Designation would benefit Mesquite

Anthony Barron, Mesquite

Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 | 2:02 a.m.

The Sun’s own Rick Velotta recently went camping with his daughter in Gold Butte during the Perseid meteor shower. He wrote a sweet piece about the trip for vegasinc.com briefly extolling a few of the many wonders of the area.

Interestingly, although he has lived here for over 20 years, it was his first foray into Gold Butte. Perhaps his curiosity was piqued by the recent legislation introduced by Sen. Harry Reid and Rep. Steven Horsford to protect it as a National Conservation Area.

How many other locals barely know of this marvelous natural attraction or know of it but aren’t sure where it is or how to get there?

NCA designation would certainly lead to increased tourism, both by local and out-of-state visitors. I suspect this is the real reason a few of our more short-sighted city fathers here in Mesquite are against designation despite the economic benefits it would bring.

They want to keep this wonderful playground as private as possible for as long as possible. I understand the sentiment, but it would be selfish to try to deny other folks the beauty and grandeur that is Gold Butte.

It’s time to share this spectacular area and all of its geological, cultural and historical marvels with the world and to let Mesquite enjoy the economic boost that would ensue.