Summerlin homeowners await scenic license plate

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is issuing license plates featuring Red Rock Canyon. The new plate showcases a geologic feature of Red Rock Canyon -- the red stripe that runs horizontally across Rainbow Mountain.

Tom Warden, senior vice president of community and government relations for The Howard Hughes Corp., expects the plates to be popular with Summerlin residents.

"Red Rock Canyon is the rock star of Southern Nevada's recreational areas," Warden said. "We're pleased to see Red Rock featured on the state's new license plate and encourage all valley residents to contribute to the preservation of Red Rock Canyon through the purchase of this new plate."

In fact, dozens of Summerlin families have already demonstrated their support of Red Rock Canyon by joining Summerlin Friends of Red Rock Canyon, a campaign created by The Howard Hughes Corp. and Friends of Red Rock Canyon in 2007.

Summerlin residents who join the group via a $250 pledge receive standard benefits, along with special perks funded by Howard Hughes, including T-shirts, window stickers and an invitation to private events.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area encompasses nearly 200,000 acres and features more than 2,000 climbing routes. It is considered one of the top five climbing destinations in the United States and is home to nearly two dozen hiking trails as well as a 13-mile scenic loop for both cyclists and motorists.

The new plates are available for purchase at any local DMV for $61, plus a $5 transfer fee. Annual renewals are $30. A portion of the proceeds from the license plate ($25 first year; $20 for renewals) are tax deductible and benefit Friends of Red Rock Canyon.

According to Pat Williams, president of Friends of Red Rock Canyon, transferring an existing plate to the new Red Rock Canyon plate is an easy process.

"Simply take your existing plate, identification and vehicle registration to the DMV to compete the exchange," she said. "Emissions inspections and registration renewals are not required."

According to Williams, the organization hopes to have 6,000 plated vehicles on the road.

For more information on the license plate transfer, DMV locations and hours of operation, visit dmvnv.com. For more information on Friends of Red Rock Canyon, visit friendsofredrockcanyon.org. For more information on Summerlin, visit summerlin.com or call 888-898-5015.