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Duane Bliss: Timber Baron with Vision
By Mark McLaughlin
Many of America’s most scenic and historic places have been set aside and protected as national parks. The concept of a “national park” is an American innovation that grew out of the conservation movement that began in the 19th century.
Duane Leroy Bliss played an unlikely role in early efforts to protect Tahoe Sierra forestland from commercial exploitation. Unlikely, because Bliss himself was one of the biggest regional timber barons who made a lot of money denuding the Tahoe Basin in the 1800s. But, he was also a visionary when it came to the environmental future of the area.
Bliss was a man of integrity, ability and
1833, Bliss completed his schooling by age 13. Tragically, this accomplishment was quickly followed by his mother’s death so he signed up for a two-year stint working as a cabin boy on a ship traveling to South America. He returned home in 1848 to teach in a Savoy school, but the following year, news of the Gold Rush swept New England. Bliss quit his job and boarded a Californiabound steamer.
Duane Bliss was barely 17 years old when he reached California in 1850, but with hard work he made money on a small mining claim. He used his earnings to acquire interest in a general store and hotel near San Francisco. Over the next decade, he gained much needed business experience and in 1860, Bliss moved to Gold Hill, Nevada, where he was hired to manage a quartz mill at Silver City. Over the next eight years Bliss tried his hand at all aspects of Comstock industry. He supervised large construction projects, ran mining and ore milling operations, and held executive banking positions. By the time Bliss was 30 years old, he had
Elusive Residents of Tahoe Forests: THE PINE MARTEN
Nestled within the dense coniferous forests surrounding Lake Tahoe, the American pine marten (*Martes americana*) remains one of the region’s most elusive and intriguing mammals. These small, agile predators play a significant role in the local ecosystem, yet their presence often goes unnoticed by the area’s many visitors and residents.
Characteristics and Habitat
Pine martens are members of the weasel family, characterized by their slender bodies, bushy tails, and rich brown fur. They thrive in mature, dense conifer forests that offer a high canopy cover and abundant woody debris on the forest floor. Such environments provide essential resources, including prey, protection, and denning sites. According to the
Sierra Forest Legacy, these forests are crucial for the martens’ survival, offering the necessary shelter and habitat.
Population Concerns
Recent studies have raised concerns about declining marten populations in the Sierra Nevada. Research conducted in the Sagehen Experimental Forest, north of Lake Tahoe, indicates a significant decrease in marten de-
tections compared to surveys from the 1980s. The study suggests that habitat loss due to logging and fires may contribute to this decline.
Conservation Efforts
Local organizations are actively working to understand and mitigate these challenges. The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), for instance, engages in research and monitoring projects aimed at advancing conservation and ecosystem knowledge in the Tahoe region. Their efforts include education programs and community nature initiatives to foster a deeper connection between people and the natural environment.
Additionally, the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center’s Forest and Conservation Biology Lab focuses on developing conservation and restoration strategies for native plant species, which indirectly benefits wildlife like the pine marten by promoting healthier forest ecosystems.
The Role of Fire in Habitat Dynamics
Interestingly, natural disturbances like fire can have complex effects on marten habitats. Craig Mortimore, a supervising biologist with the Neva-
da Department of Wildlife, notes that while martens require old-growth forests, they can benefit from the openings created by fire, which enhance hunting opportunities. He explains, “When a dense pine forest is destroyed, it creates open space and allows for other stages of plant succession... That’s important because voles are at the bottom of the food chain. If you increase the density of voles, the density of animals that prey on them will also increase.”
Human Impact and Connectivity
The increasing human footprint in the Lake Tahoe Basin poses additional challenges for pine martens. Development and road construction fragment critical habitats, making it difficult for martens to move safely across the landscape. A recent study highlighted by Wildlands Network emphasizes the need for wildlife corridors to ensure safe passage for species like the pine marten. The study underscores that balancing ecosystem health with human activity is a significant challenge in the Tahoe area.
Observing Pine Martens
For those fortunate enough to encounter a pine marten in the wild, it’s a memorable experience. These creatures are most active during dawn and dusk, skillfully navigating the forest canopy or foraging on the ground. Their elusive nature means sightings are rare, but their presence is a testament to the health and vitality of Tahoe’s forest ecosystems.
