U.S. Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Middle Kyle Canyon NRA 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive , NV 89130 Framework Plan [email protected] http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf 702/515-5400 702/515-5499 fax Spring Mountains August 2005 National Recreation Area Middle Kyle Canyon F r a m e w o rk P l a n

U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Spring Mountains National Recreation Area 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive Las Vegas, NV 89130

Prepared by: Shapins Associates 1818 16th St. Boulder, CO 80302

Contents

Contents

Summary ...... S-1 Chapter 1: Introduction ...... 1 Purpose and Need ...... 2 Chapter 2: Planning Process Overview...... 5 Analysis ...... 6 Plan Options...... 7 Public Involvement and Plan Option Development ...... 7 Chapter 3: Existing Conditions ...... 11 Overall NRA ...... 12 Middle Kyle Canyon ...... 22 Future Pressures/Opportunities ...... 33 Chapter 4: Qualities and Issues...... 37 Summary...... 38 Discussion of Qualities and Issues ...... 39 Chapter 5: Vision, Goals and Use Program...... 47 Vision...... 48 Goals to Achieve Vision ...... 48 Use Program ...... 51 Chapter 6: Plan Options...... 53 Option 1 ...... 54 Option 2 ...... 72 Option 3 ...... 78 Chapter 7: Phasing and Costs ...... 85 Option 1 ...... 86 Option 2 ...... 89 Option 3 ...... 90 Chapter 8: Summary of Potential Outcomes ...... 93 Physical and Biological Environment ...... 94 Land Use, Cultural, Social, and Economic Environment ...... 98 Public Parks and Recreation Lands...... 100 Infrastructure and Easements...... 101 LEED Considerations ...... 102 Appendices ...... 105 Appendix A: References ...... 107 Appendix B: Species of Concern ...... 108 Appendix C: 2004 Information Meetings Participants ...... 110 Appendix D: Cost Details ...... 112 Appendix E: Notes ...... 117

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Summary Summary

S Summary

Public Involvement Throughout the planning process, the planning team has solicited input from the public. Public involvement ensured that interested and affected individuals, organizations, agencies and governmental entities were consulted and provided opportunities to participate. Public involvement has served the following functions:

• Obtained public input on key issues. • Informed the public about Middle Kyle Canyon and the Spring Mountains NRA (through newsletters, public Map of Project Area meetings, presentations and a website). This document presents a framework • Provided help in shaping management plan for Middle Kyle Canyon, within the directions for Middle Kyle Canyon. Spring Mountains National Recreation • Built support for the plan. Area (Spring Mountains NRA) near Las Vegas, . The plan focuses on options for managing approximately 2,500 acres of National Forest System lands to provide new opportunities for recreation, environmental education, and additional fire protection and maintenance/operations facilities. The goal is to select a preferred option that will direct the area's land-use decisions and facility development over the next 15 years. Development of the options required careful study of the area's Workshop Attendees Exploring Kyle Canyon resources, issues, and opportunities to address both current conditions and future growth in Las Vegas. Kyle Canyon’s Resources Middle Kyle Canyon is located at the Kyle Canyon has a rich diversity of natural transition from the hot and arid Mojave and scenic resources, and many of its desert and the more lush ponderosa and recreation facilities are currently located in bristlecone pine forests of the Spring areas with sensitive plants and wildlife, that Mountains NRA. receive large numbers of visitors.

S-2 Summary

In many ways, Middle Kyle Canyon is an Goals S ideal location to meet recreation demand from nearby Las Vegas. It is easily The planning team formulated many goals accessible, has a 10-15 degree temperature for the project based on an overall project difference from Las Vegas (rarely vision and in response to the qualities and exceeding 90 degrees F), has few sensitive issues of the area. Detailed qualities and ecological areas, contains many disturbed issues are presented in Chapter 4, and the and relatively flat sites for developing goals and vision are presented more fully in recreation facilities, and provides reasonable Chapter 5. opportunities for utility connections. Socioeconomics Furthermore, its topographic variation Provide a development that financially makes for interesting and varied recreation supports itself, and will meet the needs of experiences, and has many opportunities many types of people in ways that protect for interpreting the Spring Mountains’ the environment and private property. natural and cultural history. Equestrians, Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) users and Natural Resources mountain bikers currently use the area, a Restore and protect sensitive natural good indicator of its appropriateness for a resources and native vegetation. more intensive recreation location. Cultural Understand and take care of Middle Kyle Canyon’s significant cultural resources, paying special attention to Southern Paiute traditions and needs in the area. Visitor Experience and Uses Provide a group of recreation settings based Vision on Middle Kyle Canyon’s special natural and cultural resources, and manage the site Middle Kyle Canyon is a place for an appropriate number of visitors. that is enjoyable, easy to Transportation navigate for all people, and Provide a transportation system that allows provides a safe environment easy site access, eliminates confusion and is to form wonderful memories economical, safe and efficient. in a natural outdoor Education and Interpretation setting. Partnerships are Promote visitor understanding and used to promote pride, appreciation of Middle Kyle Canyon understanding, appreciation through education and interpretation that and protection of the site’s reflects the unique identity of the Forest Service. unique environmental and historic resources, and Partnerships Southern Paiute stories. Maintain and create new partnerships that are synergistic and produce solutions. Administrative Facilities Construct administrative and emergency response facilities that can be highly responsive, and are ecologically and fiscally sustainable.

S-3 Summary

S Description of Options Option 1: Balance Recreation/Education with Three options were developed for Middle Kyle Canyon, each based on a different Environmental/Economic model for future visitor use and resource Sustainability (Preferred conservation. They focus on “what” Option) resource conditions and visitor activities This preferred option would provide a broad are appropriate, rather than on details range of recreation and environmental concerning “how” recommendations should education opportunities while preserving be achieved. The project team developed the Canyon’s key natural and cultural these options to explore different ways resources. Recreation related facilities of improving and managing Middle Kyle that produce revenue would be provided Canyon and its resources for increased to help ensure long-term operation public use. and maintenance costs are met. Of the three options it would provide the most The overall philosophy for facility comprehensive program—allowing placement and recreation use would be people to choose from a wide variety of to build on already-disturbed areas first, experiences, ranging from very active and protect areas with rare or sensitive animal communal to quiet and contemplative. or plant species, safeguard significant cultural sites, and restore disturbed sites Village that are not going to be used for facilities. The center of activity would be a small A small “Village” would consist of several “Village” overlooking the adjacent “Valley” uses that benefit from close proximity of Kyle Canyon and the Mt. Charleston to one another. Convenient and frequent Wilderness. The selected site and adjacent mass transit service from the Village to valley are currently disturbed and ideal for key recreation locations would ease traffic revitalization. congestion. Facilities would include: Facilities outside the Village would include • Medium sized visitor center with a recreation uses better suited to rural or book and gift shop primitive settings, such as picnic areas, • Large and small amphitheater campgrounds, and a variety of trails. • Environmentally-based shops Expanded administrative facilities would • Shop selling picnic/camp supplies allow the Forest Service to provide better • Food vendors emergency response service, and close • Artist-in-residence studio coordination with local entities. • Small indoor multi-use space • Group picnic sites • Green “commons” area

