Input Sought For Valley Of Fire Planning

Moapa Valley residents now have an opportunity to give input on the future development and planning of the Valley of Fire State Park. Representatives from the Division of State Parks held a public workshop on Thursday, May 7 at the Overton Community Center to begin the process of revising the General Management Plan for the Valley of Fire. A similar meeting was also held in Las Vegas on Wednesday, May 6.

Division of State Parks Program Manager,

Since then, the Valley of Fire State Park has expanded in its size, Scanland said. A large portion was annexed at the north end of the park. The Logandale Trails system which has been developed since that time crosses in and out of this area.

Another change has been a major expansion in population to the region. This has caused visits to the Park to increase. The Park has also seen a dramatic increase in international visitors, Scanland said.

The recreational demands have also changed in the past 19 years. “We have seen a lot of new uses come into being that weren’t such a big deal before,” Scanland said. These include a variety of motor vehicle uses, geo-caching, events such as weddings being scheduled in the Park and more.

The purpose for the meeting was to get input from the public from the very beginning of the process. “We come here with no ideas,” Scanland said. “It is your park and we want to hear from you what your ideas are and what you want.”

Scanland said that the topic of trails and access was one that especially needed public input. She was very clear that no changes were being proposed to the Logandale Trails as they now exist. But input is being sought on additional trail options elsewhere in the Park for multiple uses. These might include improvements for running and biking trails in the park. Also ideas on additional hiking trails are welcome. Discussion is being sought on the desire for additional roadways for licensed vehicles which would provide public access to remote areas of the Park.

Other possible topics for input include the management of valuable cultural resources, locations for special events like movie screening areas, proposed locations for additional camping and picnic areas.

Scanland also brought up the possibility of the establishment of a Friends Group for the State Park system. “Nevada is the only State Park system in the country without a Friends group,” Scanland said. “We can’t lobby for that. But I know that Elise McAllister of your local Partners in Conservation group has expressed interest in organizing one.”

Scanland encouraged attendees to think big in their input to the plans. “Shoot for the moon here,” she said. “We are looking out 15-20 years, so the sky is really the limit. Please, no matter how unlikely they seem, write down your great ideas.”

The public comment period will be open for the coming weeks and into the summer, Scanland said. Written comments may be sent by email to jscanland@parks.nv.org or by U.S. mail to Jenny Scanland, 901 South Stewart Street Suite 5005, Carson City, NV 89701. Public comments and other information will be posted on the masterplan website athttp://parks.nv.gov/masterplans/ValleyofFire/ValleyofFire.html