|
The Process
It started as a suggestion, a little more than a year ago. Then it quickly became an
exploration of Nevada and of our states most precious resource: the landscape. Finally,
with the production of this website and acompaning booklet, Nevadas LAST CHANCE Scenic Places ripened
into a labor of love.
For us, the Board of Scenic Nevada, it awakened pride in our beautiful, unique state and the people who share our concern for its future. It really wasnt our idea. Scenic America in 2000 and then Scenic Maryland in 2005 showed us the way with their own versions of Last chance places: landscapes and
historic sites at risk of destruction.
The board of Scenic Nevada turned its attention to our states alarming, explosive growth and decided this project would draw attention and stimulate a call for action here to save worthy landscapes and places.
The Nevada project was announced in March 2006 at a press conference, which generated coverage on television and radio, and in newspapers.
Then the Call for Entries was mailed statewide. Scenic Nevadas Last Chance Committee tried to think of every group, public or private agency, or individual who might be interested in submitting a nomination. If we missed your neck of the woods, it was unintentional. In our Call for Entries, we asked people to tell us about special places at risk and to share their ideas of how tosave them.
The committee was thrilled when Scenic Nevada received its first submission - Monte Cristos Castle - in the spring. One after the other, nominations trickled in to Reno, where Scenic Nevada has its headquarters. Altogether, Scenic Nevada received 13 entries. The nominations were diverse - among them were a historic bridge in Reno, Red
Rock Canyon in the south and the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to the north.
Members of the committee made site visits to each of the 13 places and met with the people who truly are an inspiration for their dedication and perseverance. It amazed us then and now that these knowledgeable and conscientious people were grateful for the attention to their special places. One by one, the site teams came back from their visits, struck by the importance of the places and full of admiration for the people trying to
save them.
A Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel was formed of community leaders and activists involved in historic preservation, environmentalism, business and the arts. The Last Chance Committee
members wanted a cross section of the community to advise them on selecting the most worthy and endangered places.
The majority of the panel agreed with the site teams that every nomination submitted was a Nevada LAST CHANCE Scenic Place. The Last Chance Committee hopes this websitet, which has been publized to media, state legislators, local governments, and county and city planners, will stimulate
action to preserve these special places.
Next steps for the committee depend on funding. Ideas include producing a 2008 calendar to
be distributed statewide. A second booklet and website featuring more LAST CHANCE sites could
be produced. With enough financial support, legislative efforts could be launched.
For the Last Chance Committee, the possibilities are limitless. If this website moves you,
lend your support in whatever way you can, be it with your time or donations. No effort
is too small.
Scenic Nevada Board of Directors
December 2006
|
