[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 108 (Monday, August 8, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   EXPANDING BOUNDARIES OF RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 3050) to expand the boundaries of the Red Rock Canyon National 
Conservation Area as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 3050

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. BOUNDARY EXPANSION.

       Section 3(a)(2) of the Red Rock Canyon National 
     Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 
     460ccc-1(a)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(2) The conservation area shall consist of approximately 
     195,610 acres as generally depicted on a map entitled `Red 
     Rock Canyon National Conservation Area--Proposed Expansion', 
     numbered NV-RRCNCA-002, and dated July 1994.''.

     SEC. 2. OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL 
                   CONSERVATION AREA ESTABLISHMENT ACT OF 1990.

       (a) Deadline for Management Plan.--Section 5(a)(1) of the 
     Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act 
     of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 460ccc-3(a)(1)) is amended by striking 
     ``Within 3 full fiscal years following the fiscal year in 
     which the date of enactment of this Act occurs,'' and 
     inserting in lieu thereof ``No later than January 1, 1997,''.
       (b) Exchange Authority.--Section 7 of the Red Rock Canyon 
     National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 (16 
     U.S.C. 460ccc-5) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Except as specifically authorized'' and 
     inserting in lieu thereof ``(a) Except as specifically 
     authorized''; and
       (2) by adding at the end thereof a new subsection, as 
     follows:
       ``(b) The Secretary may transfer to the owner of the Old 
     Nevada recreation facility the approximately 20 acres of 
     Federal lands within the conservation area which, on March 1, 
     1994, were used to provide parking for visitors to such 
     facility, in exchange for lands of equal or greater value 
     within the conservation area acceptable to the Secretary.''.
       (c) Priority Dates.--Section 10(b) of the Red Rock Canyon 
     National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 (16 
     U.S.C. 460ccc-8(b)) is amended by striking ``Act.'' and by 
     inserting in lieu thereof ``Act, except that as related to 
     rights associated with lands added to the conservation area 
     after such date, the priority date shall be the date of 
     enactment of the Act adding such lands to the conservation 
     area.''.

     SEC. 3. POTENTIAL CONSERVATION LANDS.

       (a) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the 
     lands identified in subsection (b) are hereby withdrawn from 
     all forms of entry under the public land laws, including the 
     mining laws, and from operation of the mineral and geothermal 
     leasing laws: Provided, That nothing in this subsection shall 
     limit the issuance of any necessary licenses or public land 
     rights-of-way for any hydroelectric project involving such 
     lands.
       (b) Lands.--The lands referred to in subsection (a) are the 
     approximately 1,280 acres of public lands as generally 
     depicted on the map entitled ``Potential Conservation Lands: 
     Possible Hydroelectric Project'' dated July, 1994.
       (c) Future Status.--(1) Effective on the date 5 years after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the lands described in 
     subsection (b) shall be added to the Red Rock Canyon National 
     Conservation Area unless before such effective date all 
     necessary licenses and public land rights-of-way have been 
     issued for a hydroelectric project involving some or all of 
     such lands.
       (2) For purposes of section 10(b) of the Red Rock Canyon 
     National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990, as 
     amended by this Act, the date on which the lands identified 
     in subsection (b) of this section are added to the Red Rock 
     Canyon National Conservation Area shall be deemed to be the 
     date of enactment of an Act adding such lands to the 
     conservation area.

     SEC. 4. AUSTIN, NEVADA MUSEUM.

