A LOOK BACK AT THIRTY YEARS OF THE PROGRESS…Save The Palms!

This summer the PROGRESS is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The newspaper began operations in September of 1987 under the direction of its founder John Z. Robison. Since that time the PROGRESS has covered three decades of community issues, news stories, local businesses, youth sports, politics, elections, Moapa Valley personalities and much more.
Over the next couple of months, we are highlighting the PROGRESS’ role in the Moapa Valley communities. We have selected some of the more interesting stories which have appeared in past editions to republish for old time sake.
So keep an eye out for the PROGRESS. There will be plenty to look back on; and look forward to.

Editor’s Note: The following story was published on the front page of the PROGRESS during the week of July 24-30, 1991.

By JOHN Z. ROBISON

Lifetime Moapa Valley resident Lori Pedersen pleads with U.S. Fish and Wildlife authorities not to remove palm trees in the Warm Springs area.

No place in America, or possibly in the world, compares with the rare occurance Mother Nature has created at the Moapa Warm Springs.

Over the centuries the clear spring waters have fed and protected vegetation and palm trees to create this natural oasis in the desert.

For over 100 years local residents and visitors have enjoyed the tranquil serenity of the area and its palm trees, indeed part of a rich heritage of the state of Nevada.
Perhaps that is the reason many people are upset with what is currently taking place.

Thirty five of the oldest, most mature Washingtonian palm trees are being sold and removed from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife property (formerly Pedersen’s Swim Resort). F.W.S. complex biologist Douglas Treloff claims that the trees “must be removed becuase their root masses will cover the streambed and could impeded the movement of the ‘Moapa Dace’, the tiny endangered species of fish found only at the Moapa Springs.

Some of the palm trees along the stream bed in Warm Springs which are marked for removal.

F.W.S. spokesman Dave Brown in Las Vegas says that a committee is being formed to create a master plan for the F.W.S. preserve, so the public will have some say in future development at the Moapa site.
Lori Pedersen, who lives adjacent to the area, is fearful that more trees and natural growth will be removed. She says the trees have been disappearing off the property for years.
“Part of the original agreement they made when the property was sold was to preserve the natural habitat of the area,” she said.

All citizens who are concerned about the future of these historic trees should contact their congressional representatives: U.S. Senator Richard Bryan, U.S. Senator Harry Reid, and Congressman Barbara Vucanovich.