Letter: Delicate desert needs protection

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003 | 8:32 a.m.

I am concerned about development projects slated for the Red Rock Conservation Area. We can all agree that attention needs to be paid to how best to plan for the future. The conservation area becomes ever more precious and important as development in Las Vegas swells.

I understand that tens of millions of dollars have already been allocated to build a giant, live-in educational facility at Oliver Ranch. The concept is good but the impact will be far too high for our delicate desert. Instead of facilitating the introduction of our children to the beauty and richness that can be found in the Southern Nevada desert, the plan as it stands will amount to moving the city up the road.

What about water? This facility will need lots of water. A well will kill the spring that makes Oliver Ranch special, and I expect it will still not meet the needs of the facility. I understand that there is a plan to bring a water line to the Red Rock campground. A water line brought up from Lake Mead will further impact the conservation area. Why not use composting toilets? Wouldn't the public be better served in their education about the desert by getting the strong message that water is a precious commodity, not to be taken for granted?

It seems that these plans are being railroaded through without adequate forethought and planning. The citizens need to be made aware of what's happening and consulted for input before it's too late.

BARBARA LUKE