       (a) Lands.--The Austin Historic Mining District Historical 
     Society (hereafter referred to as ``the Historical Society'') 
     shall be permitted to use the lands located in Austin, 
     Nevada, identified as township 19 North, range 44 East, 
     section 19, block 38, lots 1 through 16, assessor's parcel 
     number 01-147-01, amounting to approximately 0.59 acres, in 
     accordance with the requirements of this section.
       (b) Uses.--The Historical Society's use of the lands 
     identified in subsection (a) shall be subject to the 
     requirements of this section and shall be limited to use for 
     a museum or other facility to illustrate the history of the 
     Austin Historic Mining District.
       (c) Terms and Conditions.--(1) The Secretary of Agriculture 
     shall permit the Historical Society to use the lands 
     identified in subsection (a) for a period of 20 years after 
     the date of enactment of this Act. After such period, the 
     Historical Society may continue to use such lands, at the 
     discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture.
       (2) During the period of 20 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Historical Society, if it elects 
     to use the lands identified in subsection (a), shall pay to 
     the Secretary of Agriculture, on behalf of the United States, 
     an annual rental of $100.
       (3) If the Secretary of Agriculture permits continued use 
     of the lands identified in subsection (a) after the end of 
     the period of 20 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall require payment of 
     such annual rental as the Secretary determines reasonable.
       (4) At all times that the lands identified in subsection 
     (a) are used by the Historical Society, the Historical 
     Society shall be solely responsible for all necessary 
     maintenance and repairs of all structures and improvements on 
     such lands and for all necessary payments for utilities or 
     other services.
       (5) All rentals received by the Secretary of Agriculture 
     under this section shall be deemed to have been deposited 
     with such Secretary pursuant to the Act of December 4, 1967 
     (16 U.S.C. 484a).

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Minnesota [Mr. Vento] will be recognized for 20 minutes, and the 
gentlewoman from Nevada [Mrs. Vucanovich] will be recognized for 20 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Vento].


