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Urgent - Nellis Dunes, Las Vegas 29-31 Jan 2008
BLM and Clark County are hosting public comment meetings on Nellis Dunes. Our goal is to have public comments on the proposed transfer of Nellis Dunes to Clark County and what recreation opportunities does the public want to participate in at Nellis Dunes.
Three meetings will be held from 6:00 -8:00 PM: Jan. 29 at North Las Vegas Library Community Room on 2300 Civic Center Drive; Jan. 30 at Clark County Government Center BCC Chambers on 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.; and Jan. 31 at Henderson Convention Center Grand Ballroom B on 200S. Water Street.
Please come voice your opinion on Nellis Dunes. Thank you
Here are some facts concerning the County takeover of the Nellis Dunes.
“Trail fees are modeled at $3 per trip (per rider day). It is assumed that Clark County will use a number of revenue recapture methods, including, without limitation annual “green sticker” type fees. If Clark County were to use only green sticker fees similar to California, they would be anticipated to generate about $750,000 annually. It is likely, however, that these fees would support any number of off-road activities, not merely the Nellis Dunes project.” (Page 58 Market Analysis: Summary Report commissioned by Clark County, prepared by Applied Analysis)
This means that the off-road vehicle users at Nellis Dunes would be paying for additional county off-road activities and not be paying just for the use of the Nellis Dunes.
Gate fees are estimated to average $20 per trip (per rider day) and are applied to all motorcross tracks and ATV racing facilities. Gate fees at comparable facilities range from a low of $15 per day to a high of $40 per day depending on event timing, season, promotional activities, etc. Importantly, a $20 gate fee would be lower than average at the retail level. Most parks do not realize 100 percent of these fees, thus a discounting of this value is appropriate.
This means that, in addition to the $3 per trip fee to ride your off-road vehicle on the track, you will pay an additional fee to enter the facility. (Page 58, Market analysis)
According to the Market Analysis, pages 5 through 9: The following amenities will be built at the Nellis Dunes:
An integrated AVT trail System: Beginner Trails, Intermediate trails, advanced trails and SNRPC open space trails
Motocross (MX) Tracks: National outdoor track; national supercross track; beginner motocross (local track); intermediate motocross (world mini/Loretta Lynn); Motocross pit/staging area and Freestyle motocross area
4X4 areas: 1, 4-wheel drive trail and obstacle course. 2, 4-wheel drive rock climbing course
Other Active Uses: Intermediate ATV racing course; Advanced ATV racing course; ATV pit/staging area; Competition Skate Park; off-road training areas.
Supporting facilities: Parking; RV parking/camping areas; viewing areas; check-in pay-to play area; administration/hospitality center; concessions and restrooms; medical facilities; support facilities
According to Clark County’s power-point presentation: The southwest extent of the Nellis Dunes is within the non-attainment area for PM10 (dust). Due to the unrestricted use of the area under BLM management, currently very little is being done to minimize and mitigate the creation of dust from the area.
There are areas of sensitive soils which currently receive no special protections, and which, in some cases, are the habitat for the Las Vegas Bearpoppy, a species covered under the Clark County MSHCP, and designated by the State of Nevada as Critically Endangered. Desert dumping is another major concern in the Nellis Dunes.
If managed as a regional motorized recreation area by Clark County a variety of environmental protections could be implemented. OHV trails could be routed through non-sensitive soils to minimize dust and to provide protection to the Bearpoppy. Areas of heavy use could be treated to prevent the creation of dust. Dust control practices such as wetting the surfaces of motorized tracks could be implemented. Through management and restricted access, the problem of desert dumping would be minimized. (Page 2) On Page 3 it is pointed out that the area, although in the Nellis Air Force Base flight path, could be used for radio controlled aircraft and vehicles.
It must be pointed out that all of these plans were made without public comment by a few county employees and those who use the facility need to be satisfied that changes will be made to accommodate the wishes of those attending the hastily called public meetings.
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Urgent - Nellis Dunes, Public Comments needed
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