Winter wonderland

The sledding environment at Lee Meadow is best described as disorderly on a good day, chaotic on a bad one.

With no dedicated parking, vehicles pull over wherever they can along state Route 156, clogging the slippery road up Mount Charleston. There are no bathrooms and precious few trash cans. On the rocky hills, it's everyone for themselves. Many sledders have suffered serious injuries over the years, and some have died.

"I wouldn't bring my family up here," said Las Vegas police Sgt. Eric Fricker of the Mount Charleston substation.

We're all for public access to public land, but when a location this popular creates this many hazards, the site clearly needs improvements. And cash-strapped governments can't be expected to step forward.

The Legislature is considering a solution that wouldn't cost taxpayers a dime. Senate Bill 232, backed by Sen. John Lee, D-North Las Vegas, and Assemblyman Scott Hammond, R-Las Vegas, would remove 33 acres around Lee Meadow from the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, freeing them from restrictions on development.

Clark County controls five acres, and the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort owns the other 28. Under the plan, the resort would create and manage a safer snow play area with restrooms and a warming hut on the county property, and build a parking lot, additional restrooms and concession stands on resort property.

Resort President Kevin Stickelman said parking probably would remain free -- giving hikers easier trail access at no charge -- while sledders would pay an admission fee. In other words, users would pay for the upgrades.

During a hearing before the Assembly Government Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Mount Charleston residents were warming to the idea, but wanted assurances that the legislation won't pave the way for large-scale development, such as condominiums and a casino. It shouldn't be difficult to amend the legislation to prohibit projects previous legislation was intended to prevent.

Besides, the project's details still have to clear the town board and the county Planning Commission. There will be plenty of opportunity for public scrutiny as the project moves forward -- provided SB232 wins passage, as it should.