Dave Cooper came to the Black Rock Desert in 2001 as the first BLM Manager for the Black Rock Desert – High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area and 10 associated wilderness areas. He led the effort to develop the first award-winning collaborative Resource Management Plan for the 1.2 million acres of public lands that make up the NCA and wilderness areas. He also authorized special recreation permits for numerous activities and events that take place in the Black Rock country such as the annual Burning Man event. Dave retired in 2009 after 33 ½ years of federal government service and providing visitor services to the public in Illinois, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, and finally Nevada. He is on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Black Rock High Rock and now makes his home in the tiny town of Gerlach, NV, the gateway to the Black Rock Desert. “Now I have time to explore this vast remote region, hike the canyons, traverse the mountain ranges, learn more of the emigrant history, continue to provide visitor services and soak in the hot springs.”