Wilderness plan includes 181,000 acres in county

Daniela Mohor

Monday, Oct. 22, 2001 | 8:33 a.m.

About 181,000 acres in Clark County could become designated wilderness after the Nevada Wildlife Commission drew up a proposed plan Saturday.

The plan, which comes after months of public discussion, recommends the size and location of areas to be set aside for wilderness in a proposed federal lands bill.

The recommendations go to Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and John Ensign, R-Nev., who said in June they would designate federal land for wilderness as part of an upcoming Clark County public lands bill, which would also set aside land for development.

"We adopted a position that outlines the acreage and the locations that we feel would be in the best interest of the state, its citizens, as well as the wildlife and habitat in Nevada," commission Chairman John Moran Jr. said.

Environmental and citizens' groups debated at public hearings the amount of land to be designated for wilderness and the activities to be allowed in those areas. Environmental groups have proposed allowing activities such as hunting, hiking, horseback riding and camping. They want to ban industrial activities, commercial or residential development and off-road vehicle use.

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts have argued to keep wilderness areas open for their use.

The position the commission came up with Saturday, Moran said, takes into account the various opinions of the many organizations involved in the discussion process.

"It's our job to ensure that our habitat and wildlife are appropriately managed, and we came up with the plan that gives us the best chance to do that, taking into consideration all of the different organizations involved," Moran said.

Moran said he is optimistic the congressional delegation will support the commission's position.