Protecting public lands could result in ring of nature around town

Wednesday, July 19, 2000 | 11:10 a.m.

Some day Las Vegas, one of the most artificial cities in the world, could be encircled by the most protected public lands in the nation, federal officials say.

Those public lands represent nearly every environmental zone existing on Earth, from the Alpine heights of Mount Charleston peak to the Mojave Desert, all within a 50-mile radius of a city where most visitors think palm trees are native.

It's a part of the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998 that is easily overlooked. The plan to spend $33 million from the sale of Bureau of Land Management property to buy environmentally sensitive land includes $5 million to improve and protect already existing park areas.

In addition, some of the lands identified to purchase are private parcels tucked within Southern Nevada's public recreation areas.

In a new spirit of cooperation, the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation and the National Park Service have agreed to priorities in spending the money.

The investment, federal officials say, will help build a ring of natural resources around the Las Vegas Valley that could be unparalled.

"Imagine Las Vegas, the most artificial city in the world, will be surrounded by the most protected lands in a federal and public land ring by agencies coming together," Lake Mead National Recreation Area Superintendent Alan O'Neill said.

The ring includes the Lake Mead National Recreation Area run by the National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest run by the U.S. Forest Service and Red Rock National Conservation Area run by the Bureau of Land Management.

Through improvements to those areas, officials hope to both protect sensitive resources within their boundaries and to make areas more accessible to the public.

Federal officials are starting with a list of 14 projects to improve existing trails, campgrounds and beaches that will receive $5 million from the money raised so far under the 1998 law.

The act, sponsored by Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., and helped by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., allows the BLM to auction off its parcels landlocked in urban Las Vegas. The majority of the money raised then goes to purchase environmentally sensitive lands held by private, willing owners.

Money is also set aside to improve existing federal facilities. The wear and tear on public beaches, restrooms, campgrounds and picnic areas are considerable. Take the National Park Service, as an example.

The park service serves two competing interests, O'Neill said. Lake Mead gets 10 million visitors a year. But the park also includes natural treasures within its 1.5 million acres that need to be protected. The Park Service has estimated it would need more than $1 billion to complete that job.

The stakes are higher than just making the park nice for visitors.

The future quality of life in this valley depends on what happens to these public lands, O'Neill said, because by protecting the land, the Park Service also helps keep Lake Mead's waters clear. Lake Mead is the primary source of drinking water for the Las Vegas Valley.

Clark County has begun efforts to restore the Las Vegas Wash by creating a wetlands park, but O'Neill said still more marshes need to be nurtured to protect the quality of the lake's water. The cattails and other marsh plants act as a natural filter for the runoff and treated wastewater that flow through the wash into Lake Mead. More than 2,000 acres of wetlands have been reduced to 200 acres in the past 20 years because of growth and flood erosion.

"I'd like to see 4,000 acres or more restored," he said. "The more the water is polished, the better it is for the lake."

In addition, Desert bighorn sheep, Mojave Desert tortoises and other unique plants, animals and fish need breathing room, National Park Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management officials say.

"They are living laboratories, they are genetic libraries and they protect biodiversity," O'Neill said.

But the Park Service -- or any other single federal agency -- cannot fund the $185 million in critical projects identified as necessary, such as improving the lake's shoreline, removing sewage from marinas or rebuilding 30-year-old bathrooms.

So federal officials vowed to stop competing among themselves and agreed on priorities at key attractions such as Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon and the Spring Mountains.

Those priorities will make the public areas more accessible and enjoyable for the millions of visitors, as well.

At Red Rock Canyon Natural Conservation Area, the money this year will mean new exhibits at the visitors center.

"We're planning to replace some exhibits that are more than 20 years old," Greg Gnesios, Red Rock manager, said.

The Bureau of Land Management will receive $100,000 to study whether the old Oliver Ranch is suitable for an environmental study center.

And the Forest Service will get a new water system in Lee Canyon for $527,000, new campground toilets for $280,000 and a new Kyle Canyon visitors center for $159,000.