Laing Homes, a British development corporation, recently unveiled its plans for Cielo Encantado (Haunted Skies), 8400 residences on Blue Diamond Hill, at the center of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (see redrock.org for maps). Included in the plans are schools, major roadways, and vast water and power infrastructure. Some of the property involved belongs to James Hardie Gypsum, an Australian company.

The Hardie property was originally public land, obtained with mining claims. After 80 years of exploitation, the mine is now optioned for 50 million dollars by Laing Homes. The property is not really worth such a large sum, however Hardie and Laing are negotiating with the BLM for another 1000 acres and they are petitioning the Clark County Commissioners for massive land-use and zone changes. If our local and federal representatives give away the additional public resources, then the property is worth the price.

In the wake of Enron, no one can be surprised at yet another corporate rape of the American public. But, unfortunately, if this deal is finalized, it will have taken the collusion of our public servants in one of the biggest private takings of public resource in Nevada history.

Clark County is currently processing the conceptualized development through its Major Development program, and the developers plan on having the matter in front of the Planning Commission on September 5 and before the Clark County Commissioners on September 18, 2002. The development requires vast zoning and land-use changes, changes that convert relatively valueless rural property to an urban bonanza.

The Bureau of Land Management is being asked by Hardie to give 1000 acres of public land, to augment the development, for 500 acres of scattered private land--if approved, the dominate view from the Red Rock Scenic Loop will be a vast subdivision. The Red Rock Citizens Advisory Council is asking the BLM to place our public lands into the Conservancy and to acquire the Hardie property for picnic areas, bicycles paths, and other venues that would take some of the pressure from an increasingly over-populated public treasure. Hopefully the BLM will pursue public rather than commercial interests.

The picture is clear. If Clark County approves the Major Development, Hardie/Laing can then argue to BLM that the property is zoned and appropriate to the values of the Clark County. If the trade is done, the deal is made. The private taking of public resource is complete.
If we want to save Red Rock Canyon from becoming simply another suburb, we need to rouse ourselves. We need to demand that our Commissioners take a public stand against any violation of the Red Rock Canyon. We need to demand that our federal representatives develop a policy that includes the mine in the Red Rock Conservancy.

The traditional American response to "the British are coming," is a tea party. Indeed, there has been a whispered call for a tea party in Red Rock Canyon, on Sunday, September 8, from 8 AM to high noon, starting at the Visitors Overlook at the north and spreading to the south. The whisper says to join the party, chat with 20-30 thousand like-minded people, and let our representatives know that the people of Nevada would like some public service with their tea.

Evan Blythin

Chairman, Red Rock Citizens Advisory Council