U.S. senators' critics shortsighted on issue

I have followed the media's coverage of discussions in Lyon and Mineral counties relating to special legislation affecting public lands there. Unlike the collaborative efforts in Clark, Lincoln and White Pine counties, it appears that some people in Lyon and Mineral counties find it easier to criticize the efforts of our Nevada congressional delegation than engage in a meaningful dialog which better serves the public's interests.

Many of the people opposing broad-based efforts to address public land management issues are being shortsighted. They ignore the fact that public lands are assets owned by all citizens of the United States. If we wish to pass legislation that enhances quality of life and local economies while protecting key components of our ecosystems, then public land bills should represent a balanced approach of economic development and environmental protection, including a wilderness component where appropriate.

Land allocation decisions have long-lasting consequences, and we must ensure that interests of future generations are served. Legislative proposals benefit from the involvement of citizens who are familiar with local issues and who are most likely to be affected by that legislation. However, I respectfully disagree with those who believe that local citizens should have the only word as to what is included in a public lands bill or whether such legislation is even introduced.

The criticism directed at U.S. Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign and their staffs regarding their efforts to obtain input, including the identification of areas some believe to be deserving of wilderness consideration, is unwarranted. Much like the National Park System, the National Wilderness Preservation System represents the very best of our natural areas. We have held to this lofty standard when considering wilderness in previous legislative proposals, and this same standard eventually will be applied to nominated areas in Lyon and Mineral counties.

For the past 10 years, members of our congressional delegation have worked to protect some of Nevada's most spectacular landscapes managed by federal agencies while addressing critical economic development needs important to Nevada. Our elected officials have acted responsibly when evaluating wilderness proposals and when including wilderness designations as part of any final legislation. Because of their efforts, Nevada has protected precious natural areas while addressing demands brought on by being the fastest growing state.

Our delegation's leadership guarantees that the recreational opportunities and natural and cultural resources of our special areas will be available for future generations. Rather than criticizing the members of our delegation, I believe we owe them our gratitude for their political courage in working together and for considering the views of all interests.

Bob Abbey is the former Nevada director for the Bureau of Land Management. He retired in 2005, after 32 years of public service.