                             general leave

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on 
H.R. 3050, the bill now under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Minnesota?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3050, a bill by the gentleman from Nevada [Mr. 
Bilbray], would amend the law designating the Red Rock Canyon National 
Conservation Area, so as to add additional BLM-managed public lands to 
that area.
  This national conservation area, which is managed by the Bureau of 
Land Management, lies immediately west of Las Vegas, and has very 
important natural, scenic, recreational, and other resources and 
values.
  Together with the immediately adjacent Spring Mountain National 
Recreation Area managed by the Forest Service, the Red Rock Canyon 
National Conservation Area is one of Nevada's most-visited natural 
attractions, and its proposed expansion enjoys very strong support in 
Nevada and elsewhere.
  During the Natural Resource's Committee's consideration of the 
legislation, some concerns were expressed about how the bill would 
affect BLM's planning activities and management of other public lands 
in the Las Vegas Area. I myself have a number of concerns about BLM's 
policies as they affect the larger landownership patterns in that part 
of Nevada.
  However, the committee was able to resolve those concerns 
sufficiently so that the bill was reported without controversy, and I 
do not believe any controversy should exist with the measure today on 
the floor of the House.
  The committee made a number of changes that are reflected in the bill 
now before the House. As introduced, the bill would have added about 
93,100 acres of BLM-managed lands to the conservation area; as we bring 
it to the floor, it instead would add about 112,200 acres, a 
significant increase. This total reflects addition to the NCA of lands 
with significant occurrences of the blue-diamond cholla and other 
cactus species, as well as other BLM-managed lands that would be added 
to the northern and eastern parts of the conservation area.
  At the same time, the new conservation boundary has been revised to 
exclude some lands affected by a flood control project and also lands 
adjacent to an existing highway and powerline near the northeastern 
boundary of the conservation area.
  In addition, about 1,280 acres that the bill would have put into the 
conservation area would instead be put into a holding pattern because 
of the possibility that a hydroelectric project might be build nearby. 
Under the bill, these lands would be withdrawn, so as to maintain their 
suitability for possible future management as part of the conservation 
area, and would be automatically added to the conservation area 5 years 
after enactment of the bill, unless prior to that date the 
hydroelectric project has received all necessary licenses and public-
land rights-of-way.
  The bill also includes several revisions of the existing law 
designating the conservation area. These would extend the deadline for 
completion of the management plan for the conservation area, so that 
the plan can deal with the additional lands that the bill would add to 
the conservation area; would also provide the BLM authority to deal 
with an existing trespass situation through an exchange; and would 
clarify the water-rights priority date with respect to the lands the 
bill adds to the conservation area.
  Finally, the committee adopted an amendment by the gentlewoman from 
Nevada [Mrs. Vucanovich] to allow a local historical society to lease a 
half-acre tract of land in the town of Austin, NV, for at least 20 
years for purposes of a museum. This tract was formerly a Forest 
Service ranger station, but now is vacant.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill, which makes a significant 
contribution to the protection and sound management of the Red Rock 
Canyon National Conservation Area, a very special place that provides 
important recreational, educational, and other opportunities in close 
proximity to one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the 
Nation.
  The gentleman from Nevada [Mr. Bilbray] deserves commendation for his 
leadership and persistence in introducing this bill and enabling us to 
bring it before the House today. The other Member from Nevada, our 
committee colleague, Mrs. Vucanovich, has also played a valuable role 
and earned our thanks.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge approval of the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. VUCANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3050, a bill to expand the Red 
Rocks National Conservation Area. Red Rock Canyon lies within my 
congressional district just west of Las Vegas, NV. My colleague in the 
delegation, Jim Bilbray, sponsored this bill to expand the boundary of 
the recently established conservation area with which is managed by the 
Bureau of Land Management. Together with the Spring Mountains National 
Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, an area of public 
land approaching one-half million acres in size will be set aside for 
recreation, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
  Mr. Speaker, Red Rock Canyon is receiving visitors in unprecedented 
numbers as the population of the Las Vegas Valley increases and as the 
many families visiting Las Vegas choose to add a nearby nature 
experience to their vacation plans as well. Red Canyon is an 
international rock-climbing destination and it is an important habitat 
for desert tortoise, desert bighorn sheep, and other species residing 
in the transition zone between the Mojave Desert and Mount Charleston's 
high coniferous forests to the north.
  Mr. Speaker, I with to thank the subcommittee chairman, Bruce Vento, 
and ranking member, Jin Hansen, for their efforts to ensure the 
boundaries of the proposed expansion meet the needs of the visitors and 
Clark County residents alike. Several adjustments were made so that 
proposed flood control projects would remain outside the national 
conservation area. Similarly, the Blue Diamond proposed pump storage 
project, undergoing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing 
procedures, was granted a window of opportunity to achieve permitting. 
If at the end of 5 years the necessary approval is not forthcoming, the 
area will revert to NCA status.
  On the other hand, the subcommittee added acreage to protect the rare 
blue diamond cholla--a cactus that grows only on gypsum-bearing soils, 
and otherwise adjusted boundaries in consultation with the Nevada 
delegation. Furthermore, the subcommittee resisted efforts to delete 
some 2,900 acres from the expansion area northwest of Las Vegas that 
was being sought for high density residential development. The fact 
remains that there simply is no water to serve homes that would be 
built in that remote area far from current water mains. The water 
district, the county planning commission, and local elected officials 
all opposed removing this acreage from the bill, as did Jim Bilbray and 
I. Again, I thank Messrs. Vento and Hansen for agreeing with Nevadans' 
wishes despite an intense lobbying effort to do otherwise.
  Lastly, Mr. Speaker, the final section of the bill would provide for 
a 20-year lease by the Forest Service of an unused small parcel which 
formerly housed a ranger station in Austin, NV. The local historical 
society will use it for a museum portraying the mining history of 
Austin. I thank Chairman Vento for his assistance in seeing this 
amendment through as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1610

