Red Rock Issues

Well, it's getting interesting. In a poorly written press release on 9-18-2010, the BLM stated The Scenic Loop would close three hours earlier than normal starting on 9-20-2010, a whopping two day notice!!! Here's the exact wording:

Release Date: 09/18/10 
Contacts: Kirsten Cannon , 702-515-5057 , kirsten_cannon@blm.gov

Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive Hours to Change

Las Vegas – Beginning September 20, the 13-Mile Scenic Drive at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area will close at 5 p.m. The gates will still open at 6 a.m. 

The closing time of the scenic drive is adjusted seasonally based on daylight and visitation. 

All other closing times at Red Rock Canyon will remain the same. The Red Rock Overlook on State Route 159 and Red Spring will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. through October 31. The visitor center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This obviously created an uproar from hikers, runners, walkers and bicyclists.  What the press release did not state was: Cars and visitors already on the Scenic Loop (everyone calls it the Scenic Loop, except the BLM) will not have to exit until the normal closing hours, which is currently 8 p.m.  If these geniuses would have included that fact, there would not have been such an uproar. The new policy is still wrong, but not as restrictive as the press release made it sound.

When we all called Kirsten Cannon about this, guess what? She is gone and will not be back until 9-28-2010 according to her voice mail. It so obvious what's going on.

So why did the BLM decide to close Red Rock three hours early just as prime hiking season is upon us? I am not going to tip my hand, but I am pretty sure I know the real reason, not the pathetic reason the BLM stated.

Yesterday a friend called me and said the gate at the start of the Scenic Loop was opened after 5 p.m. The fee booth was unmanned. That's about as much as an about face as I have ever seen. In one day the BLM went from restricting access to granting free access. Wonder what is going on? Let's just say there's a heat wave at 4701 North Torry Pines and that puts a big summer grin on my face.

Keep the pressure on the BLM by writing to the following politicians:


Dina Titus' liaison is Susan Petersen (387-4941). Email: susan.petersen@mail.house.gov

Shelley Berkley's liaison is Tod Story. Email: tod.story@mail.house.gov.

Senator Reid: http://reid.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm

Senator Ensign:
http://www.ensign.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

Focus on these three issues: Access, Visitor Safety and Irresponsible Spending of Taxpayer's Money

Believe me writing to the above politicians is working!!!