Adjacent Kyle Canyon Valley facilities would include: • Array of hiking trails • Sledding hill (for the few times adequate snow exists) • Children’s fishing pond • Natural outdoor classrooms • Restored natural areas on the Rim

View From South Rim Into Kyle Canyon

S-4 Summary

S

Near Harris Springs Road, Looking East Towards Las Vegas Transportation Recreation Facilities The Village would provide a range Recreation facilities outside the Village of transportation facilities, including would allow users to experience the area alternative transportation solutions that help from a multitude of different levels and alleviate traffic congestion. They include: viewpoints. Facilities would include:

• Express buses from Las Vegas • Picnic sites for groups, extended • Circulator buses to upper canyons families and individual families • Separated bike/hike path and equestrian • Camp sites for tents or RVs, individual path along S.H. 157 from intersection or group of I-95/157 to Village • Equestrian trails/campground • Surface/garage parking • Horse-rental concession • Upper canyon’s parking lots closed • North rim trail (would link picnic during high season(s) and camp sites to Village and canyon bottom trail) • Canyon-bottom trail • Range of mountain bike trails • OHV trailhead • Historic ranger station rehabilitated for public use

Protection and Restoration This option would provide moderate restoration in the area south of the Village, and careful management of endemic plants:

• Stabilize and revegetate disturbed slopes • Redesign channelized wash in certain places to allow return of some natural stream processes • Revegetate previous golf-course areas with native plant species • Reconfigure/enhance ponds to encourage endemic butterflies and other local wildlife Hiking Within Slot Canyon • Work with Southern Paiutes for indigenous plant management

S-5 Summary

S Transportation This option would stress transit over driving: • Express buses from Las Vegas • Frequent circulator buses • Upper canyon’s parking lots closed during high season(s) • Parking lot kept small at Village

Recreation Facilities Opportunities for recreation outside the Village would include: • Group campsite • Canyon-bottom trail • Equestrian trails/trailhead Bicycling at Fletcher View Campground • Off Highway Vehicle trailhead Administrative Facilities • Historic ranger station adapted for A new administrative area for the Forest education and research Service would be developed with: • Multi-agency fire complex Protection and Restoration • Two helicopter landing pads This option would provide extensive • Maintenance area environmental restoration: • Research center • Channelized streambed restored • Office space for concessionaires • Many trails removed, and slopes and • Employee and volunteer housing turf areas rehabilitated • RV/trailer sites • Recreation use limited in Valley to better protect endemic plants • Work with Southern Paiutes for Option 2: Resource indigenous plant management Conservation with Focus on Education Administrative Facilities A small administrative area would be This option focuses on conserving and established at an existing disturbed area: restoring Middle Kyle Canyon’s natural • Multi-agency fire station resources with only limited recreation facilities provided in already-disturbed • Maintenance area areas. Small buildings and outdoor spaces • Small employee housing area that support environmental education activities are emphasized.

Village Visitor facilities would be centered around a small Village complex, which would include: • Visitor contact station/bookstore • Individual and group picnic sites • Individual RV and tent camping • Walk-in campground for tents • Simple pedestrian trail system Equestrians Currently Use Parking Area Near Proposed Village Site

S-6 Summary

Option 3: Emphasize Administrative Facilities S Economic Sustainability An administrative area would be developed the same as Option 1. Option 3 emphasizes recreation and education uses that generate revenue, to ensure that long-term operations and maintenance costs and unforeseen expenses are met. Development would focus on concession facilities, event spaces and trails that support concession rentals. Educational programs and facilities would be kept small-scale to minimize on-going costs. Village The Village would have: • Small visitor center with large bookstore and shop • Spaces for community and small convention events • Restaurant and other food concessions • Retail and outdoor equipment shops • Small paved hiking trail system • Unpaved bike loop Hiking Within Kyle Canyon Transportation Visitors would have convenient year-round automobile access: Next Steps • Parking at Village in large surface lots and garage The Forest Service will use the framework • Ski area and/or others asked to plan as a base for a National Environmental subsidize circulator buses Policy Act (NEPA) compliant document. During the development of this document, additional public meetings will be held and Recreation Facilities environmental impacts of the preferred plan Outside of the Village, facilities would will be evaluated. consist of: • Extensive picnic/campgrounds with trail connector to Village • Meeting center and lodge • Horse rentals and equestrian facilities similar to Option 1 • Canyon-bottom trail • Off Highway Vehicle trailhead • Historic ranger station adapted for cabin rentals

Protection and Restoration Restoration efforts would be limited to areas that would become costly to repair if not tended to in the short-term.

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c h a p t e r 1 Introduction Introduction

1 Introduction

accessible and developed areas of the Spring Mountains NRA, receiving approximately two million visitors annually. Its upper reaches are a true oasis of ponderosa and bristlecone pines within the region’s vast Mojave Desert, and are home to many of Spring Mountains NRA’s 23 plant and animal species of concern—which exist no other place in the world. State Routes 157 and 156, which lead from U.S. 95 to Kyle and Lee canyons, serve as gateways to the recreation area for hiking, picnicking, winter recreation, rock climbing, camping and horseback riding.

Included in Middle Kyle Canyon is 128- Figure 1: Map of Project Area acre of disturbed land—an abandoned golf The Middle Kyle Canyon Framework Plan course that the Forest Service purchased identifies options and new opportunities in February 2004. This land provides an for conservation, recreation, environmental outstanding opportunity for the Forest education, and fire protection for Service to create a diversity of recreation approximately 2,500 acres of National facilities and reduce recreation pressure on Forest System lands located in the Spring upper Kyle Canyon. Mountains National Recreation Area (Spring Mountains NRA). The plan is the Purpose and Need product of a preliminary planning phase, The purpose of the framework plan is to which will be followed by production establish the vision, goals and objectives of a National Environmental Policy Act for Middle Kyle Canyon and determine the (NEPA) compliant document. The focus location of appropriate uses and facilities of this preliminary phase was gathering and the general size and relationship of information and analyzing a range of those uses. The framework plan is needed potential land use options. These uses in order to reduce recreation pressure include resource protection, recreation and on ecologically sensitive areas—known administrative facility development needs, as biodiversity hotspots—of upper Kyle and environmental education opportunities. Canyon. These hotspots contain plants This phase also included selecting a and animals found nowhere else, and are preferred option that will be considered in referenced by the Clark County Multiple detail during the NEPA process. Species Habitat Conservation Plan Located about 45 minutes northwest of (MSHCP) as areas to avoid. Las Vegas, Kyle Canyon is one of the most

2 Introduction

Many Las Vegas residents visit upper 1 Kyle Canyon each year seeking to escape The plan’s intended outcomes are to: summer heat and enjoy winter recreation. Their use is putting stress on the hotspots, • Provide a framework for as well as the upper canyon’s limited recreation resources. These resources development and conservation for cannot be expanded because of the MSHCP, the next 15 to 20 years. and visitors competing to use current • Determine appropriate uses, resources cause traffic problems, trample locations, scale and relationships sensitive resources, and—when recreational for facilities. facilities are full—visitors recreate on private property within the Mt. Charleston • Reduce pressure on highly residential community. These will become sensitive resource areas in the even greater issues in the future because the upper canyons. population of Las Vegas—and especially the area around the intersection of U.S. 95 • Conserve sensitive natural and and S.R. 157—is growing rapidly. cultural resources. • Address increased recreation use Middle Kyle Canyon represents an excellent opportunity to move some visitor use due to growth in nearby Las Vegas. out of upper Kyle Canyon. Its varied topography, somewhat cooler temperatures than Las Vegas, and interesting scenery could provide an exceptional recreation destination for Las Vegas residents and tourists alike, while helping to educate them about the upper area’s ecological sensitivity. It could also provide a transportation staging area—essentially acting like a large trailhead—that would minimize traffic entering the narrow and windy roads of the upper area and create a quieter more Forest Service-like experience in that area.

