Letter: Gold Butte area is worthy of protection

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003 | 9:21 a.m.

Two weekends ago I had the wonderful opportunity of exploring the Gold Butte area with a few friends. It was an excellent experience.

Located south of Mesquite between Lake Mead and Arizona, Gold Butte is an area rich in outdoor recreation, with something for everyone: wildlife, vast petroglyph panels, hiking and rock climbing, and many types of flora unique to Southern Nevada.

As amazing and convenient as Red Rock and Valley of Fire are, Gold Butte is equally fascinating, and far more remote. Much was accomplished in the last session of Congress to protect some of the majestic natural landscape in Clark County, which makes this such a great place to live and raise a family.

However, the Gold Butte area (other than Lime Canyon) was largely omitted from the appropriate protection the area deserves and needs. The cultural, historical and geological features of this area deserve wilderness protection to ensure that what is natural here remains intact. Furthermore, appropriate protection of the region will preserve this spectacular area for current and future generations to enjoy.

With the new congressional session having already begun on Jan. 7, I hope that our newest delegate, Rep. Jon Porter, will work with our existing delegates, namely Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign, in the process of protecting wilderness-quality lands in Nevada.

The Gold Butte desert is picturesque and open to everyone, whether by 4x4, mountain bike or, best of all, by foot. I can only hope anyone who visits the Gold Butte area will obey all rules, stay on existing roads, and respect this national treasure.

BILL HUGGINS