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the new trees made it through the first Open Letter to Friends Members October, 2002
year. It was very gratifying to see color-
ful blossoms and little green leaves. A
little satisfaction justifies the schlepping The August General Membership meeting on August 24, at the Red Rock
and hose dragging. Canyon Visitor Center, proved to be an enjoyable event, if for no other reason
The snake weeds are still with us, than to watch evening descend on one of the loveliest valleys in the world.
they are almost as stubborn as we are. The weather was perfect and the assembled members and guests had the
Perseverence is the name of the game. Visitor Center grounds to themselves.
During the warm days of summer, the While the canyon is beautiful at all times, early mornings and evenings
Russian thistle, like the swallows, comes showcase the spectacular scenery and leave special memories etched in our
back to visit us. Hopefully, regular pa- minds. It, the canyon, is the reason we all joined Friends in the first place and
trols will eliminate or at least thin out why we continue to be involved in its preservation.
these pestiferous little darlin’s. The canyon was not always so pristine. Thirty-five years ago, Red Rock
Extra hands are really needed and was a dumping ground for Las Vegas, twenty miles to the east. In 1967,
more than welcome. The blue loose leaf thanks to the efforts of some foresighted individuals, including BLM district
notebook labeled P.L.A.N.T. has a cal- director Dennis Hess and U.S. Senator Alan Bible, Red Rock Canyon became
endar that will tell you when someone the first BLM area to be designated a National Recreation Area (later a Na-
will be at the Visitor Center . . . it’s a tional Conservation Area). In 1984, concerned citizens formed Friends of Red
little more fun with company. Anytime Rock Canyon. Some of these founders, such as Elaine Billets, are still mem-
you visit the Volunteer Office, check the bers. Had it not been for these past efforts, the canyon would likely be just
calendar and join us, around 7:30 - 8:00 another housing development in Clark County.
We owe a debt of thanks to all those who protected the canyon before us.
a.m., for about three or four hours. I’m Our debt to future generations is to continue protecting this special place.
flexible. Call Clara Hatz, 643-1296.
Because of our charter, Friends cannot endorse political candidates or use the
Organization’s name to support non-canyon issues. However, as individuals
News & Notes, continued on p. 6. we have an obligation to understand and support initiatives that affect our
environment and quality of life.
We would urge you to research the following issues and voice your indi-
Chairman Wanted! vidual opinions to those in authority.
1. There is a proposal to construct several thousand homes on Blue
J Abbington has stepped Diamond Hill. The developer would need to negotiate a land trade with the
down after more than four Bureau of Land Management and secure water rights and County Commission
Tyears as Chairman of Ways approval.There is considerable concern about the impact the development
and Means. During that time, she would have on the environment and scenic beauty of Red Rock Canyon.
has been tireless in developing 2. Legislation has been introduced in the Senate and House by Nevada’s
shirts, hats, pins, patches, post- congressional delegation to protect approximately 440,000 acres as wil-
ers and other products for sale derness in Clark County. Two of these areas, Pine Creek and La Madre
to the Book Store. She also Mountain, are part of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Several
developed Friends member mer- other sensitive Clark County cultural and environmental areas are included in
chandise for the Awards program. the protection. Passage of this bill would provide protection from future devel-
This vital activity produces most opment and would restrict vehicle access into these areas.
of our annual income. Many thanks 3. On the November ballot, Nevada voters will be asked to approve State
TJ for your great contribution! Assembly Bill 9 (Nevada Parks and Wildlife Bond) which will generate
Now, Friends is looking for a conservation funding for state parks and wildlife projects. The new bond will
volunteer to continue the mer- replace “Question 5” approved by Nevada voters in 1990. The majority of
chandising and development “Question 5” funds have been expended. If approved, Assembly Bill 9 would
activities. A retail or merchandis- add less then 88 cents per month to the taxes on a $100,000 home. Failure
ing background is desirable. For to provide funding would lead to cut-backs in our state parks and curtailment
further information or to volun-
teer for the position, call Tom of several wildlife protection initiatives.
Pfaendler, 526-7772.
Chuck Williams , President Tom Pfaendler, President-elect

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