The Spring Mountains are a "Sky Island" Within the Mojave Desert

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c h a p t e r 2 Planning Process Overview Planning Process Overview

2 Planning Process Overview

Planning work began with an inventory and Analysis analysis of natural, cultural and recreation resources to gain a solid base of data from The area was analyzed at three scales in which to work. Maps were developed at order to create a plan that addresses the several scales, from regional to site-level, needs of locals, stakeholders, regional to help understand issues that affect the visitors, the Southern Paiute Nation, and project site. Meetings were then held with tourists. However, the focus of the plan is a diversity of community and government Middle Kyle Canyon, a five mile stretch representatives to understand needs, along S.H. 157 with about 2,500 acres expectations, and ongoing efforts relevant beginning near Harris Springs Road on to this planning effort. This information the east and ending at Fletcher View was then synthesized, and used to develop Campground on the west. Central to the a vision, goals, and appropriate uses for plan is the former golf course known as Middle Kyle Canyon. the “Nel Property,” a disturbed area at the center of the site that was analyzed in more detail. This work helped the team to determine appropriate uses for the area, and July - Oct. 2004 Inventory and Analysis place them in the most suitable locations Vision, Goals and Program to accommodate user needs while saving sensitive resources.

Nov. 2004 - Options Developed and Presented The region’s recreation areas, natural and Jan. 2005 to Spring Mountains NRA Staff cultural resources and visitor facilities (both existing and proposed) were also looked at spatially, meaning their location within the region, and how they complement one Feb. - Mar. 2005 Options Presented in Public Meetings and Impacts Studied another. This helped the Forest Service understand how Kyle Canyon fits both physically and culturally with other resources in the area. The area analyzed Apr. - June 2005 Framework Plan Finalized and Reviewed by Washington Office included the , the Spring Mountains, the Sheep Mountains, Lake Mead, and Pahrump. National Environmental Policy Act Begins July 2005 Compliant Document Produced A more local scale—Kyle, Lee, and Deer Creek canyons from US 95 to the high mountains—allowed consideration of opportunities for moving current uses out of Future Phase Site Design and Implementation congested areas and sensitive areas to more appropriate locations.

Figure 2: Planning Process and Schedule

6 Planning Process Overview

Plan Options Information Gathering 2 Meetings Next, three draft planning options were Members of the project planning team met developed that illustrated different ways with many community, local government/ of meeting the vision and goals. They public agency representatives and Southern represent different ways to manage the Paiute tribe members about Middle Kyle area in relation to public use, facility Canyon to help understand the area’s special development, plants and wildlife, cultural qualities and issues. Key characteristics resources, operations, and maintenance. emerged from these meetings, which These options were then shown to the are described in Chapter 4. After these public to further understand their needs meetings, the first newsletter was and desires. Based on resource impacts and distributed. This newsletter summarized the public feedback, a preferred option was project and its timeline. developed and the framework plan drafted.

The final framework plan will be evaluated through the NEPA process. This process will include further public involvement and impact analysis, and once complete the plan will form the basis for constructing area facilities and restoring disturbed areas. Furthermore, a proposal for the visitor center contained in the framework plan will be sent to the Forest Service’s Washington Office for review. Southern Paiute Workshop Public Involvement and Plan Option Development Public involvement for the framework plan involved many types of meetings and communication methods in order to reach a broad range of public agency representatives, technical specialists, and citizens. Input collected from the public was then used to develop and refine several plan options, from which one preferred option was selected. Public outreach and team planning workshop efforts included: Field Trip with Area Technical Specialists

• Information gathering meetings with Vision and Goals Workshop public agencies, public interest groups Using the qualities and issues that and interested individuals. emerged from the analysis and information • Workshop with Southern Paiute tribes. gathering phase, the Forest Service held a • Workshops to develop plan vision, planning team workshop to develop ideas goals and options. to establish a vision and goals for Middle • Presentation of draft preferred option at Kyle Canyon. Appropriate uses for the the Mt. Charleston Summit. area were also defined. Included in this • Planning review group workshops. and all key workshops were transportation • Public open house. representatives, Outside Las Vegas Foundation, Shapins Associates personnel, • Publicized comment period. and Forest Service personnel representing • Planning newsletters. a diversity of resource management and • Informational website. recreation areas.

7 Planning Process Overview

2 Plan Option Development this event to raise awareness of the planning Workshops effort and solicit feedback and comments. Following development of the vision, The Summit drew about 200 invited guests goals, and appropriate types of public and from dozens of government agencies, administrative uses, the planning team organizations and community groups, developed four plan options for recreation including U.S. Senator (D-NV), and management of Middle Kyle Canyon. U.S. Senator John Ensign (R-NV), the Las These options illustrated differing ways Vegas Paiute Tribe, the Nevada Division to protect the area’s natural and cultural of Forestry, the Regional Transportation resources while developing the site for Commission of Southern Nevada, the U.S. diverse recreational uses. These options Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature were further refined through several Conservancy, residents, additional workshops, and a draft preferred representatives from the town of Pahrump, option selected. These were then presented and other entities. to the entire Spring Mountains NRA staff to obtain input and comments on the plans. At this meeting, the Public Open House was announced, and Planning Update Newsletter Mt. Charleston Summit two was distributed. This newsletter “Focus on the Forest: A Mount Charleston contained a description of all the options Summit,” was held on February 22, 2005, and a comment sheet. to discuss a variety of issues and planning efforts under way to conserve the Spring The public comment period, which began Mountains NRA. The draft-preferred option on February 22, 2005 and ended April 9, for Middle Kyle Canyon was presented at 2005, was announced at this meeting. Planning Review Group On March 29, 2005, the three development options were presented to a Planning Review Group. This group consisted of more than 20 community and local government representatives. Public Open House The Public Open House was held on March 29, 2005, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Spring Mountains NRA main office. It was intended for members of the public to review the options, ask questions and give feedback. This meeting was Mt. Charleston Summit publicized through press releases, at the Mt. Charleston Summit, on the Mt. Charleston Summit’s website and local news stations announcements. More than 100 people attended this event and gave meaningful input. Many of the attendees supported the draft preferred option.

Exhibits were arranged so the public could move around the space at their own pace and receive individual attention from planning team members. The Planning Update Newsletter two was distributed, and feedback questionnaires were available. Public Open House

8 Planning Process Overview

Comments and Option 2 Revisions A comment period beginning on February 22, 2005 and ending April 9, 2005 was publicized, and over 35 questionnaires were received. They were summarized, and a workshop was held to revise the options, including the draft preferred option, based on all feedback.

