|
With
the explosive growth of the Las Vegas area and the
number of people involved in motorized recreation, the
Clark County Commission in March 2007 directed county
staff to work with the state’s Congressional
delegation to secure the BLM-owned Nellis Dunes so that
a regional motorized recreation park may be created.
“We
all want Southern Nevadans to have a place where they
can enjoy safe riding, while respecting the beauty of
our desert,” said Clark County Commission Chairman
Rory Reid.
Appropriate
locations and facilities where motorized recreation is
allowed today are now very limited within close
proximity to the Las Vegas Valley. Most areas of
the Las Vegas Valley have been officially closed to
motorized-recreation either by the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) on federal public lands, or by private
landowners. Therefore, by setting aside the Nellis
Dunes area for recreation, the County is opening
opportunities for recreation while reinforcing the
protection we have already established on the more
fragile lands.
Specifically,
the County would then develop a managed motorized
recreation park with suitable and appropriate facilities
and managed uses. A system of various managed
motorized recreation uses would have the potential to
prevent safety concerns, improve air quality, protect
rare plants and sensitive soils, prevent desert dumping,
and capitalize on potential economic development
possibilities.
The
county envisions a well-managed regional park for all
types of users, including ATV trails, motocross tracks,
open unrestricted riding, dunes riding, truck racing and
BMX to name a few.
A
feasibility study, previously funded by this Board,
evaluated supply and demand considerations, capital and
operations and maintenance costs and options for funding
them, and likely operational models. The study
concluded that, at a point of stabilization, revenues
over expenses are projected at $1.8 million annually.
Additionally, park-related businesses can be expected to
generate significant additional revenues.
Also envisioned is an advisory council made up of
off-road riders, which would make recommendations to the
County Commission about policy and recreational matters
surrounding the future regional park.
Commissioner
Tom Collins, who represents the area, noted that the
dunes have long been popular: “This area has been a
favorite place for off-road recreation enthusiasts.
With a congressional conveyance of the land. This would
give riders a permanent home. It’s important for the
public to get involved and voice their opinion to our
Nevada delegation though letter writing or by visiting
our web page.”
The
full proposal and a growing list of supporters may be
viewed at www.accessclarkcounty.com.
###
|
