Terrie wrote on October 14, 2008 08:40 AM: In case you didn't realize it, your tax dollars are currently going to Iraq and Afghanistan, not into your local public lands. If you want your public lands to be taken care of at all, fees are necessary. This editorial is a prime example of the type of short sighted thinking that has gotten this country into the mess it is in today, and we don't need any more of it.

Kathleen Williams wrote on October 12, 2008 09:57 AM: To whom it may concern; especially the author of the original editorial. Sir, as we do have public land in the State of Nevada, many people like to use what is in the "Back Yard". That would be Red Rock Canyon for many Las Vegans and visitors. Unless you are willing to come out and maintain existing trails, plan and build new trails, clean outhouses and the nasty mess that comes with a bathroom, pick up trash that irresponsible persons leave behind, pick up litter that others walk buy, give guided informed interpretive hikes, search and rescue, and general first aid, rescue of lost dogs because irresponsible people could not keep there animal on a leash, directions, monitor large events such as weddings and races and all around making sure Red Rock Canyon is still a place you want to visit and pass down to your children; ALL FOR FREE AS A VOLUNTEER with many of your friends because it is a huge job, than by all means fees should not be paid. As for taxes, a very small percentage in retrospect goes to BLM/Red Rock Canyon. The budget money allotted by congress goes to the Department of Interior, splits between the different agencies under DOI, that is split among states, that is split among cities, that is split into programs, and that is split into detailed, and mandated by congress projects. What is left over, which is not much, may go to Red Rock Canyon and other recreation areas managed by the BLM. Until every person who visits Red Rock can be responsible and helpful with the above duties, fees will be paid.

JS wrote on October 10, 2008 01:06 PM: The public land discussed in this article is owned by Congress, not the public. Federal agencies tasked with managing lands owned the United States have the authority to regulate those lands, including imposing fees for their use.

LV wrote on October 09, 2008 10:26 AM: Back in the 50s and 60s, my family and friends could spend a day at Red Rock and see few, if any, other people there. Those days are long gone. Now when I go there, I am constantly amazed at how many people visit the park. Judging from the license plates and languages spoken, these include people from all across the world. The entrance fees assure that those people contribute to care of the park. And I believe the park is in better condition since the fees were implemented. I buy my annual pass each year and I use it often.

Virga wrote on October 09, 2008 09:18 AM: Arn't we are a lucky bunch of subjects.

Red Rock has been there for millions of years. It could not have made it much longer on it's own.

I would like to thank all the pointy hatted heros for protecting something that is virtually indestructible.

Steve T wrote on October 09, 2008 08:39 AM: How typical of the RJ. They complain about taxes funding useless things, now they complain about making the people who use something pay for it. Why didn't the RJ complain about using tax payer dollars to fund something that appeals to a truly narrow interest group...the "shooting park?"

Bob Cirelli wrote on October 09, 2008 05:57 AM: The BLM has already been caught with it's hand in the cookie jar. They were using the entry fees to supplement salaries. The fees were to be used only to improve the NCA. So what have they planned? A multi million dollar visitor center, so they can spend more money to convert the old visitor center into offices. YET>>>>>> visitors at Sandstone I & II, Ice Box Canyon, Pine Creek have not seen one additional parking place. These are very popular areas with the public and every weekend cars are parked up and down the access road. Granted, Sandstone Quarry has been improved, but more work needs to be done. They don't need a new visitor center. They need to set up a shuttle similar to Zion to the popular hiking and climbing areas. A large parking lot at the entrance is what is needed for hikers and climbers who park and then spend hours in the canyons. Let the long term folks park outside the main area and ride a (regular, sequenced, 15 minute) shuttle bus to their destination. Let's spend the money where it's NEEDED, not on the administrators legacy.

Bill wrote on October 09, 2008 03:44 AM: That's $742,000 that's not going to Iraq or Afghanistan, so I'm all for it. In fact, make it an even million so we'll at least have something to show for our money.