Save Red Rock is proud to support The Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act, championed by Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto and Congresswoman Dina Titus.
The act will protect critical wildlife habitat and cultural sites within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The NCA expansion portion of the legislation, which Save Red Rock worked with Senator Cortez-Masto to draft, will increase the RRCNCA by 50,000 acres. This expansion will allow for more sustainable outdoor recreation, including biking, hiking, horseback riding, and climbing, while decreasing pressures on the area by dispersing recreation.
This act also recommends redesignating over 1100 acres of public land on Blue Diamond Hill. The act removes the lands from “disposal properties,” which may be purchased by private parties for development. Instead, the lands will be added to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, expanding opportunities for recreation and conservation. Save Red Rock has been fighting for this redesignation since 2001 through public rallies and petitions.
“We are thrilled that this legislation includes a 50,000 acre expansion of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area,” said Heather Fisher, President of Save Red Rock. “Red Rock is southern Nevada’s crown jewel and this bill recognizes how important these public lands are to locals and visitors alike. We thank Senator Cortez Masto and Representative Titus for listening to the public’s concerns and working with Save Red Rock to make this expansion possible.”
The bill comes at a crucial time for the canyon. As southern Nevadans are confined to their homes due to COVID-19, the canyon has become a refuge. Between March and April 2020, public lands in Clark County saw a 400% increase in visitors. This bill will allow more people to enjoy the crown jewel of Southern Nevada while helping to mitigate the impact of increased visitations.
*Keep Red Rock Rural Petition, January 13, 2012