These revised options were then synthesized into the framework plan, which was re- presented to the Planning Review Group for comments. Planning Review Group Second Look The Planning Review Group and Forest Service staff reviewed the draft framework plan to ensure accuracy. Newsletters Three newsletters were sent to a mailing list with over 500 people and made available upon request. The first newsletter, mailed August, 2004, described the Covers from the Three Spring Mountains NRA, the framework Newsletters plan, and its purpose and process. The second newsletter, mailed February, 2005, described the three draft options, summarized the project’s qualities and issues, and its vision and goals. This Informational Website newsletter also announced the Public Open An information website was developed House and comment period. The third late in the project process, to keep the newsletter, mailed July, 2005, described the public informed of the latest Framework final draft preferred option, summarized Plan developments. This website contains public comments, and described the next a description of the project; reports, steps for the framework plan. documents and newsletters created during the project; and descriptions and graphics for each of the three options. This website will continue to be updated throughout development of the NEPA document.

This website is located at http://www.fs.fed. us/r4/htnf/projects/smnra/middle_kyle_ canyon_framework/home.shtml.

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c h a p t e r 3 Existing Conditions Existing Conditions

3 Existing Conditions

Mummy Mountain is a Recognizable Feature of the Spring Mountains NRA Overall NRA Temperatures 20 to 30 degrees cooler than Las Vegas draw people to Spring Mountains Encompassing 316,00 acres, the Spring NRA’s upper canyon reaches in the summer, Mountains National Recreation Area and the only snow for miles around attracts (Spring Mountains NRA) is the third large numbers of desert dwellers in the largest NRA in the National Forest System. winter. Developed recreation facilities such Located just 30 minutes northwest of Las as a small visitor information center, trails, Vegas, the fastest growing urban area in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and a ski area country, the Spring Mountains NRA hosts are located primarily in the upper reaches approximately 2 million visitors per year. of the three developed canyons: Kyle, Deer Creek, and Lee. Surrounded by the nation’s driest desert— the Mojave—Spring Mountains NRA There are 3 congressionally designated contains the highest mountain in the Las wilderness areas within the Spring Vegas area, and the third highest peak in Mountains NRA, totaling 79,500 acres Nevada. As a result of its wide range in —La Madre Mountain (19,400 acres), Mt. elevation, Spring Mountains NRA contains Charleston (55,300 acres), and Rainbow a corresponding range of life zones—five of Mountain (4,800 acres). These areas provide the six life zones found in North America a quiet and more contemplative experience can be experienced here. Precipitation in the near urban Las Vegas. Spring Mountains varies from four inches at its low elevations (about 4,000) to 28 inches The Spring Mountains NRA has a wealth or more at 11,000 feet. of heritage resources that represent human habitation of the area for the last 13,000- 15,000 years.

12 Existing Conditions

Purposes and Legislation These purposes and legislation represent 3 Spring Mountains NRA was established two sometimes competing goals: in 1993 by a special act of Congress, conservation of natural resources and the Public Law 103- 63, as one of 38 National provision of recreation opportunities. Recreation Areas in the United States. Its main purposes are: Interpretive Plan Integration The Middle Kyle Canyon planning 1. To conserve the scenic, scientific, team coordinated with Interpretive Arts historic, cultural, natural, wilderness, Unlimited!, the group preparing an watershed, riparian, wildlife, threatened interpretive plan for the overall Spring and endangered species, and other Mountains NRA. That plan provides values contributing to public enjoyment a “broad conceptual framework for and biological diversity in the Spring developing an integrated network of High Desert Mountains of Nevada; interpretive, education and information at the Base 2. To ensure appropriate conservation and opportunities throughout the Spring of the Spring management of natural and recreation Mountains NRA.” Coordinating the Mountains resources in the Spring Mountains; Framework Plan with work conducted for 3. To provide for the development of public the interpretive plan ensure that themes recreation opportunities in the Spring identified by that plan are incorporated Mountains for the enjoyment of present into the vision and goals for Middle Kyle and future generations. Canyon. The following themes were identified in the interpretive plan:

The 1998 Spring Mountains NRA General Crossroads: The Spring Mountain Management Plan identifies the following Range is a crossroads—geologically and emphasis areas: culturally. Spring Near the Cold Creek 1. The conservation of scenic, scientific, Cool Place to Play: The Spring Mountains Settlement historic, cultural, and other values offer dramatic climatic relief to the 1.6 contributing to public enjoyment; million residents of Las Vegas. 2. The conservation of fish and wildlife populations and habitat, including the Contrast, Transitions and Extremes: The use of prescribed fire to improve or Spring Mountains NRA offers dramatic maintain habitat; contrast from the glitz and glamour of the . Biological diversity is 3. The protection of watersheds, and the seen in its amazing array of distinct life maintenance of free-flowing streams, zones—from high desert to alpine peaks. and the quality of ground and surface water in accordance with applicable law; Foundation Written in Stone: The Spring 4. Public outdoor recreation benefits, Mountains NRA offers spectacular views Pondeosa and Bristlecone including, but not limited to hunting, of the landforms created by geological Pine Forests fishing, trapping, hiking, horseback processes over time. Comprise the riding, backpacking, rock climbing and The Source: The Spring Mountain Range Upper Reaches nature study; of the Spring watershed is the largest contributor to the 5. Provide Wilderness Areas as designated Mountains by Congress; Las Vegas aquifer. The mountains are also the Southern Paiute Place of Creation—their 6. Management and use of natural “Holy Land.” resources in manner compatible with the purposes for which the Recreation Area Biological Hotspot: Because of climatic was established. isolation, the Spring Mountains are home to plants and animals not found anywhere else in the world.

13 Existing Conditions

3 Regional Public Lands Geology Context The Spring Mountains are composed Spring Mountains NRA is just one of primarily of limestone and dolomite filled many public lands surrounding the Las with the fossils of corals and other marine Vegas area. Four federal land management organisms that inhabited the floor of agencies—the National Park Service prehistoric seas. Over millions of years, (NPS), the Bureau of Land Management tremendous geologic pressures compressed (BLM), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service skeletons and shells into rock and uplifted (USFWS)—manage more than 7 million the sea floor until the Spring Mountain acres of public land surrounding Las Range towered 9,000 feet over the Las Vegas. Lake Mead National Recreation Vegas valley. Lake Mead Area (NPS), Red Rock Canyon National NRA Creeks and washes in the Spring Mountains Conservation Area (BLM), and the flow infrequently primarily due to the Desert Wildlife Refuge (USFWS) offer limestone and dolomite that compose a wide range of large-scale recreation most of the range. It is highly fractured opportunities. Many of these sites also and contains numerous cavities due to offer, or will offer, visitor centers and dissolution of the limestone. Most of the expanded education programs that interpret water that falls on the range percolates the region’s natural and cultural history. Red Rock through this porous and fractured rock, Canyon NCA “Sky Island” and Endemics and flows in the subsurface through these The Spring Mountains are an isolated “sky interconnected cavities. Some of this water island,” meaning a mountain range isolated discharges through the numerous springs from others by large areas of dry desert. As throughout the range. the area warmed during the Pleistocene era, Southern Paiute Meanings animal and plant species became isolated The Spring Mountains are considered from each other as they retreated with a the Creation Place of the Southern Paiute shrinking high elevation habitat and were Nation and the mountains are the center constrained from regional movement by the Wetlands of the tribe’s cosmology—the single most surrounding now-arid land. Park important place to the tribe’s members. Because it is their Creation Place, the

