WSLCA winter conference:
See you in Reno!

The Winter 1997 meeting of the WSLCA will be held at Harrah's-Reno, January 8-10. The surrounding desert and mountains will make for a perfect winter meeting retreat.

Harrah's is located downtown in the casino core area, and is directly connected by walkways to other hotel casinos.

The hotel has seven restaurants (including Planet Hollywood) and a variety of boutiques. Harrah's is also the home of the Great Reno Wild Wild West Show.

Harrah's is within easy walking distance of such attractions as the Fleischmann Planetarium, the National Automobile Museum, and the National Bowling Stadium.

Other sights include the Nevada History Museum and the "Divorce Bridge," where thousands of just-divorced people celebrate their new status by pitching their wedding rings over the side.

Between sessions, you may want to tour the mansions of the city's famous -- and infamous -- railroad, saloon, casino and mining barons.

Expect wintry weather conditions in Reno the first month of the year. Lake Tahoe is less than an hour away, and January is ski season in the Sierras.

WSLCA members will recall that we decided to try an experimental format for this meeting.

We will have a short meeting focusing on the strategic plan and committee work. Then the executive committee will meet Wednesday afternoon, followed by an evening reception. The meeting will continue through Thursday and into midafternoon Friday.

Room rates at Harrah's will be $54, plus nine percent room tax, for Wednesday and Thursday nights. For any who wants to stay and take advantage of the ski slopes (or the casinos), Harrah's has extended the conference rate through Friday night. WSLCA delegates staying through Saturday night can receive Harrah's discounted rate of $74 a night.

While you're enjoying the wintry Reno weather, you can start thinking about the Summer WSLCA meeting, scheduled to be held in Bismarck, North Dakota. A block of rooms has already been reserved at the Holiday Inn at 605 E. Broadway in Bismarck (58502). You may also call 701-255-6000 for reservations.

Bismarck is known for its fishing, golfing and hiking opportunities (scenic trails abound). The city isn't far from historic Medora, an old west town with a state-of-the-art music center. Fort Lincoln, hometown of General George Armstrong Custer, is also nearby.

For more information, contact Linda Kahl, North Dakota State Land Department, at 701-328-2800.

And in the meantime -- see you in Reno!