Nonprofit group advocates proper landuse

Wednesday, July 5, 2000 | 12:20 p.m.

A new nonprofit organization will promote lesser-known outdoor recreation spots and the proper use of public land surrounding Clark County's urban areas.

Known as Outside Las Vegas, the group plans to protect and restore natural, historical and archaeological sites. It also intends to create trails and support educational and volunteer programs.

Las Vegas is the only metropolitan area surrounded by public lands controlled by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said Rebecca Talbott, coordinator for the agencies.

The fast-growing city is like a doughnut hole surrounded by 7 million acres of public lands, Lake Mead Superintendent Alan O'Neill said. Few residents recognize the importance of these natural resources, he added.

Outside Las Vegas members envision that one day Southern Nevadans will care more about the natural resources surrounding them than residents of any other community in the country.

The group has a budget of $250,000 per year for the next three years.

Initially it will work on inexpensive projects that include litter cleanup and establishing a floating lab for researchers and students on Lake Mead.