Mentzelia are Common in the Spring Mountains

These isolated plants and animals continued to evolve, and now the Spring Mountains NRA is home to a high number of species found nowhere else. Currently, 57 of these species have been recorded. Building visitor awareness of this unique quality is vital for protecting these species and the NRA’s Ila Bullets, a Southern Paiute, biological hot spots. Visits the Slot Canyon

14 Existing Conditions

Regional Context Map 3

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Existing Conditions

Local Context -- Land Use 3

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Existing Conditions

Local Context -- Cultural Resources 3

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Existing Conditions

Southern Paiutes are especially attached to The Spring Mountains hold many physical 3 the mountains and the mountains to them. and cultural traces from Southern Paiute This is a birth-right connection transferred interactions, including storied rocks, from generation to generation, and comes songscapes, and district boundaries. with rights, responsibilities and obligations However, there is not much evidence that to properly use the Spring Mountains and members of the Nation lived in the Spring their natural resources to achieve balance in Mountains, because the tribe believed that individuals, communities, and the world. people should not permanently inhabit places of great power. Therefore, they The high peaks of the range are a major believe that permanent structures of any source of power or energy—known as puha kind should not be placed within the to the Southern Paiutes—which enlivens mountains. everything in and around them such that air, water, rocks, minerals, topographic Today, it is recognized that the physical features, plants, animals, and humans work control of much of Southern Paiute together to maintain balance in the world. aboriginal lands has been transferred to the These elements have the power to act, and United States of America. While the legal if treated improperly could either hurt the ownership has shifted, the moral, spiritual, offending person/entity or choose to leave. and cultural stewardship responsibilities for these lands remain as defined by the Southern Paiutes believe energy travels Creator, in the hands of Southern Paiute along interconnected pathways in the people. For the latter reason, the Southern landscape, and where they cross are places Paiute people would like to remain in a with special purposes composed of the stewardship capacity to advise on moral, different elements of the universe. These spiritual, and cultural matters in the Spring places include those used for acquiring Mountains. energy, rites-of-passage, shaman power, healing, maintaining the balance of the world, stopping over on the way to and from powerful landscapes, and creating synergy. Paiute people travel on the pathways physically across the land, mentally in a dream state, and spiritually after death. The final portion of the thousand-mile Salt Song trail travels through the Spring Mountains, which is the path to the afterlife traveled by all Southern Paiutes on their way to heaven. A special place is the slot canyon in Middle Kyle Canyon, which is a stopping over place and ceremonial site for Paiutes journeying to the Spring Mountains.

Southern Paiutes Point Out Plants Important to the Tribe

21 Existing Conditions

3 Middle Kyle Canyon In many ways, Middle Kyle Canyon is an ideal location in which to meet this Preferred Recreation Location demand. It is easily accessible, has a 10- The close proximity of Kyle Canyon to Las 15 degree temperature difference from Vegas makes it one of the most accessible Las Vegas (rarely exceeding 90 degrees recreation areas in the region. Most of its F), has few sensitive ecological areas, developed campgrounds, picnic areas and contains many disturbed and relatively flat trails are currently in the upper canyon sites for developing recreation facilities, area, which receives the majority of and provides reasonable opportunities Spring Mountains NRA’s visitors. Many for connecting to necessary utilities. Its of these visitors are seeking to escape topographic variation makes for interesting summer heat and enjoy winter recreation, and varied recreation experiences, and and because their use is concentrated in could allow for interpretation of the Spring the upper canyons they are putting stress Mountains’ natural history. Equestrians, on sensitive ecological areas and limited OHV recreationalists and mountain bikers recreation resources. Because facilities in currently use the area, attesting to its the upper canyons cannot be expanded, the attractiveness for recreation. Spring Mountains NRA must find another location in which to place new facilities Furthermore, because of its milder summer that help meet recreation demand while temperatures and minimal winter snowfall, also protecting and conserving the upper Middle Kyle Canyon could be used virtually canyon’s sensitive resources. year-round for recreation activity. Natural Resources and Vegetation Zones Climate Middle Kyle Canyon is excellent for close-to year-round recreation, because it has lower summer temperatures than the nearby Las Vegas Valley, and higher winter temperatures than upper Kyle and Lee canyons. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 90oF, with the hottest days in July. Although freezing temperatures are common in winter, many days have temperatures well above 50oF. The area is semi-arid with average precipitation of 14” View Toward Charleston Peak from Middle Kyle Canyon per year, much of which is received October through March. On average, only 15 days per year have more than 0.5” precipitation. Snow is received periodically, but because freezing temperatures are not sustained the snow melts quickly. Wind typically comes from the southwest, ranging from 0 – 32 MPH, averaging 5.6 MPH. Vegetation and Wildlife Transitioning through Middle Kyle Canyon brings variation in vegetation, wildlife and topography. The lower reaches are open and dominated by desert plants like sagebrush and Joshua trees. The desert plant Pinyon/Juniper Forests in Middle Kyle Canyon communities transition at higher elevations

22 Existing Conditions

Middle Kyle -- Land Use 3

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Existing Conditions

Middle Kyle -- Cultural 3

25

Existing Conditions

to cliffrose, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. The large amount of debris in the Kyle 3 Adjacent to and above the Nel Property, Canyon alluvial fan dwarfs the volume of the Canyon contains forests of ponderosa material currently being eroded from the pine and other coniferous trees. Bristlecone mountains. This is probably due to climate pines, limber pines and aspen appear at its change, as analysis of fossil plant material highest elevations. The diversity created indicates that precipitation in Southern by this variety of habitats supports a wide Nevada was probably much greater during variety of fauna, including elk, bighorn the Pleistocene Epoch (Ice Age) than at sheep, deer, migratory birds, reptiles, and present. rodents. The higher areas also support endemic butterflies and their host plants. Cultural Resources Historic Structures Much of the bench area south of the Nel Traces of CCC and WPA achievements are Property has historically fallen within the visible in areas around Las Vegas, such as pinyon-juniper woodland ecosystem. A the Forest Service’s Administration Area 1927 fire burned much of this area and it in Kyle Canyon, the Camp Lee facility in is currently populated by cliffrose that is , and remnant facilities such transitioning to pinyon-juniper. A remnant as bridges, roads, and trails throughout the stand of pinyons that did not burn in this area. The CCC-built Ranger Station east fire is located at the center of the bench and of Fletcher View Campground is currently provides a reference landscape for what the being used for fire and maintenance entire bench would be vegetated with today operations, and has been altered somewhat had the fire not occurred. from its historic appearance. Joshua Tree Geology Southern Paiute Resources Geologically, Middle Kyle Canyon is In general, the entirety of the Spring surrounded by high and steep limestone Mountains is sacred to the Southern Paiute mountains, at the base of which lies the Nation and any addition of facilities to Kyle Canyon alluvial fan. This fan is made the mountains is inappropriate to them. up of six distinct alluvial fan deposits, Specifically within Middle Kyle Canyon, debris shed off the high Spring Mountains the slot canyon near Harris Springs Road into stream drainages and deposited near is a stopping place for tribal members on the lower reaches of the range. The modern pilgrimage to the mountains and also a day drainage system has cut down into these ceremonial place. Currently the slot shows earlier alluvial fan deposits, exposing their signs of graffiti and paintball games, people Juniper layering. Unlike alluvial deposits in wetter leave trash there regularly, and Off Highway climates, these have a crudely defined and Vehicles and equestrians ride through the irregular composition of boulders, cobbles, site. Some members of the tribe would like pebbles and sand deposited by debris flows the area to be cleaned up, recreation limited or mudflows. They involved minor amounts to hiking and interpretation, and vehicle of water relative to the amount of sediment access moved away from the site. – just enough to move rock, sand and mud material as a thick, sticky mass. Some of the edible and medicinal plants valued by the Souther Paiutes in Middle The slot canyon near Harris Springs Road Kyle Canyon are: Indian tea (Ephedra and the cliffs at the former Nel property are viridis), Utah Juniper (Juniperus Yucca an example of “Calcrete”—a portion of the osteosperma), Sagebrush (Artemisia Kyle Canyon alluvial fan that was heavily tridentate), Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia), cemented with calcium carbonate derived Palmer’s Penstemon (Penstemon palmeri), from the Spring Mountains’ limestone Golden Cholla (Opuntia echinocarpa), rocks. Calcrete is more resistant to erosion Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata), than sediments that underlie or surround it, creating sometimes lone landforms that have had surrounding material completely eroded away. Mormon Tea

