River basin conservation a key to Nevada’s future

Lannie “Buck” Barber, Boulder City

Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010 | 2:02 a.m.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to fish. For so many Nevadans, fishing is a big part of a uniquely Western way of life.

But if we don’t act now, that way of life is at risk, because threats such as population growth and energy development are undermining the Colorado River’s ability to meet the needs of both people and fish that depend on the river.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and federal Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor’s attendance at the recent Colorado River Water Users Conference in Las Vegas shows their commitment to working together.

As a cold water conservation organization, we deem that if the water and land are sustainable and clean, we all benefit. So we believe both leaders have been paramount guardians in finding solutions that benefit people and fish.

If we continue the work they start, we can find lasting solutions to power our homes, sustain our farms and ranches, and support our tourism economy, while ensuring that our kids and grandchildren can share the outdoor pursuits we treasure.

Sustainable water flow in the Colorado River is the key to a prosperous tomorrow.

The writer is president of the Southern Nevada chapter of Trout Unlimited.