Public can comment on BLM projects

Mathis Winkler

Tuesday, March 19, 2002 | 9:56 a.m.

Bureau of Land Management officials are seeking public comment on a list of proposed land acquisitions, capital improvement projects and park and trail projects totaling $117.5 million.

The money to pay for the proposals comes from BLM land sales. So far, 2,500 acres have been sold for more than $120 million under the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998, which governs the process.

A 60-day public comment period on the proposals began Monday. Afterward, BLM state director Bob Abbey and regional directors for the forest, fish and wildlife and national parks services will meet to piece together a final list of recommendations.

"There are properties on this list that may not survive the final round," BLM spokeswoman Jo Simpson said, adding that much depends on the willingness of private land owners to sell their property.

The Interior Department secretary, who has final say over how the money will be spent, already approved $24 million for land acquisitions and other projects in 2000 and $33 million in 2001.

Environmentalists said they supported the process in general, but added that BLM officials should focus more on land acquisitions than capital improvement projects.

After selling public land to developers for construction, officials should not turn around and use the proceeds to place asphalt other public lands, said Jane Feldman, co-chairwoman of conservation for the Southern Nevada group of the Sierra Club.

Some projects, such as new restrooms at Lake Mead, help to protect the environment, she said.

But, "I have a real hard time with capital improvements," such as road widenings or new marinas at Lake Mead, Feldman said.

Simpson countered by saying that the 1998 federal law allows officials to spend 25 percent of sales proceeds in a given year for capital improvement projects.

"We believe the capital improvement projects are closely scrutinized and enhance services to visitors," she said.

The proposed list includes:

For a complete list of proposed projects check the BLM website (www.nv.blm.gov) and click on Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act. To comment on the proposals call (702) 515-5114 or write to: BLM Southern Nevada Special Project office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130.