Protecting the pine marten requires a concerted effort to preserve their habitat, understand their ecological needs, and mitigate the impacts of human activity. Through ongoing research and community engagement, there is hope that these fascinating animals will continue to thrive in the Lake Tahoe region for generations to come.
Duane Bliss: Timber Baron with Vision
Continued From Page 3
In 1868, the Bank of California initiated the construction of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, and they appointed Duane Bliss right-of-way agent, responsible for acquiring the necessary properties for the project as well as the process of obtaining forestland in the Tahoe Basin. Bliss realized that the valuable timber needed to sustain Comstock mining operations was located on the slopes surrounding Lake Tahoe, and the new V&T railroad would economically transport it to Virginia City.
In 1873, Bliss and a group of investors formed a logging and fluming company, with Bliss as president, general manager and largest stockholder. The company had three divisions: logging, wood milling and railroad transportation, with its center of operations at Glenbrook on Lake Tahoe. Over the next 25 years this consortium removed most of the old growth timber in the Tahoe Basin. It was a massive amount of wood; nearly 750 million board feet of timber, and 500,000 cords of firewood. At one point the company owned nearly 80,000 acres, including miles of pristine Tahoe shoreline. Bliss had purchased much of the land for as little as $1.25 an acre.
By 1880, mounting damage to the Tahoe forest drew protests from visitors, newspaper editors and politicians. A movement toward mitigating exploitation of Tahoe timber gathered popular support. Duane Bliss ordered loggers on his timber tracts to spare all trees under 15 inches in diameter, in order to
protect a portion of the forest and accelerate its eventual re-growth. Initially however, nothing could stop the Comstock juggernaut. At the time, most Truckee-Tahoe locals were enjoying an economic boost from the logging industry and related business opportunities so they supported the acquisition of land for profit rather protection under government control.
Eventually the Comstock went bust for good. The local economy collapsed and people deserted the region in droves. When the dust finally settled it was apparent that the clear-cut logging operations had decimated much of the region’s natural beauty. At the south shore of Lake Tahoe, abandoned logging camps, empty flumes, rusting railroad equipment and silent mills haunted the denuded landscape.
But Duane Bliss wasn’t giving up on Lake Tahoe. Despite its condition, he realized that the lake had everything to support world class tourism and he had a vision for how that would happen. His scheme required three interrelated projects; a stylish passenger steamship, a railroad to connect Tahoe City with Southern Pacific’s transcontinental line in Truckee, and the Tahoe Tavern, a luxury hotel. Bliss knew how to get things done and in about five years his steamer, the S.S. Tahoe, was in operation, as was his Tahoe Tavern Hotel & Casino, and narrow-gauge railroad, the Lake Tahoe Railway & Transportation Co.
1899, President William McKinley approved the establishment of more than 136,000 acres in the southwestern part of the Tahoe Basin as the Lake Tahoe Forest Reserve. Today the bulk of that reserve is known as the Desolation Wilderness, one of the most beautiful and heavily visited portions of the Tahoe Sierra. It was the beginning of federal efforts to protect and manage land at Lake Tahoe, but logging and development in the basin continued.
That same year, Nevada Senator William M. Stewart proposed a Lake Tahoe National Park that would include the whole of the Tahoe Basin. Stewart’s plan was somewhat disingenuous because he wanted a large dam built at Tahoe City with all surplus water stored behind it available for Nevada farmers as well as the development of hydroelectric
Portrait of Duane Leroy Bliss 1928
Source: Who’s Who in California c.1929
Desolation Valley, Lake Tahoe 1910 Courtesy of hte Library of Congress
power. Nevada’s agriculture industry was elated, stating that the only limits on the potential expansion of farming in the Truckee River district would be the height of the dam. Stewart was hoping for a dam that could hold back 12 feet of Tahoe water, compared to the current limit of six feet, one inch. California interests complained. Environmentalist and activist John Muir warned of a “gross fraud” by the lumber companies against the public interest and the proposed national park bill died.
