The Millican Lek has been popular with researchers and wildlife observers for decades. A rapid decline in numbers of birds using the lek was noted beginning about year 2000. Concern for the birds led to the BLM closing the area to the public to protect the area.
The BLM, ECBC and Audubon worked together to have a limited opening on weekends using trained volunteers to supervise the site. Thirteen volunteers come for training by Courtney Falk, Wildlife Technician from the BLM and all told, put in over 100 hours in April 2005 at the site. Birds were seen about 50% of the mornings. And while there is evidence of ongoing vandalism and habitat destruction all around the lek area, there was no disturbance to the birds while volunteers supervised and protected the area.