The Spring Mountains ECHO

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By Jack Borden, SMA Volunteer Coordinator

Just a few weeks ago, on April 13th, an historic agreement was signed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt and Nevada Senators Richard Bryan and Harry Reid. This agreement secures the preservation and protection of endemic (i.e., "Unique; found only in one specific area of the world") species within the environs of our Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The impact of this agreement will be acknowledged and sensed by generations of Nevadans, and by visitors to this unique and beautiful area of Southern Nevada.

It was the tireless and sometimes frustrating voluntary efforts of SMA members Bob Maichle and Lois Sagel, members of The Nature Conservancy of Nevada, and officials of the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nevadas Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Nevada Division of Forestry that resulted in this unique agreement. When accepted by Congress, it will become a part of Clark Countys "Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan," and will Protect the 57 species of animals, birds and plant life that are considered rare or endangered in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The agreement is unique because it focuses upon not just one rare or endangered species, but makes Nevada an environmental leader by targeting the entire Spring Mountains ecosystem. According to Secretary Babbitt, "No other conservation agreement in America is so broadly targeted."

To help aid and sustain the positive effectiveness of this agreement, you can make a difference by joining with individuals in the Spring Mountains Association, and by becoming an active participant in helping preserve and protect the Spring Mountains and their environs. Join with other like-minded individuals by volunteering your time and efforts, to ensure that the Spring Mountains are shown the respect they deserve, in their natural state, as an area available to us for recreating.

Or join any of the multitude of groups within the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding regions to become an active volunteer . . . establish and refine interpretive trails, become active in docent programs, become a Visitor Center host, learn to help identify and protect historic sites important to Native Americans, investigate and map proposed wilderness areas, help organize special events . . . In other words, join any group or activity which appeals to your wanting to make a difference, and which helps in some way to keep Nevada in the forefront of all local and national efforts to preserve Americas public lands and their ecosystem, and particularly our very precious Spring Mountains - our "island" in the desert.

Wherever you choose to serve, you will be turning your appreciation for our Spring Mountains National Recreation Area into positive action.

The Spring Mountains Association acknowledges with respect and gratitude the contributions of Harold Haas of Carson City, Nevada. Harold designed and built the new cabinetry that graces the Kyle Station Visitor Center. It truly enhances the aesthetics of the Center. Thank you, Harold for a job beautifully done.