Just beyond the glittering man-made world that is Las Vegas lies an unparalleled environment of another kind. Seven million acres of spectacular natural landscapes - ranging from lush forested Alpine environment to dry desert landscapes - surround Las Vegas, forming the most unique setting of any large urban area in North America. This immense area includes Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and an additional three million acres of public lands.
In an era where the Internet and the astounding advances of technology permit us to experience nearly everything in the virtual, these parklands allow us to touch, see, smell and hear what is real. These are the places that nourish our hearts, provide a feast for our eyes, and are the lungs of Las Vegas: the places for which the Outside Las Vegas Foundation helps serve as steward.
Southern Nevada's economy is fueled by the tourism industry, with gaming contributing the lion's share. However, the federal parklands play a vital part, with an excess of $1.5 billion poured into the local economy each year by the 18 million visitors who annually enjoy these resources. At a time when gaming is proliferating around the world, these natural attractions will become even more important to the health of the tourism economy, further strengthening Las Vegas as a multi-dimensional destination. This speaks volumes to "the other side" of Nevada; these federal parklands and vast recreational alternatives are Nevada's "ace-in-the-hole."
A direct relationship exists between the quality-of-life issues for Las Vegas residents and the health of the federal parklands surrounding the Las Vegas Valley; and the well-being of the parklands will grow in significance as people look for places to reconnect to nature and reduce the pressures of urban living. Their value to the local community and to the nation is far greater than simply places to visit and recreate. They are a very important part of the heritage of Southern Nevada and the American Southwest.