27 Existing Conditions

3 Cliffrose (Purshia stansburiana), Canyon and upper Kyle Canyon are also Beavertrail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris), used heavily for “snow play” in the winter, Desert Four o’clock (Mirabilis froebelii), which means that visitors generally park Bristly Fiddleneck (Amsinckia tessellata), alongside the road and sled on adjacent Blue Elderberry (Sambucuc cerulea), hillsides. All of these facilities are located Single leaf Piñon Pine (Pinus monophylla), in the upper canyon areas where biological Prince’s Plume (Stanleya pinnata), and hotspots are found. Desert Trumpet (Eriogonum inflatum ssp inflatum). Developed recreation facilities in these areas consist of 4 individual picnic Visual Resources areas, 2 group picnic areas, 5 developed Significant views exist within Middle Kyle campgrounds with individual sites, 4 Canyon, including views to Charleston dispersed camp areas, 1 developed group Peak, Fletcher Peak and from campground, and 13 trails/trailheads. In much of the site. To the east, visitors to the addition, the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard lower portions of Middle Kyle Canyon can Resort in Lee Canyon offers alpine skiing to see La Madre Mountain and Las Vegas. Las Vegas Residents. Many of the views are those of primitive Within Kyle Canyon, where facilities are environments unmarred by development most overused, Cathedral Rock picnic because of the Mt. Charleston Wilderness area has 72 individual sites and 2 group Area that is adjacent to the upper part of sites, Fletcher View campground has 13 Middle Kyle Canyon. sites that accommodate RV campers (with Existing hookups), and Kyle Canyon campground Visitor Recreational Uses provides 25 sites that accommodate RV Center The road loop completed by State Highways 157 (Kyle Canyon), 158 (Deer Creek Road) and tent campers (without hookups). A and 156 (Lee Canyon), contains many popular group RV campground—Kyle camping, picnicking, hiking, equestrian RV—was recently closed due to biological and mountain bike recreation facilities. Lee hotspot issues. These picnic and campsites have historically been well-used, with the Picnic Areas Size/Type Location campgrounds operating at 40 to 60 percent capacity, and the picnic area operating Old Mill 74 Ind. Sites Lee Canyon at 75 percent capacity. These are high Foxtail 3 Group Sites Lee Canyon numbers indeed, considering that capacity Blue Tree/Saw Mill (Planned) Lee Canyon calculations take into account weekdays, Deer Creek 3 Sites (Free) Deer Creek Road when many of their potential users are working. Cathedral Rock 72 Ind. Sites Kyle Canyon 2 Group Sites Two trailheads provide access to the North Campgrounds and South Loop trails and Trail Canyon— all of which enter or are within designated McWilliams 31 Sites Lee Canyon wilderness. Furthermore, other hiking and Dolomite 30 Sites Lee Canyon equestrian trails are available in upper Kyle Champion Dispersed Lee Canyon Canyon. These trails—with the exception Blue Tree Dispersed Lee Canyon of the Griffith Peak trail—are not in close proximity to Middle Kyle Canyon. Mahogany Grove 2 Group Sites Deer Creek Road Hilltop 35 Sites Deer Creek Road Kyle Canyon currently has a small visitor Archery Range Dispersed Deer Creek Road contact station with a few interpretive panels and a bookstore. This is located Fletcher View 13 Sites Kyle Canyon near the CCC-built Ranger Station, and is Kyle Canyon 25 Sites Kyle Canyon considered to be a temporary construction Ski Tow Dispersed Kyle Canyon until a larger more comprehensive visitor Figure 3: Picnic and Camping Facilities in Kyle and Lee center can be built. Canyons

28 Existing Conditions

Nel Property 3

29

Existing Conditions

Nel Property contains several easements 3 held by the adjacent facilities and the Mt. Charleston Water Company. These easements consist of a septic leach field, and a corridor along the S.R. 157 for water lines. Nevada Power also has an easement for an existing powerline that runs through Middle Kyle Canyon to the Mt. Charleston community.

The Forest Service has permitted two Mt. Charleston Lodge special uses on the north side of S.R. 157 Surrounding Open Space, near the base of Telephone Canyon. The Metro Police have a temporary office site Recreation and Trails to provide a base from which they can The Spring Mountains NRA contains patrol the area. Also in this area is a waste several wilderness areas, two of which transfer station to assist with garbage border Middle Kyle Canyon (Mt. Charleston disposal services. In addition to these uses, Wilderness and La Madre Wilderness). The the Nevada Department of Transportation Mt. Charleston Wilderness is accessible owns a patented parcel of land in this area from Middle Kyle Canyon, near the Fletcher from which it stages highway maintenance View campground. The Forest Service activities. The Forest Service has no control Condomin- is evaluating whether new portals should over how this site is used. iums Next to be added to these areas, and weighing Forest Service the consequences of expanding access to Land use changes that will significantly Land wilderness near a large urban population. affect Spring Mountains NRA are the BLM land to the east contains few proposed outer beltway that will intersect recreation facilities or trails and is a little at I-95 and S.R. 157—the gateway to Kyle used open-space resource. Canyon—and residential developments that will take place at and near that intersection Land Uses and Easements in the next 10-15 years. While initially these Middle Kyle Canyon is bordered by BLM developments will only add about 25,000 land on the east, and the Mt. Charleston people, long-term projections state that community on the west. The Mt. Charleston this area could contain upwards of 250,000 community also contains the Mt. Charleston people. This projected volume of people Mt. Charleston Hotel Lodge, which has several cabins for rent, with easy access to Kyle Canyon will place a restaurant/bar and some gambling extensive pressure on its recreation, natural equipment. State Highways 157 (Kyle and cultural resources. Canyon), 156 (Lee Canyon) and 158 (Deer Creek Road) provide two-lane secondary Infrastructure and Utilities highways through Kyle and Lee Canyons. Currently, the Forest Service owns rights The loop created by them is designated as a to 85 acre-feet of groundwater annually. Nevada state scenic byway and is traveled A system to pump and utilize this water by many locals and tourists. The area also was developed for the now-abandoned contains many gravel and unimproved golf course. In order to effectively use its dirt roads, some designated Forest Service water rights, the Forest Service would need roadways and some informally created to repair and upgrade the water system. by OHV users. These roads are used by Las Vegas Valley Water District currently recreationists, local residents, tourists, and provides water to the Mt. Charleston scenic tour groups. community, and might be able to supply any excess demand within Middle Kyle Canyon. The land parcel recently purchased by the Forest Service is directly adjacent to Wastewater within Kyle Canyon is currently a small condominium development, the handled through septic systems. This is Mt. Charleston Hotel and a church. The evidenced by the large easement on the Nel

