Letter: Red Rock future up to firm, BLM

Friday, Jan. 17, 2003 | 9:19 a.m.

While the Red Rock Overlay, explained in Launce Rake's Jan. 14 article, certainly sounds like a positive move for Red Rock Canyon, I am appalled that James Hardie Gypsum may still be entertaining deals for the purchase of Blue Diamond Hill by developers.

As a resident of the Blue Diamond area, I believe it is time for James Hardie to take the high ground, as it has many times throughout its history as the Red Rock Canyon's neighbor. This multinational corporation has successfully mined this beautiful and unique hill for approximately 20 years. They've demonstrated responsible business ethics by making a profit while working with local groups to reclaim depleted mines, salvage cactus from targeted mining areas, and entering into a voluntary agreement with federal agencies to protect the rare Blue Diamond Cholla.

The media recently reported that both Sen. John Ensign and the Clark County commissioners encouraged the Bureau of Land Management to purchase the hill from James Hardie, using funds available from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act, an act that allows for the sale of publicly held lands to fund the purchase of environmentally sensitive lands.

For those of us who value Red Rock Canyon, its pristine beauty and unparalleled vistas, we are counting on James Hardie and the BLM. Their legacy in the area can be another high-dollar development and environmental devastation or an expanded conservation area. It's their choice. Please say no to development on Blue Diamond Hill. Please say yes to the protection of Red Rock Canyon.

SERRIN ANDERSON