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Jan. 27, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

OFF-ROADERS LIKE HANDS OFF

ATV users worry county-BLM deal might restrict use of Nellis Dunes

By SCOTT WYLAND
REVIEW-JOURNAL
THREE PUBLIC FORUMS THIS WEEK
The Bureau of Land Management will hold three public meetings this week on a proposal to transfer the Nellis Dunes to Clark County.

Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the community room of the North Las Vegas Library, 2300 Civic Center Drive.

Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. inside the Clark County Commission's chambers at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway.

Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Grand Ballroom B at the Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St.


Off-roaders ride Friday at the Nellis Dunes. Clark County and Bureau of Land Management officials have been discussing since 2005 whether the county should oversee the dunes, one of two sizable areas in Southern Nevada where off-road riding is unrestricted.
Photo by Gary Thompson.



A dune buggy races through the Nellis Dunes on Friday. Clark County wants to create an off-road park on the 10,000-acre site.
Photo by Gary Thompson.



Click image for enlargement.

Amid a dusty, brown expanse, Oscar Gutierrez jumps onto a trailer to unload three ATVs so he and his two sons can zoom across the desert sand.

Their motocross-style coveralls strike a contrast against the sun-parched terrain, where both nature and the government impose few restrictions on the rider.

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    • At the Nellis Dunes, northeast of Las Vegas, not far from the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, there are no tracks, no fences, no traffic cops, no fees. Just 10,000 acres of dirt and sand.

    Gutierrez, 37, who rides there with his sons Oscar, 13, and Jesus, 10, once a month, likes it that way.

    "Here in Vegas, we don't have places to go to have fun for free," Gutierrez said.

    But the dunes' wide-open freedom -- and free rides -- could change if Clark County takes over the land from the Bureau of Land Management.

    County and BLM officials have been discussing since 2005 whether the county should oversee the Nellis Dunes, one of the two sizable areas in Southern Nevada where off-road riding is unrestricted. The other is Armagosa Sand Dunes, about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

    Members of the public will have a chance to weigh in on the proposal this week at three forums the BLM will host on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

    "The BLM wants what's best for the county," said Robert Wandel, the agency's recreation planner for the district. "We're asking the public, 'Is this the right time, the right place?'"

    County officials argue that a local government has more staffing and resources to manage an area park than a federal agency does. The county can better police the dunes, ensure riders' safety and minimize environmental impacts, said Michael Pop, the county's senior planning analyst.

    The county is also better able to partner with businesses and off-road clubs to create racing venues at the site, Pop said. He noted that the county wants to develop multiple tracks to serve varying skill levels and machines, while keeping a large open area for cross-country riders.

    "We're looking at an all-motorsports park that has something for everybody," Pop said.

    No fees have been discussed, he said. A citizens advisory group would decide how much to charge users.

    Gutierrez said he shouldn't have to pay to ride in a public park.

    "It's not fair," he said. "We're paying so much in taxes."

    J.D. Smith, whose company offers guided off-road treks, said he's unsure whether the county would be the best steward.

    "We don't really know what their ulterior motive is," Smith said. "We're concerned, long term, that the county will move in and shut it down, and develop it commercially."

    Pop insisted that the county's main interest is recreation.

    The county would explore some economic development on land near Las Vegas Boulevard, such as a sand-and-gravel site, Pop said. However, retail would be out, which means no restaurants or gas stations.

    Meanwhile, the park would benefit from stronger local management, he said.

    Hard surfaces would be placed near entrances to suppress dust. Rare plants -- the Las Vegas buckwheat and bear poppy -- would be safeguarded and replaced if damaged, Pop said.

    County staff would ensure riders wear helmets, and that fast riders stay clear of slower family tracks, he said.

    Trash dumped at the park would be cleaned up more quickly than it is now, he said. There also would be more local police than federal law enforcement to patrol the park.

    Congress must approve BLM's transferring the land to the county, Pop said, adding that he hopes lawmakers act on it soon.

    "It's in their hands," he said.

    Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland @reviewjournal.com or (702) 455-4519.