31 Existing Conditions

3 Property held by adjacent property owners Demographically, much of the area’s for a leach field. The future development at growth is driven by sun-belt migration: the intersection of I-95 and S.R. 157, will retirees are moving to the area to enjoy its likely include a sewer main into the City of lower housing costs and living expenses. Las Vegas’s wastewater treatment system. This demographic shift results in massive This main will be approximately 17 miles amounts of new construction, and the down S.R. 157 from Middle Kyle Canyon. resulting construction and service jobs attract many people from Mexico. Currently Nevada Power currently has overhead power 25% of the area’s population is Latino, and lines supplying Mount Charleston in Kyle this population is expected to increase at a Canyon. However, their capacity is limited fast pace. Typically this demographic has and development of recreation facilities in little disposable income, limited access to Middle Kyle Canyon would likely require an transportation, and prefers picnic areas for upgrade of existing infrastructure. large family groups. Fee programs may Telecommunications services are limit their use of an area. predominantly provided by Sprint. Likely, Environmental educational facilities are current telecommunications infrastructure needed desperately to serve the 380,000 would not be sufficient to meet both children under age 18 who live in Clark administrative and visitor needs for new County. 14% of them live in poverty and facilities within Middle Kyle Canyon. 30% are Hispanic. Many of these children Piped natural gas is currently unavailable do not have much experience with the in Middle Kyle Canyon. The nearest access natural environment, and a major barrier point is the I-95 and S.R. 157 intersection. for environmental education facilities is cost. A substantial percentage of parents cannot afford to pay for their child to attend school or other education programs with fees, nor can the public school system pick up the extra costs. Transportation may also be a barrier for the area’s school programs, which are typically short of funds for environmental education.

The population closest to Middle Kyle Canyon are the Mt. Charleston community home-owners. This group consists of both year-round residents and second home owners. Typically, these people do not fall below poverty level income, or belong to groups that receive racial discrimination. Picnickers Watching a DVD at Cathedral Rock

Socioeconomics Facilities placed within Middle Kyle Canyon must serve a wide range of socioeconomic needs. Las Vegas is the fastest growing city in America and has been for over a decade. Around 5,000 people currently move to the city each month. Because of the NRA’s proximity to Clark County’s large urban population, its residents are the primary users of the area’s recreation facilities, with tourists being a distant second.

Campsite at Fletcher View

32 Existing Conditions

Concessions 3 The main concessionaire within the Spring Mountains NRA is American Land and Leisure, which operates the campgrounds and picnic areas within Kyle and Lee Canyons. This concessionaire returns a nominal amount to the Forest Service in return for this opportunity, and also provides all maintenance and trash removal for their areas.

The Southern Nevada Interpretive Association—under an affiliated organization called the Spring Mountains Interpretive Association—currently operates the small bookstore within the Kyle Canyon Visitor Center, and helps to staff the Center. The group has expressed Existing Intersection at I-95 and S.R. 157 is Open Land interest in expanding operations within any future visitor center. Future Pressures/ Opportunities Development/Population Extraordinary population growth is expected over the next 20 years at the intersection of I-95 at S.R. 157. Today, its distance from major housing developments and Las Vegas is far enough for it to be Las Vegas Housing Under Construction considered a day trip for many families. In the next five years, development at residents and 380,000 probably tourists. By intersection will place 25,000 plus residents 2020, this number is expected to grow to 3.9 in a now-empty location. There is a strong million, 2.6 million of which would be local likelihood that the Middle Kyle Canyon residents and 1.3 million tourists. Currently area will become akin to a regional urban S.R. 157 can carry about 2,500 cars per day park for many of these residents, while comfortably. On a recent peak winter day, still being a day-trip getaway for other however, the road accommodated around Las Vegas residents. In another fifteen 6,000 cars which caused traffic jams and years, it is possible that another 250,000 significant parking and safety problems. new residents will move closer to the I-95 In order to accommodate this increased and S.R. 157 intersection. With so many visitation a transportation solution would people in such close proximity, the area need to be implemented. Currently the changes complexion yet again becoming Nevada Department of Transportation has almost a neighborhood park. So, in less in its 2022 plan widening S.R. 157 to 6 than a generation the uses and expectations lanes. While the details of how this would of Middle Kyle Canyon could change be implemented have not been worked dramatically and the demand/stress placed out—not to mention the environmental on its facilities become much greater. hurdles that would have to be surmounted— Visitation and Transportation this change would greatly affect people’s Recently, visitation to Kyle Canyon was experience of traveling to Kyle Canyon. The estimated at 1.6 million annually, 1.22 drive currently provides a sense of retreat in million of which are probably local leaving a large urban area to spend the day

33 Existing Conditions

3

Existing S.R. 157 Road Through Middle Kyle Canyon

For visitors intent on taking their car to the upper canyon, a parking permit system could be implemented to manage the limited parking resources in this area. Under this scenario, zones would be established for residential, commercial and visitor parking areas. Residential parking permits would be free of charge and provisions made for guest parking permits. These permits could be obtained in advance through the internet or at the Spring Mountains NRA visitor center. "No Parking" zones along roadsides Parking at Kylc Canyon Trailhead would be stringently enforced. in a rural setting; with the road expansion it would remain an urban experience during Infrastructure Although Middle Kyle Canyon has a certain its entire length and provide visitors with amount of infrastructure, it will most likely little respite from the developed city. have to be upgraded to meet projected Many solutions have been discussed to visitor numbers. A utility feasibility address the increased visitation, the most study is needed to assess infrastructure viable of which is implementing a transit needs. While water supplies appear to be system that would allow people to visit adequate for the future, the existing water the upper canyons without taking their car infrastructure should be evaluated and along. This solution could include express upgraded to ensure wise use of the Forest bus service from a proposed transit hub at Service’s water rights. This work would the intersection of I-95 and S.R. 157, which ideally involve relocation of water facilities would quickly take people up the canyon currently in visually sensitive places to a staging area where there would be and restoration of their former location. recreation facilities and shuttle buses to the Although management of wastewater has upper canyons. This service would operate several options—using a septic system, during the summer and winter—which building a sewer line to the I-95 and S.R. are the peak visitor periods—and more 157, and building a Forest-Service run frequently on peak days. sewage treatment plant—cost and operation efficiency, as well as environmental

