Desert Valley Times
Mesquite, NV 
September 2, 2008 

By Nancy Hall

South toward the Virgin Mountains, east from Lake Mead to the Arizona line lies one of Nevada’s most exquisite treasures, a bounty of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities spread across more than 300,000 acres of our public lands. This landscape is rich in wildlife and botanical interest, and in cultural values tracing Native American use and our pioneer heritage.

This is Gold Butte. Many of us think this is a treasure well worth conserving more securely. 

Friends of Gold Butte, based here in Mesquite, has a vision for conservation of this special place. We hope to see portions of these public lands protected as wilderness areas where young and old alike will be able to encounter the natural world on its own terms, hiking, hunting, camping, and enjoying the quiet, natural scene. Wide expanses of public lands beyond these wilderness core areas will offer plenty of access for others who enjoy developed recreation sites, motorized recreation, and mountain biking.

The idea is to weave a fabric of conservation that can strengthen protection of Gold Butte while assuring it remains accessible for diverse outdoor recreation, now and for our grandchildren.

This landscape cannot protect itself. It has been “discovered,” and that means we have to find the best, most practical and proven ways to protect all that is so special about it.   We are fortunate to have the support of Mayor Holecheck and the City Council and continue to seek support from all sectors of those who prize and use the Gold Butte area. If a fabric of conservation is to be woven for Gold Butte, everyone who is interested will need to help. 

Recently our group helped sponsor a survey to learn how people feel about conservation of Gold Butte. We chose a reputable polling firm to interview a scientifically-representative sample of registered voters throughout Clark County.

The good news is that an overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens “get it” about the need for this kind of conservation effort. Eighty-nine percent agreed that “given the current rate of population growth and development in southern Nevada it is important that we do everything we can to protect our natural, cultural and archeological resources.” 

There is more good news. Asked about the idea of establishing a Gold Butte National Conservation Area with portions protected as wilderness, two-thirds of Clark County voters favored the idea. Good progress is being made in that direction. Thanks to a lot of cooperation and input from local residents, nearly 500 miles of motorized routes have been identified to remain open throughout the Gold Butte area, while closing other routes that conflict with sensitive areas and cultural resources.

There is opportunity for everyone to use and enjoy this area, but only if we have a common sense plan and the resources to carry it out. Gaining stronger recognition by Congress is an essential step to securing this conservation for the incredibly beautiful and fragile natural and cultural treasures of Gold Butte.