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The Desert Tortoise Council
Thirty-Fourth Annual Meeting and Symposium
Spring 2009

2008
Symposium
Index

Casa Blanca Resort & Casino

2009 SYMPOSIUM

Desert Tortoise Council 34th Annual Symposium
February 19-22, 2009
Casa Blanca Resort & Casino, Mesquite, Nevada

Venture to a New Venue!

Have you ever wondered what the northern edge of the Mojave looks like, where creosote mingles with pinyon juniper and caliche caves are replaced by deep rock burrows of sandstone and basalt?  Have busy work schedules and traditional Symposium venues limited your explorations of tortoise habitat to the southern and western portion of the range?  No more excuses!

The upcoming DTC 2009 Symposium will be held February 19-22 at the Casa Blanca Resort & Casino in Mesquite, Nevada!

Okay, so you heard we were going to St. George in 2009. Well we still are...there will be field trips to the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, only a short 30 minute drive from Mesquite.  The Beaver Dam Slope is even closer.  Bring your hiking shoes, your biking shoes, and plan to spend an extra day getting intimate with red dirt.

Preliminary Planning Info.  Mesquite is only one hour north of Las Vegas on I-15.  For those flying into Vegas, a reliable and convenient door-to-door shuttle provides round-trip service between the airport and the Casa Blanca for $75.00. (mesquitebusco.com or 1-888-855-4 bus phone reservations). Of course, rental cars are also available.

Rates at the Casa Blanca, if reserved before January 19, 2009, will be affordable!  Wed-Thurs nights are $49.98 and Fri-Sat nights are $64.98.  Rates are for a standard room, per night and are subject to nine percent (9%) room tax.

Day time temperatures in late February can easily reach the mid 60's, while nights may dip to the mid 30's.  It may not be warm enough to jump in the Casa Blanca's famous waterfall and pool, but it is perfect for getting outdoors.  The Casa Blanca makes it easy to get out for fresh air and fun.  For an alternative lunch break, grab some friends for a game of sand volleyball in the court located by the pool.  Doors in the convention area open to the large outdoor space.

Field trips on Thursday!  To better accommodate work week schedules, we are trying something different by holding field trips on Thursday before the symposium starts.  We are organizing a great selection of trips to tortoise habitat...some by foot, some by bike, some by vehicle.  Sign up for field trips will be on a space-available basis.  Stay tuned for more info this fall!

Great Program! We are putting together a fantastic program!

More fun for the Family!  Zion National Park is only 1½ hours from Mesquite if you and your family are looking for a mid winter getaway.  Snow Canyon State Park is even closer, and is a good place for little ones to play in open sand dunes.  Awesome golf can be found right in Mesquite or in St. George, just 30 minutes north.  For those looking for a relaxing break from hectic home life, the Casa Blanca has a nice spa facility right on site.

Mark Your Calendar! Make sure to set aside February 19-22, 2009 for the 34th Annual Desert Tortoise Council Symposium. You won't want to miss this one!