Steward Stories: Truck Ranch

My wife Jane and I have been stewards since last year. We were introduced to the program by our friends, the Swansons, who steward several sites at Gold Butte National Monument. Our site, Truck Ranch, is also located at Gold Butte and includes both ranching and mining artifacts as well as some small petroglyphs.

Historic Truck at Truck Ranch

Our site features one nearly complete truck and parts of others that I was informed were poached from the site in the past. I have an automotive background and have taken on the personal side project of learning more about the truck. It is a post war GMC cab/chassis. The flatbed has been removed and is located several yards away. On a recent site visit I was attempting to locate the vehicle identification number (VIN). I thought I had found it on a plate near the bottom of the engine but instead have found another rabbit hole. The plate was installed by Frazier Wright company, a now defunct California engine rebuilder, and lists bore machining specifications. Apparently, the truck had a remanufactured engine installed at some point. Hopefully more to come from future site visits.

2025 Check Dams Crew

Michelle Burkett is our Regional Coordinator. She organizes annual picnics for the group. These have been great social events where we have met many new friends. The gatherings are also a chance to explore and learn more about our area. In 2025 we surveyed check dams outside Mesquite and picnicked at White Rock Campground. This year we saw the new visitor center at Valley of Fire State Park. Site stewardship is a great opportunity to give back to the local areas that we enjoy so much. We proudly participate in this program.