area, they say, will bring affordable grocery options to the community, continuing the chain’s broader expansion across the U.S.
Ruby Mountains Message
The Nevada Wildlife Federation urges the public to comment in support of protecting the Ruby Mountains from oil and gas drilling. The Rubies are home to diverse wildlife, including big game species, the Himalayan snowcock, and Nevada’s only Rocky Mountain goats. They also feature thriving populations of native Lahontan cutthroat trout. A new proposal seeks to withdraw 264,000 acres from oil and gas leasing for 20 years. The public is encouraged to voice their support to help preserve this vital habitat.
Psych Assist
Nevada lawmakers are set to introduce bills this legislative session, running from February to early June, to establish a regulated pilot program for psychedelic-assisted therapy. The Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines, led by retired Navy SEAL Jon Dalton, previously secured a 2023 study on psychedelic legislation and is now pushing for concrete action. Two key bills are expected: one to create the pilot program and another to adjust criminal laws to allow its implementation. While bipartisan support exists, concerns over youth safety and potential recreational use remain. Advocates stress strict regulation as Nevada considers its next steps.
Borehole Spring photo by Scott Williams
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