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I commented on the work of the gentleman from Nevada 
[Mr. Bilbray] on this matter which was outstanding. As I said, it 
became quite a topic of debate and discussion before it was all done.
  This was not one of the easy ones to do, Mr. Speaker. I want to 
commend the gentleman from Nevada [Mr. Bilbray] and the gentlewoman 
from Nevada [Mrs. Vucanovich], and the delegations who were involved, 
from the various States of interest.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Nevada [Mr. Bilbray].
  (Mr. BILBRAY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks, and include extraneous matter.)
  Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
3050, legislation I introduced to expand the boundaries of the Red Rock 
Canyon National Conservation Area [NCA]. At the outset, I would like to 
thank Chairman Vento and the subcommittee staff for all of their hard 
work in bringing this bill to the floor today. I would also like to 
thank Chairman Miller for expediting his committee's consideration of 
this legislation and Congresswoman Vucanovich for her strong leadership 
among the minority members of the Natural Resources Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3050 would add approximately 112,000 acres to the 
existing 83,400 acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. As you 
will recall, Mr. Speaker, the Red Rock NCA was established several 
years ago by legislation sponsored by myself and Senator Reid. The 
primary purpose of the expanded NCA embodied in the legislation before 
us today is to provide for the protection of additional lands and 
resources from the pressure of urban growth and to allow for additional 
recreational opportunities for the rapidly growing Las Vegas community. 
It is estimated that next year over 1 million visitors will come to Red 
Rock Canyon to enjoy a variety of experiences, such as hiking, biking, 
rock climbing, archaeological exploration, and solitude. Expansion of 
the NCA will hopefully disperse some of these activities and relieve 
pressure from the scenic loop and canyon area that are heavily burdened 
by visitor traffic.
  The largest addition envisioned by H.R. 3050, which includes roughly 
100,000 acres to the north of the current NCA, would provide for 
increased protection of a magnificent Joshua tree forest, as well as 
important habitat for the threatened desert tortoise. Heightened 
protection for this area will also put the BLM in a better position to 
crack down on illegal dumping that threatens the natural beauty of this 
desert ecosystem. Another new area to be added to the NCA by this 
legislation will provide for the protection of the blue diamond desert 
cholla, an endemic species of cactus threatened with extinction. It is 
my hope that the inclusion of the approximately 900 acres of cholla 
habitat in the NCA will provide the necessary impetus for the recovery 
of this species without triggering the procedures required under the 
Endangered Species Act. Other areas to be included in the NCA would 
protect important watersheds for the Las Vegas valley, thereby 
preserving the valley's natural groundwater recharge process and 
minimizing flood control problems.
  It is also important to view these additional areas as component 
parts of a much larger ecosystem in need of protection from sprawling 
urban encroachment. Combined with the recently established Spring 
Mountains National Recreational Area, the expanded Red Rock NCA will 
provide protection for nearly one-half million acres of public land on 
the outskirts of Las Vegas. As is well known to many long-time visitors 
to the area, the Spring Mountain Range is a unique desert ecosystem 
teeming with endemic species of plants and animals. H.R. 3050 would 
benefit the Spring Mountains NRA by protecting the low-lying desert 
areas that serve as the gateways to the Spring Mountains.
  I would like to speak briefly about what many would consider a minor, 
technical amendment that was adopted in committee. This amendment gives 
the BLM an additional 2 years to complete its general management plan 
for the Red Rock NCA. I want to state for the record that I have 
received numerous complaints regarding the perceived direction of the 
management plan. Many people feel that the plan has focused too much on 
accommodating the recreational needs and desires of visitors at the 
expense of the need to protect the various biological and natural 
resources in the NCA. It is my belief, as the sponsor of this 
legislation, that the original Red Rock Canyon National Conservation 
Area Establishment Act was intended to provide for recreational 
opportunities for visitors, but only if those activities did not 
diminish or harm the fragile environment of the NCA. Conservation is 
the paramount goal of this legislation. Recreational pursuits should 
only be conducted in the context of an overall policy of conservation. 
I trust that the BLM understands this, and will develop their 
management plan accordingly.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to the goal of expanding the Red Rock NCA, 
H.R. 3050 has had the unintended, albeit welcomed, consequence of 
raising other public land issues in southern Nevada, which I would like 
to touch briefly. Most notably, H.R. 3050 became the catalyst for 
widespread discussions among southern Nevadans of the BLM's land 
disposal policy in the Las Vegas valley. As Chairman Vento mentioned 
during the subcommittee markup of this legislation, the BLM's disposal 
and exchange practices in southern Nevada are in need of further 
scrutiny by the Subcommittee on Public Lands. I welcome the 
subcommittee's involvement in this arena, and in anticipation of 
oversight hearings next year, I have assembled a community-wide public 
lands task force to discuss and to integrate the current planning 
processes of the BLM and local governments.
  Finally Mr. Speaker, I would like to urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this important public lands bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record sundry letters and resolutions, 
as follows:


