“ This is an
archeological
treasure that needs to
be preserved for future
generations and saved
from the onslaught of
development.
We are quickly losing all open
land in the Las Vegas
Valley and need to
move now to serve this
rich fossil history"
Jill DeStephano
Resident, Sun City Aliente
Nomination material submitted by
Margie Klein
For more information contact
Scenic Nevada
P.O. Box 32
Reno, NV 89504
(775) 827-3230
scenicnevada.org
Photos by
Scenic Nevada &
Bureau of Land Management
|
Upper Las Vegas Wash — Las Veas, Clark County
Summary
The Upper Las Vegas Wash is an archaeological treasure-trove with untouched landscape that comprises about 12 square miles, including several thousand acres of critical wildlife habitat.
It begins northeast of Las Vegas and flows directly into the main Las Vegas Wash, which collects and naturally Filters urban runoff from the city. The water empties into Lake Mead, which is the main water source for area residents. The wash system is considered the lifeblood of the city.
The Landscape
The upper portion of the wash is distinctive in its geologic features, including beautiful and wild
arroyos. It is a unique gypsum habitat for rare plant species and includes a wildlife corridor for
many desert species. Found here are the Las Vegas bearpoppy, a state-listed critically endangered
plant and the desert tortoise, a federally designated threatened animal.
Upper Las Vegas Wash is controlled by the federal Bureau of Land Management and is one of the last remnants of untouched desert immediately adjacent to the city proper.
The upper wash also possesses archaeological treasures that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. According to the BLM, the Upper Las Vegas Wash is literally world-famous for its abundant and
well-preserved fossils of extinct animals dating to the latter part of the ice age.
These fossils range in age from more than 40,000 years old to as recently as 11,000 years. They include remains of extinct mammoths, ground sloths, giant lions, camels and llamas, giant bison, and large and small horses, as well as abundant small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
This uniquely important and informative late- Pleistocene fossil assemblage is recognized as the most abundant, diverse and significant from this time period in the Mojave Desert, as well as one of the most significant late Pleistocene assemblages anywhere in the Great Basin.
The Threat
Despite its contribution to water quality, obvious habitat importance and archeological significance, the site was designated by Congress as a BLM disposal area and could be sold to private developers. However, the BLM is conducting a study, which could take three years to complete, to determine whether all or a
portion of the area should be removed from the disposal area.
The Solution
Maintaining the integrity of the wash system is imperative to preserving the scenic, ecologic and historic features of the area. There are several options, including creation of a restricted recreation area or nature preserve, perhaps with the aid of ecotourism outfitters.
It would be beneficial to include some educational aspect to increase awareness. Establishment of a preserve area would allow environmental educators to visit the area and use it for interpretation of the Mojave Desert ecosystem. This in turn would promote the cause of sensitiveland stewardship around Las Vegas.
|
