Letter: Helicopters would ruin Sloan’s serenity

Friday, April 30, 2004 | 8:48 a.m.

Susan Snyder's April 26 column on Sloan Canyon was excellent.

I have hiked there myself many times, and the idea of helicopters cruising over a wilderness area at the rate of 10 to 12 an hour galls me. This area is a superb escape from Las Vegas, and it is literally right on our doorstep. In a few short years anyone with the urge to drive out there will be able to on a fine blacktop highway. It could easily become a Red Rock South. Right now the area is still somewhat hard to get to due to the nature of the ugly, bumpy road, which is probably why the area is still relatively pristine.

Too often, though, we tend to focus on the effects on us humans too much in our concern for these areas. Sure, it's great to sneak away for an afternoon or evening and quietly take in the petroglyph panels, the unique buttes deeper in the canyon, the dry waterfalls and rock patterns. But one huge consideration in the overflight issue is that it could potentially disturb the bighorn sheep that still call that area home.

Let's not forget that the only reason any of that artwork is there is because the original residents of this area could hunt the sheep. We enjoy the canyon for a day or two; these animals call it home. Can you imagine the effect on a calving bighorn when a helicopter full of tourists blasts over the birthing area?

People such as Bill James, vice president of Friends of Sloan Canyon, are inspirations to all of us who love the land. Kudos to Susan Snyder for highlighting his efforts, and kudos to you for letting her.

BILL HUGGINS