                             Nevada Wildlife Federation, Inc.,

                                          Reno, NV, July 16, 1994.
     Hon. James Bilbray,
     Cannon Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Hon. James Bilbray, I am writing you to let you know that 
     the Nevada Wildlife Federation supports your bill to expand 
     the boundaries of the Red Rock Canyon National Recreation 
     Area.
       The Nevada Wildlife Federation is the oldest and largest 
     conservation organization in Nevada. We represent over 20 
     affiliate clubs statewide with a combined membership of over 
     10,000 folks that are interested in the use of our public 
     lands.
       If we can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate 
     to contact us. Bob Maichle in Las Vegas is our point of 
     contact. He can be reached at (702) 361-3060.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Gale Dupree,
                                                        President.
                                  ____



                                      City of North Las Vegas,

                                North Las Vegas, NV, July 1, 1994.
     Congressman James Bilbray,
     U.S. House of Representatives, Cannon Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Bilbray: We fully support your efforts to 
     protect the Red Rock Canyon National Conservative Area (NCA). 
     Your legislation to expand the boundaries of the Red Rock 
     Canyon NCA to include the transition between the Mojave 
     Desert and the Mount Charleston coniferous forests is a great 
     service to the residents of Southern Nevada.
       Red Rock Canyon NCA provides recreational opportunities 
     close to the metropolitan area that are appreciated by the 
     residents of the Las Vegas Valley. We hope your efforts to 
     preserve some of Nevada's treasured public lands will indeed 
     prove successful. We appreciate your efforts on our behalf.
           Sincerely,
     James K. Seastrand,
       Mayor.
     Mary J. Kincaid,
       Councilwoman.
     John K. Rhodes,
       Councilman.
     Theron H. Goynes,
       Councilman.
     William E. Robinson,
       Councilman.
                                  ____

