Columnist Paula Del Giudice: Public invited to help solve PWC conflicts

PAULA DEL GIUDICE has been an outdoors freelance writer, author and photographer for 13 years. Her column appears Wednesdays

THE HOLIDAY weekend was marred by several tragic accidents at Lake Mead -- many involving personal watercraft (the generic name for Sea-Doos, Jet Skis and Waverunners).

The National Park Service is looking at ways to minimize conflicts between PWCs and other lake users. Not all the accidents, mind you, were caused by conflict between PWCs and others.

One fatality occurred when a couple dismounted their craft to do a little swimming sans their flotation devices. The wind blew the PWC away from them and one person drowned.

With so many visitors to Lake Mead and the popularity of PWCs escalating, it makes sense to come up with a plan to reduce conflicts that do exist. The plan might include areas where boaters aren't allowed and those on PWCs are.

It's likely going to mean additional regulations to reduce conflicts. But it doesn't seem like there's any way around that.

One thing that's impossible to regulate, though, is the use of common sense. With speed and daring being mixed perhaps, with a tinge of alcohol and bravado, comes a cocktail that can be dangerous or downright deadly.

Those who use the lake probably have some very good suggestions for how recreational uses should be managed. So the public is encouraged to attend three open houses the NPS is sponsoring.

On July 20, the open house will be held at the Alan Bible Visitors Center at Lake Mead. On July 23, it will be at Cashman Field in Las Vegas and July 30 at the Henderson Convention Center. Each session is scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m.

In the meantime, condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to accidents at Lake Mead. It's hoped that those who use PWCs will consider these accidents and understand that driving them doesn't confer immortality.

Hikes planned

For those willing to brave the heat, there are several excellent hikes planned this week at Red Rock Canyon.

On Saturday, a family hike to Wheeler Spring will introduce hikers to the importance of this watering hole to wildlife. It's a rocky one-mile hike.

Also planned for Saturday is a moderate three-mile hike to the base of La Madre and into mountain lion country. This hike will focus on mountain lion behavior and characteristics while hikers look for tracks.

A sunset tour is set for Sunday when hikers can explore the rock country as it gets ready for the evening.

As for all hikes, water, sunscreen and a camera are suggested. Reservations also are required. To make them, call 363-1921.

Wildlife interviews

Interviews to select a new administrator for the Nevada Division of Wildlife will be held by the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners July 9-10 at NDOW's Reno office, 1100 Valley Road.

The public interview process begins Thursday at 7:30 a.m. and continues Friday at 8 a.m. Three candidates will be recommended by the commission to the director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Commissioners also will meet on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Sharkey's Nugget, 1440 Highway 395 in South Gardnerville.

Agenda items include review of a proposed management plan for the state's wildlife management areas, a public request for the commission to reconsider its decision to establish a crow hunting season and a petition to reconsider its decision to restrict boating during waterfowl hunting season at Key Pittman Wildlife Management Area.

Battery maintenance

The batteries used to start the motors on boat engines and those used by trolling motors require a bit of maintenance to keep them charged and useful.

According to the engineers at DieHard Marine Batteries, allowing any battery to sit in a discharged state for a long period will damage its energy-storage capacity and shorten its useful life.

The battery's grid metal corrodes much faster in weaker electrolyte, and sulfate build-up on the battery's plate surface inhibits recharging.

DieHard recommends that you maintain your battery's electrolyte level to within one-fourth of an inch below the bottom of the vent well splash ring. Use only distilled or deionized water, and give your battery and equalizing charge to mix the electrolyte after adding water.

A slight overcharge is okay for deep-cycle batteries, such as those for trolling motors. But too much overcharge creates heat which causes the plates to shed its active material, reducing its energy storage capacity. A 12-volt, fully automatic battery charger with a 10 or 20-amp rating is recommended for most overnight charging situations.

Before storing a battery, add electrolyte to the recommended level, recharge it and wipe the surface with a mixture of baking soda and water. Store it in a cool place. Today's plastic-cased batteries can be stored on a cement floor.

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