Meanwhile, supporters of expanding the Lake Tahoe Forest Reserve renewed their efforts. Unlike a national park that required an act of Congress, forest reserves could be established by presidential decree. More importantly for local Tahoe residents and businessmen, a national park excluded commercial development, while a forest reserve
permitted livestock grazing and logging.
After President McKinley’s assassination in September 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt took command. Roosevelt soon demanded the expansion of the forest reserve system. An aggressive conservationist, Roosevelt
assisted in adding 147 million acres to the nation’s forest reserves, created 18 national monuments, and used his influence with Congress to establish five national parks. He also established the U.S. Forest Service to better manage the nation’s wildlands.
On December 23, 1907, D.L. Bliss died after a brief illness. The loss was felt well beyond the family as one obituary confirmed: “His death will be a profound loss to both Nevada and California, for his business interests were interwoven in both states and his sterling manhood was something to rest on.” Before Bliss died he contacted John Muir and proposed the establishment of a more expansive Lake Tahoe Forest Reserve. Muir, a writer and naturalist, had actively supported the creation of a Sierra Forest Reserve to protect timberland in parts of Northern California. Muir is best known for his Continued on Page 8, Bottom
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Men perched on log at Fallen Leaf Lake, 1866
Courtesy of hte Library of Congress
Christy Morrison riding Duke, an adopted wild mustang, and Karen Aaron riding Sunshine during the Pony Express Re-ride on Jacks Valley Rd, Genoa NV.
Robert Bucknell’s Rodeo Cowgirl is a vibrant celebration of Americana,
skillfully merging playful exaggeration with traditional Western themes. The artist’s use of color is especially striking—the cobalt sky provides a vivid, nearsurreal backdrop that amplifies the brightness of the central figure’s outfit. The palette, dominated by crisp whites, deep blacks, and pastel pinks, brings a polished theatricality to the work, reinforcing the cowgirl’s larger-than-life persona.
In the composition, Bucknell employs a dramatic upward viewing angle that elevates the cowgirl to an almost
Duane Bliss: Timber Baron with Vision Continued From Page 7
leading role in the fight to save the Yosemite Valley from commercial exploitation and for co-founding the Sierra Club.
By this time Lake Tahoe’s forestland was in a deplorable condition. Civil engineer and conservationist Professor Marsden Manson wrote, “Around Lake Tahoe the timbered areas have been entirely swept off, with the exception of a few thousand acres around Tallac, and some at the north end, reserved by the owners for later use.” The landscape was so barren near Brockway and along the east shore of Big Blue that large tracts were being sold for just 50 cents per acre. Within a decade wealthy eccentric George Whittell Jr. would purchase most of that land for $2 million. Whittell’s land later became
heroic status. Her figure dominates the foreground, towering between two horses. This low-angle perspective accentuates her confident posture and dynamic presence, making her appear monumental and empowered. The pronounced facial structure and flared stance—further emphasize her commanding role in the scene. In contrast, the horses are at attention anchoring the composition and enhancing the visual tension between idealized subject and naturalistic surroundings.
Technique-wise, Bucknell blends tight detailing with
the core of Nevada’s state park system on Lake Tahoe.
Over the years, more efforts to establish a Lake Tahoe National Park were initiated, but none ever made it to the congressional level. In the 1920s, Stephen Mather, the first director of the newly formed National Park Service and a longtime California resident, had visited Lake Tahoe many times. The forest had
painterly flair. The glossy texture of the cowgirl’s jacket, the shine on her boots, and the lightcatching halo behind her head suggest a refined command of oil painting, while still leaving room for stylized spontaneity. The crisp fringe and embossed belt details show precision, whereas the background and grassy foreground are rendered with looser strokes, creating depth and vibrancy.
The Genoa Gallery is now offering Rodeo Cowgirl and other award winning paintings by Robert Bucknell.
grown back robustly, but Mather was concerned about the increasing construction of roads, homes and businesses, all of which lowered the region’s chances for national park status. Finally in 1931, another representative of the Park Service visited the lake and determined that its “extremely altered” landscape and widespread private ownership precluded the area from being designated a national park and the book was closed. Today more than 80% of the land area in the Lake Tahoe Basin is designated as state park and national forest.