                                                    March 3, 1994.
     Hon. James Bilbray,
     House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Bilbray: This letter is in support of your 
     efforts and H.R. 3050 to expand the boundaries of the Red 
     Rock National Conservation Area. A number of groups and 
     individuals are represented by this letter. We may be 
     described as bicyclists, hikers, photographers, wildlife and 
     nature enthusiasts, and ``just plain city folk''. We are 
     extremely proud in the leadership that you have exhibited on 
     this issue. Some of us remember your pledge, on the day of 
     the dedication for the National Conservation Area, to expand 
     the boundaries. You were able to recognize then that it would 
     not be long before the rapidly expanding Las Vegas 
     metropolitan area would be at the doorstep of this unique 
     area. The time is at hand to ensure that your vision of an 
     expanded Red Rock National Conservation Area becomes a 
     reality before it becomes too late to protect the core values 
     of this natural area.
       We are concerned that the core areas of the Bureau of Land 
     Management's Red Rock National Conservation Area and U.S. 
     Forest Service's Spring Mountain National Recreation Area 
     would become increasingly impacted by greater numbers of 
     visitors and by development that will eventually lie on the 
     present perimeter of these areas. It would be sad to stand at 
     key vantage points in these areas and witness development 
     right up to the section lines that designate these areas. It 
     would be sad to witness street lights, block walls, and 
     commercial and residential development where the eye and mind 
     are left today to imagine the old West, the old Nevada. Legal 
     access to many areas could be restricted, or inhibited by 
     private property on the border of the areas. Unpermitted 
     activities within these national areas, such as illegal 
     dumping, shooting, and motor vehicle use, would increase as 
     development closes in on the areas. Additional problems would 
     be created for the agencies that are charged with the 
     protection of these areas if development is allowed to the 
     edge of the present boundaries. Additional recreational 
     opportunities for an expanding metropolitan area would be 
     lost. Natural areas, where desert tortoises, desert 
     wildflowers, and other desert species presently inhabit, 
     would be lost to development. We are not opposed to 
     development within the Las Vegas valley, but the development 
     must be carefully restricted and regulated as it approaches 
     those core areas that we have tried to preserve over the 
     years.
       Let us examine, briefly, a few of the increased 
     opportunities that would be provided to the public if H.R. 
     3050 were enacted into law. Recreational use of lands within 
     the present Spring Mountain and Red Rock areas could be 
     spread out. A growing population in southern Nevada is 
     bringing increased pressures for areas where families can go 
     mountain biking. Some of the lands in H.R. 3050 would be 
     suitable for this sport. Where people used to ride horses in 
     the Las Vegas valley, there are now houses and shopping 
     centers. Some of the lands in H.R. 3050 would be well suited 
     for horseback riding. The lands along the Kyle Canyon road 
     have been proposed as an area of critical environmental 
     concern (ACEC) because of the joshua tree forest. Some of 
     this habitat would be protected in H.R. 3050. Areas where 
     sand and gravel operations have been a nuisance and 
     eyesore to local residents would come into the National 
     Conservation Area, and these areas would be off limits to 
     this type of activity. Local flora, fauna, and scenic 
     vistas would be protected.
       We support the boundaries on the map that you submitted 
     with your bill. We recognize that there are some who wish to 
     obtain those public lands for their own benefit and profit. 
     There are developers who would like to build homes on the 
     high ground so that their inhabitants can look down on the 
     city. Consider, however, all of those people in the city that 
     look up to Red Rock and the Spring Mountain range for their 
     beauty and as a source of inspiration. We believe their views 
     should be considered. We believe that a greater good would be 
     served by retaining those lands in Federal ownership and 
     providing greater protection to those lands. Some of the land 
     in your bill can serve as gateways to the Spring Mountain and 
     Red Rock backcountry. Much of the area can be described as 
     alluvial plains. If those areas were developed, recharge of 
     our groundwater aquifer in the valley would be further 
     inhibited and floodwaters coming off the developed land would 
     pose additional problems for down-slope residents and 
     citizens. If those areas were developed, there would be 
     pressures for major highways and water reservoirs to be 
     placed along the edge of these national, natural resource 
     areas. We urge that you do not allow the present boundaries 
     in you map to be significantly altered as this legislation 
     moves forward.
       We cannot rest on our laurels and say that the recent 
     enactment of the Red Rock National Conservation Area and the 
     Spring Mountain National Recreation Area will be all that is 
     ever necessary to protect these areas as we know them today. 
     We have made mistakes in protecting many natural areas in 
     this country by designating, at the time, areas that were too 
     small and boundaries that were inappropriate for the task of 
     protecting the areas and the core values. We must not let 
     that happen again, here. We urge you to hold fast and work as 
     hard as you can to see that H.R. 3050 becomes law this year.
         The Spring Mountains Association; Red Rock Audubon 
           Society; League of Women Voters of Nevada; Raven of 
           Citizen Alert; Las Vegas Valley Bicycle Club; Las Vegas 
           Valley League of Women Voters; Toiyabe Chapter of the 
           Sierra Club; Howard Booth, activist for Red Rock; and 
           Jim Rathbone, Friends of Red Rock Canyon.
                                  ____


Resclution of the Clark County Board of County Commissioners To Support 
    the Expansion of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

       Whereas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is 
     a unique and diverse natural environment of national 
     importance; and
       Whereas, land within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation 
     Area have unique scenic, cultural, biological, geological and 
     archaeological features; and
       Whereas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is 
     an important natural, historical and recreational resource 
     which provides recreational opportunities for tourists as 
     well as residents; and
       Whereas, the growing southern Nevada population places a 
     growing demand for recreational, educational and scientific 
     use of this resource; and
       Whereas, expansion of the boundaries of Red Rock Canyon 
     National Conservation Area would preserve the foothills of 
     the Spring Mountain range and provide greater protection to 
     this valuable national resource.
       Now, therefore, be it resolved, That the Clark County Board 
     of County Commissioners does support the expansion of the 
     boundaries of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
     as shown on the attached map, dated August 1993;
       And be it further resolved, That the Clark County Board of 
     County Commissioners supports only those exchanges of lands 
     from within the Conservation Area which will not create a 
     significant need for new water resources or for delivery of 
     new urban services by local governments;
       And be it further resolved, That the Clark County Board of 
     County Commissioners forwards its recommendation to the 
     Nevada delegation of the United States Congress to initiate 
     and support legislation to expand the boundaries of the Red 
     Rock Canyon National Conservation Area during the 1994 
     Congressional Session.
                                  ____



