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PPLAC backs proposal to create Ash Meadows National Conservation Area
Summary
The Pahrump Public Lands Advisory Committee unanimously recommended supporting a proposed Ash Meadows National Conservation Area after hearing from Amargosa Valley leaders who urged protection of surface areas and groundwater from large-scale solar development and mining.
The Pahrump Public Lands Advisory Committee voted unanimously April 14 to recommend support for creating an Ash Meadows National Conservation Area after a presentation from Amargosa Valley officials.
Amargosa Valley Town Board Chair Carolyn Allen "effectively made a case for protection of surface area and the water table from massive solar generation facilities and mining while protecting current uses," the committee minutes state. Committee members expressed concern for both water resources and recreation: Mike Zaman said he had worked at one of the mines, and Robert Adams noted "many trails used by offroad vehicle riders and organized races across the area," offering to coordinate route maps with event promoters.
Jim Hannah moved to support creation of the proposed National Conservation Area; Frank Slaghuis seconded and the motion passed with a unanimous voice vote recorded as "Yes by all." The recommendation is advisory and would be transmitted to the appropriate county and state contacts for any further formal action.
The discussion focused on balancing conservation of aquifers and surface features with existing recreational and mineral-use activities. Committee members did not adopt any regulatory language; the action recorded was a recommendation in support of pursuing the conservation-area designation.
