Save Red Rock’s Victory: Clark County Commissioners’ Decision to Deny Developer’s Waiver Shuts Down Development Near Red Rock

Today Save Red Rock is thrilled for the people who have fought since 2003 to prevent a high-density development near Red Rock Canyon. On Wednesday, April 17, the Clark County Commissioners, led by Commissioner Justin Jones’ motion, made a unanimous decision to deny the developer’s request to bypass the conditions and shut down the request to approve a plan for development near Red Rock Canyon. Important to note, the decision was made “with prejudice” meaning the developer cannot come back without meeting those requirements first. In 2012, Commissioner Susan Brager approved Gypsum’s concept plan and attached requirements, which needed to be completed by the developer before full approval leaving the future of Blue Diamond Hill and Red Rock Canyon in question. The Clark County Commissioner’s decision is more than a minor delay; it is a significant victory. While Save Red Rock won the Clark County Commission battle, the war wages on. Save Red Rock has grave concerns about the Secretary of Interior’s proposal to terminate Southern Nevada Public Management Act (SNPLMA) funding and decrease funding of Land and Water Conservation Act (LWCF) by 95 percent. These primary conservation funding sources are essential to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and all of Nevada’s recreation areas. Save Red Rock is fighting hard to prevent this defunding proposed by the federal government.In 1998, the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act was passed requiring the funds from the sale of BLM lands in Nevada be used for the purchase of environmentally sensitive lands and the improvement of Nevada parks and recreation areas. Nevada has generated over three billion dollars in BLM land sales since 1998, and the funds have been used for Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, Lake Mead Recreation Area, and our other recreation treasures. SNPLMA funds were used to build the Red Rock Visitor Center, Red Rock Canyon Campground, Calico Basin Red Springs Picnic Area, Cottonwood Valley Trail System, Scenic Loop paving and parking, and wild burro and horse fencing and wells.In 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Act was passed which required a portion of royalties from oil and gas leases be used to buy and conserve pockets of private land within national parks, forests, and recreation areas. LWCF has provided over 13 million dollars for 98 projects in Clark County, including the purchase of Spring Mountain Ranch, Valley of Fire, Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, and Spring Preserves and Pine Creek amenities. Now the federal government wants to cut funding of LWCF by 95 percent.These funding sources are critical to the improvements needed to meet the increasing demands on Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, Lake Mead and all of our recreation areas and parks. Additionally, these are the funding sources that could be used to buy the remaining private lands in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area so we can prevent additional housing and mining in the canyon. About Save Red RockSave Red Rock is a group of concerned citizens working to preserve the safety, serenity, and scenic nature of Red Rock Canyon. The group strives to protect the rural character and prioritize recreational and environmental needs over other uses not conducive to the primary uses as determined for the canyon area. For more information visit www.SaveRedRock.com. Connect with Save Red Rock on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.