Tahoe historian Mark McLaughlin is a nationally published author and professional speaker. Check out Mark’s blog: TahoeNuggets.com
SPRING WEEKEND WARRIOR PROJECTS: UPGRADES YOU CAN DO IN A DAY
Looking to refresh your home without committing to a major renovation? Weekend warrior projects are the perfect way to make impactful changes in just a day. With a few tools and some creativity, you can update your space, boost functionality, and even add value to your home. Here are a few upgrades to tackle this weekend:
Paint an Accent Wall
A fresh coat of paint on a single wall can transform the feel of a room. Choose a bold or complementary color to make a statement without overwhelming the space.
Replace Light Fixtures
Upgrade outdated lighting with stylish, energy-efficient fixtures. Look for options that suit the room's purpose and enhance natural light.
Create a Gallery Wall
Turn blank walls into focal points by arranging a collection of photos, artwork, or prints. Use matching frames for a cohesive look or mix styles for an eclectic vibe.
Revamp Your Front Door
A fresh coat of paint and new hardware on your front door can greatly enhance curb appeal. Consider bold colors like red, navy, or forest green for a welcoming look.
These one-day projects are perfect for a weekend and fast, satisfying results. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply want to see something different, these upgrades deliver big style without the hassle of a full renovation.
RIDING INTO HISTORY -
The Untamed Legacy of Women in Rodeo
For more than a century, women have competed, performed, and persevered in the sport of rodeo. Often sidelined or excluded, they carved space for themselves with talent, courage, and relentless drive. From early Wild West shows to the modern rodeo circuit, women have shaped the sport—and continue to do so with every gallop, rope, and barrel turn.
Trailblazing on the Frontier
In the late 1800s, the first public stage for female riders wasn’t the rodeo arena—it was the traveling Wild West show. These popular exhibitions featured sharpshooting, trick riding, and roughstock performances, drawing
huge crowds and laying the foundation for women to participate in western sport.
Annie Oakley, the iconic markswoman of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, didn’t ride broncs or rope steers, but her presence as a competitive, capable woman on the frontier stage helped legitimize female athleticism in the public eye.
More directly tied to rodeo’s roots was Lucille Mulhall of Oklahoma. Known as the “Original Cowgirl,” she could rope and ride with the best of them—often beating male competitors in early roping contests. President Theodore Roosevelt reportedly called her “the only lady roper in the world.”
“They called me a lady bronc buster, but I called myself a rider. That was all that mattered.”
—Lucille Mulhall
Outlaws and Organizers: Women Take the Reins
As rodeo transitioned into formal competition in the early 20th century, women were increasingly pushed out of major events. Despite their proven skill, the sport’s leadership deemed events like steer wrestling and bronc riding too dangerous or “unfeminine” for women.
In response, women became their own advocates. In 1948, a group of female competitors founded the Girls Rodeo Association (GRA) in San Angelo, Texas. Among the organizers was Thena Mae Farr, a cowgirl determined to build a rodeo circuit where women weren’t sideshows—but headliners.
“We wanted more than applause—we wanted respect, fair pay, and a level playing field.”
—Thena Mae Farr, GRA Co-Founder
The GRA, now known as the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), created its own rulebook, sanctioned its own events, and laid the groundwork for generations of female athletes.
The Rise of Barrel Racing
One of the most recognized women’s events in rodeo today, barrel racing
Lucille Mullhall standing on the back of a seated horse. 1909 Courtesy of Library of Congress
Annie Oakley - 1899
Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress
blends speed, precision, and horsemanship. Though the sport existed for decades, it was the WPRA that brought it to the national stage—and cowgirls like Charmayne James who turned it into a sensation.
“Charmayne didn’t just win—she changed the game.”
—Rodeo announcer Bob Tallman
James, a Texas native, dominated the sport through the 1980s and ’90s. With her legendary horse Scamper, she won an unprecedented 11 WPRA world titles, including 10 consecutive championships. In one memorable run at the 1985 National Finals Rodeo, Scamper completed the pattern bridleless after it slipped off—securing their place in rodeo legend.
Leadership in the Arena
Athletes weren’t the only force shaping the sport. Many cowgirls took on leadership roles to elevate women’s rodeo from within.