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    dwc wrote on January 28, 2008 10:14 AM: I'd eat my shorts if anybody on this "citizen advisory group" actually used any offroad vehicle or travelled in the areas the county wants to pillage---I mean manage.

    Here's an idea from antiquity: Let the riders be resonsible for their own safety.


    Holier than thou wrote on January 27, 2008 08:41 PM: I like to off-road too. But even I will tell you that there are too damned idiots out there who are going to ruin it for the rest of us. Sometimes, it seems like people actually go out of their way to mess up the environment. I'm no tree hugger, but it's easy for me to see why these activities need to be regulated somehow. We have no one to blame but ourselves. Our community can't be trusted to police itself.


    BJS wrote on January 27, 2008 07:41 PM: I grew up in the Las Vegas valley and have watched as citizen "rights" have eroded even in the most desolate areas of the state.
    The reasons being given for the county taking over this area are nothing more than a smokescreen. The county will promise to help "care" for the area and then after a few years will be charging an entrance fee to what previously had been "public" property.
    We need to ask what the BLM is holding over Clark County's head to mandate this action.
    ...and don't forget, "citizen advisory groups" are hand-picked to ensure the policies as adopted by the county. They do not have any allegiance to the public.
    Also note that in the article, the area is already being referred to as a "park", as if this proposal is already a given.


    msm wrote on January 27, 2008 02:11 PM: illegal firearms, drinking drugging wow no I have my second amendments rights, no I don't drink or do drugs oscar likes government control on everything, take your ideas to china.
    Michael, we have a citizens board, no fees, thats right clark county is a non-profit organization, proposals have and will be subject to change. Misinformation, no we deal in reality.


    Viper Crew Dawg wrote on January 27, 2008 01:29 PM: Just Google Earth the area around here, especially the North East. There are so many established trails that have been here since the early settlers. Especially behind Frenchman and Sunrise Mountains. We used to be able to ride almost anywhere. Now the BLM/Sunrise Management morons put no ATV riding signs everywhere.

    I like most riders know to stay on established trails, I even had Desert Tortoise awareness training.

    And Oscar, you are wrong. The immature illegal crap you mention happens “in” the city everyday and not when you are out riding.


    Michael Popp wrote on January 27, 2008 12:21 PM: When I was intereviewed for this article I was very specific that no fees have been discussed let alone decided on. An OHV Citizens Advisory Council will be established to address all of these issues should Congress convey the land to Clark County. The County has taken no position on this. If you have any questions or need further clarification I am available at 455-2312 or email me at pop@co.clark.nv.us I would be happy to walk through the proposal with you, and dispell any rumors or bad information.


    Oscar wrote on January 27, 2008 11:26 AM: Off-Roaders are immature overgrown children who do not respect the land they make tracks on. They see BLM land as anything goes out there, from drinking and drugging to shooting illegal firearms. Maybe not all that participate engage in these practices, but way too many of them do. Sometimes, to curb the creeps that have the least respect for the environment, or others safety, you are forced to eliminate the privilege for everyone. Or attach a fee to cover the expense of Ranger patrols to monitor the less disciplined to protect the rest.


    msm wrote on January 27, 2008 07:54 AM: First the Feds take over, then three legged horny toad is mysteriously found, the we ride on 1500 acres, and don't forget that access fee. We are sick of the BLM out west go home RED COATS, your not welcome here anymore


    Viper Crew Dawg wrote on January 27, 2008 07:17 AM: Unrestricted riding in that area has existed since Jesus Christ was a corporal, why regulate it now.

    I think the County should direct it’s efforts and resources on combating illegal dumping, that’s what’s really screwing up the desert.


    Dennis L wrote on January 27, 2008 06:50 AM: Regulate, regulate and regulate is what the beaucrats do and for sure they must justify their "jobs". The fact that the County is closer to the issue than the BLM will make for easier and more regulation of what we do and how we do it on our lands. To be sure, what ever the determination of County or BLM regulation, there will be restrictions on our use of the land and of course they will be for our safety and well-being. Too bad that Oscar can't jump in. I'm sure taht his two cents worth would be interesting.