Don't destroy West Desert
SNWA, which aims to deliver 110,000 acre feet of water to Las Vegas by pipeline, countered with a request to deny "interested person status" to 15 applicants, several from Utah, who want a say in the proposal.
Nevada's state engineer needs to give opponents their due. They deserve to have their respective points of view heard in this matter. Aside from sorting out legal claim to this water, conservationists, the National Congress of American Indians and other interested parties have deep-seated interests in the physical, economic, cultural and spiritual well-being of this area. The key to all of these concerns is sufficient water resources.
SNWA, for its part, says its application has been mischaracterized as a water grab. Rather, a SNWA spokesman has said, the authority seeks to draw upon a resource no one is using.
Successive years of drought have burdened plant life in the area. The greasewood, a small deciduous tree that lives on the desert, is particularly vulnerable. If it dies for lack of water, it can no longer maintain the soil. A period of sustained wind could send dust 3,000 to 4,000 feet in the air. This could affect the Utah Test and Training Range.
These are not frivolous issues. Nevada's state engineer needs to carefully consider the implications of SNWA's application for all stakeholders.
Recent comments
We all know what portends regarding the "Nevada Water Grab ....
Jim Morkin | July 10, 2008 at 9:38 a.m.
Snakes, cows and alfalfa? This water will creative more wealth in...
Anonymous | July 9, 2008 at 8:16 p.m.
Mike, you would think there are any democrats with grazing rights...
Mike.... | July 9, 2008 at 7:08 p.m.