Jimmie Gibbs Munroe, a champion barrel racer, served as WPRA president and spent years advocating for increased prize money, improved safety standards, and recognition at national rodeos. Her work ensured that events like barrel racing received the visibility and respect they deserved.
New Frontiers: Breakaway Roping and a New Generation
In recent years, breakaway roping has surged in popularity. Once an under-the-radar event, it’s now part of many top-tier rodeos, including the National Finals Rodeo, where it debuted in 2020 as a featured women’s event.
Champions like Jackie Crawford, a 20time WPRA world titleholder, and rising stars like Madison Outhier and Josie Conner are leading the charge. Their lightning-fast catches and fearless competitiveness are opening doors for a new generation of rodeo athletes.
James and her horse “Scamper”
At the same time, barrel racing stars like Hailey Kinsel, known for her unmatched runs aboard her palomino mare “Sister,” are redefining what’s possible in the arena—and showing young riders that world titles are within reach.
“We’re not waiting for permission. We’re taking our place in the arena.”
— Hailey Kinsel, 4x WPRA World Champion
The Enduring Spirit of the Cowgirl
What began with Wild West performances and unrecognized talent has become a full-fledged legacy of sport. Today’s female rodeo athletes are competitors, role models, and industry leaders. They’ve proven that the rodeo isn’t just a man’s game—and never was.
Through every era, women in rodeo have had to fight for recognition. But through skill, community, and unshakable drive, they’ve done more than ride—they’ve transformed the sport.
Trailblazers
Annie Oakley 1860 - 1926
Sharpshooting icon who became a symbol of frontier feminism and athleticism.
Lucille Mulhall 1885 -1940
Often called the first cowgirl, she dominated early roping contests and won fame across the U.S.
Thena Mae Farr 1927 - 1985
GRA co-founder who helped organize the first women-run rodeo circuit.
Jimmie Gibbs Munroe Age 73
WPRA champion and advocate who helped push for women’s inclusion and parity in rodeo.
Charmayne James Age 54
11-time world champion barrel racer, best known for her bridleless run on Scamper.
Jackie Crawford Age 42
One of the most decorated breakaway ropers in the sport’s history.
Hailey Kinsel Age 30
Modern barrel racing star and role model for a new era of rodeo athletes.
Charmayne
Photo Courtesy of Womens Profesional Rodeo Association
Secure Your Network
If you’re like most people, you likely use your home internet to pay bills, shop online, send emails, watch movies and more. With everything from smartphones and laptops to security systems and thermostats connected to your home’s Wi-Fi, protecting your network is vital to keeping your personal information secure.
Much the same as you lock your front door to help protect your valuables inside, ensuring your wireless network is secure can help safeguard personal information like account passwords and credit card numbers and keep your devices from cyber threats. Consider these tips to create a secure online environment.
Understand Wi-Fi Security Protocols
By understanding different Wi-Fi security protocols, you can make informed decisions and prevent unauthorized access. There are several protocols available, including WEP (wired equivalent privacy), WPA (Wi-Fi protected access) and WPA2 (Wi-Fi protected access 2). WPA2 is currently the most secure option and should be used whenever possible
Set a Strong Password
By setting a strong Wi-Fi password, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your network. Your password should be long, complex and unique. Avoid using common words or easily guessable combinations.
Consider using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
Enable Network Encryption
Network encryption adds an extra layer of security to your Wi-Fi network. Encryption scrambles the data transmitted between your devices and the router, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. To enable network encryption, access your router’s settings and look for the encryption options. Choose the strongest encryption protocol available –either WPA2PSK (preshared key) or WPA3 – and enter a strong password to ensure your network is protected from eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
Enhance Network Security with MAC Address Filtering
MAC Address Filtering is an additional security measure that can help prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to your Wi-Fi network. Every network device has a unique MAC (media access control) address, which can be used to control access to your network. To set up MAC Address Filtering and create a whitelist of allowed devices that can connect to your network, access your router’s settings and enter the MAC addresses of the devices you want to allow in the filtering section.
Update Router Software
Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to fix security vulnerabilities and improve performance. To update your router’s software and reduce the risk of unauthorized network access, check the manufacturer’s website or your router’s administration interface for available updates. Follow the instructions to download and install the latest firmware.
