From: "Tim Parrott" <tim@onst.com>
To: <vantage.web@gmail.com>
Subject: Red Rock Resistance
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2002 14:29:52 -0700
X-Priority: 3
To the Editor:

I am a resident of Blue Diamond/Bonnie Springs and join the ranks of those stunned by the possibility that a project that will essentially destroy the RRCNCA can even be considered. The history of BLM is replete with property exchanges that appear to almost exclusively benefit the developer. However, I was under the impression that the RRCNCA was held to a higher standard than regular BLM land from a development perspective. If not, I wonder what the words "National Conservation Area" are supposed to mean?

It appears that one or all of the following need to happen to prevent this catastrophe from happening:

1. Opponents to the project legally block the land swap of 500 acres.
2. Opponents to the project cause the Planning Commission/County Commissioners to reject the project on the grounds that it will destroy the most unique property in the County
3. Opponents to the project legally block the proposed right-of-way across the RRCNCA to Route 159

To envision the use of Route 159 as a major artery for the development is horrific. For this to effectively work from a traffic flow standpoint Route 159 and Route 160 would need to be expanded to four lanes with turn lanes and signal lights. Reading the environmental impact report on this will be very scary indeed.

I know the public is rallying their efforts and contacting public officials to protest this development, but it also seems that to effectively fight this mortal threat, The Red Rock Resistance will need professional help (legal, environmental, etc).  Has anyone solicited expert assistance or established a defense fund to mount a defense? If so I'm sure there are many who would gladly join me in making a contribution to fight this terrible threat to The Red Rock Canyon.

Sincerely,
Tim Parrott