                                                SR Consulting,

                                     Las Vegas, NV, March 7, 1994.
     Hon. Jim Bilbray,
     House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Bilbray: This letter is in support of H.R. 
     3050 and your efforts to expand the boundaries of the Red 
     Rock Conservation Area.
       As you are aware, The Las Vegas Valley is the fastest 
     growing area in America. This incredible development, while 
     welcome to our economy, is placing unbelievable stress on the 
     very quality of life that attracts such growth. . .Our scenic 
     view and watersheds. Development can and should occur within 
     the Las Vegas Valley, but only within local government's 
     ability to provide infrastructure without breaking the backs 
     of local taxpayers. Developers are looking further afield to 
     find large blocks of inexpensive land where they can 
     speculate without providing necessary infrastructure.
       This is why it is so important to provide a level of 
     protection for all those who live or visit here, the 
     protection of those foothills and mountains which surround 
     our unique valley. In addition to protection from 
     development, your bill will also provide protection for 
     wildlife and rare or endangered species.
       Additional recreational opportunities are urgently needed, 
     particularly for youth and seniors. The Red Rock Conservation 
     as well as the Spring Mountains National Recreation Areas 
     suffer from gridlock as almost 1 million residents and 20 
     million visitors rush to enjoy these unique areas year-
     around. H.R. 3050 will provide the opportunity to expand 
     long-term recreational opportunities for our growing 
     population.
       Thank you again Congressman Bilbray for taking the lead in 
     preserving the beauty of Southern Nevada for our pleasure and 
     for our grandchildren. I'm sure you'll look back with great 
     pleasure and know that your accomplishments have benefitted 
     untold future generations.
       H.R. 3050 is a good bill. I urge you to hold fast and work 
     hard to see that H.R. 3050 becomes law this year.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Lois Sagel.
                                  ____

                                         League of Women Voters of


                                             Las Vegas Valley,

                                     Las Vegas, NV, March 1, 1994.
     Congressman James Bilbray,
     Rayburn House Office Building,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman Bilbray: The League of Women Voters of Las 
     Vegas Valley would like to let you know of our support for 
     your bill for the expansion of the Red Rock Canyon National 
     Conservation Area. We congratulate you for recognizing the 
     need to protect the State's natural resources. So many have 
     concentrated on the tremendous growth in Southern Nevada 
     without taking the time to assess the impact on areas such as 
     Red Rock and the Spring Mountain National Recreation Area. It 
     is important that we take steps to protect these valuable 
     resources before it is too late.
       The expansion of Red Rock will offer the following:
       1. Protection of wildlife habitat for both areas.
       2. Minimize viewshed damage to users of the two areas. They 
     will be able to quietly enjoy the beauties of the natural 
     environment without the intrusion of lights and noise from 
     nearby developments.
       3. Protection of the watershed for both areas. The State 
     Engineer has targeted Kyle Canyon, Tule Springs, Calico Basin 
     and all of the Spring Mt. Range area as having inadequate 
     ground water and is not permitting parcelling of private 
     properties in these areas. The draw down of ground water, if 
     not reversed, will impact wildlife habitat and vegetation in 
     natural areas.
           Sincerely yours,
                                                        Dot Gaton,
                                                        President.

  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I have one of my staffers here, Brent 
Heberlee, who has worked continuously on this bill, and I would like to 
thank him for the work he has done on it, and also all of my staff who 
have worked so hard, as well as the committee, and my colleague, the 
gentlewoman from Nevada, Mrs. Vucanovich, and the two Senators from 
Nevada, Mr. Reid and Mr. Bryan, who have supported us vigorously in 
pursuit of this matter.
  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Richardson). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Vento] that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3050), as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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