34 Existing Conditions

considerations over the long-term should For example, the Southern Nevada 3 dictate the selected solution. Interpretive Association (SNIA) has an existing relationship with the USFS Nevada Power and the Forest Service should and a strong record of running a quality look at existing electrical and facilities and bookstore and providing distinctive determine desirable upgrades. Furthermore, environmental education programs. In their telephone service will likely need upgrades main location at the Red Rock Canyon to meet the needs of the Forest Service over National Conservation Area (NCA), SNIA the next 20 years. As part of these upgrades, takes in around $1 million in sales to above-ground electrical and telephone lines the approximately 350,000 people who could be placed underground to strengthen come into the NCA’s visitor center. About the integrity of viewsheds and minimize $200,000 of this revenue is returned to maintenance due to storm damage. the NCA. From the portion not returned, The Solid Waste Transfer Station location SNIA funds interpretive hikes (including near Telephone Canyon Road should also be two-four hikes per day, one of which is 16 evaluated and, depending on the outcome miles); provides environmental education of that evaluation, the facility relocated to a programs (including the highly successful more suitable place. Mojave Max desert tortoise program); funds the NCA's newspaper, newsletters and other Partnerships and Concessions printed materials; and provides five to Opportunities for establishing partnerships ten volunteers per day. The NCA employs and concessions to manage and maintain only eight people, with about 40 SNIA visitor facilities are excellent, due to the staff performing many visitor center and area’s close proximity to a large urban area, NCA functions under direction from BLM a university, and environmentally-minded staff. The Association seamlessly provides organizations. visitor education and information without visitors knowing that SNIA employees and The single highest risk factor for the volunteers are different from BLM staff. Middle Kyle Canyon development is a lack of a workable transit plan. Therefore, Large corporate organizations bring collaborating with the developer of a proven record in handling large and residential housing at the S.R.157 and complicated public land contracts and I-95 intersection and with the Regional skills in managing diverse operations. Such Transportation Commission—the an organization would require the Forest transportation authority that would manage Service to only manage one entity. Yet its proposed transit center—is a priority. diversity and specialty of food and retail While coordinating the mix of shops and concessions may be reduced. Therefore, services between Middle Kyle and the other options should also be considered. new residential development would have The University of Nevada at Las Vegas benefits, implementing a coordinated plan has expressed interest in establishing a that allows visitors to leave their cars at the research center in Middle Kyle Canyon. intersection and take public transit up to the This provides an opportunity for the Village is an important component of any Forest Service to partner in environmental management strategy for the area. research within the unique environment Concessionaires could manage facilities of the Spring Mountains. Likewise, Oliver and also provide income for the Spring Ranch—an environmental education center Mountains NRA to cover the cost of being developed in Red Rock Canyon— operating the new facilities. Using a group represents an opportunity to leverage scarce of local or individual organizations that resources. A unified effort involving joint specialize in certain areas could create a programming, partnerships in grant writing compelling combination of uses and events and/or fundraising would be distinctive and for Kyle Canyon visitors. attractive to donors and public agencies.

35 Existing Conditions

3 Commercial interests within and around Kyle Canyon represent a way that the Forest Service could leverage proposed facilities in public/private partnerships. For example, the Mt. Charleston Hotel could provide lodging for meetings or small conferences held in Forest Service facilities. Coordinating transportation with the Lee Canyon ski area’s needs could benefit both organizations. Local businesspeople have also expressed interest in becoming concessionaires for the Forest Service. This would bring on board people who have a vested interest in maintaining an appropriate and welcoming recreation area.

Lastly, partnerships with the local community for infrastructure upgrades should be explored. Local residents have expressed a desire to upgrade existing wireline and wireless telephone system. Wastewater management could also interest residents of the Mt. Charleston community. Currently they use individual septic systems, which could eventually affect their groundwater drinking source. The community might want to assist financially with the construction of a sewer line down canyon, thus protecting their water supply.

36 c h a p t e r 4 Qualities and Issues Qualities and Issues

4 Qualities and Issues

The qualities and issues that should be include CCC-built structures, and the entire addressed by the Middle Kyle Canyon Spring Mountains range is sacred to the framework plan emerged from meetings Southern Paiute Nation. It is their “creation with public agencies, technical specialists place.” Recreation and administrative uses and community representatives. These are developed in the area should both benefit summarized and then discussed in more from and protect these resources in a detail on the following pages. sensitive manner. Summary Ecosystem Protection Facilities in Middle Kyle Canyon could Exceptional Resources meet recreation needs that are currently Middle Kyle Canyon offers many taking place in the higher-elevations of Kyle outstanding natural and cultural resources. Canyon and Lee Canyon, allowing better The area traverses three life zones of protection for their many unique plants and vegetation, temperature and topography— animals. all within a relatively short distance. Natural resources include significant Interpretive Opportunities landforms, views, biologically diverse Middle Kyle Canyon and its transitions of areas and forested areas. Cultural resources vegetation, temperature and topography is an excellent environment for environmental education and interpretive programs for all age groups. Underscore its Niche Many recreation facilities and visitor and environmental education centers are planned in the Las Vegas region. Facilities developed in Middle Kyle Canyon should emphasize the area’s niche with the region’s natural resource areas and complement, not duplicate, these centers. Respect Necessary In general visitors do not understand or respect Spring Mountains NRA’s special qualities. As a result, many people discard trash indiscriminately, park in inappropriate places and damage sensitive resources. View Towards Charleston Peak from High Desert Varied strategies need to be created to help build visitor appreciation.

38 Qualities and Issues

Transportation Needs Discussion of Qualities 4 Traffic volume and recreation demand and Issues could greatly increase in Middle Kyle Canyon due to new development in lower Regional Context Kyle Canyon and growth in the Las Vegas Natural Resources Valley. Appropriate types and amounts of • The desert environment of this entire transportation would need to be balanced region is highly fragile and evidence with the amount of use the area could of human activities can last well over a sustain without causing deterioration of hundred years. recreational or environmental quality. • Lands surrounding the Las Vegas Furthermore, a holistic transportation Valley are unique and have enormously solution is needed to manage traffic in varied ecosystems. Many of these upper Kyle and Lee Canyons. The transit areas have been set aside as special system should aim to allow people to conservation and recreation areas. enjoy their scenic byway loop and related In addition to the Spring Mountains recreation resources while preventing the National Recreation Area, they need for significant road-widening. include the Desert National Wildlife Increasing Recreation Needs Complex, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Sloan Canyon Additional summer recreation facilities National Conservation Area and Lake are needed to meet current needs and Mead NRA. address demand from the area’s increasing population. Furthermore, winter recreation • The middle and upper elevations of the sites need to be defined to prevent the Spring Mountains NRA, which include existing traffic and safety problems that Middle Kyle Canyon, are far cooler occur during snowy periods. than the Las Vegas Valley and provide people with relief from the heat in the Diverse Population summer and the ability to see and play Given the growing diversity of the Las in snow in the winter. Vegas Valley, recreation facilities must • Building visitors’ awareness of the meet a range of economic and demographic Spring Mountains Sky Island and needs. Particularly important are the needs its endemic flora/fauna is vital for of young families, outdoor recreationists, protecting these species and the NRA’s retired people, and the growing Latino biological hot spots. population. Fiscal Sustainability Cultural Resources Although construction of new facilities • The Spring Mountains are the “creation would be financed by funds from the place” of the Southern Paiute Nation Southern Nevada Public Lands Management and the center of the tribe’s cosmology. Act, operations and maintenance expenses The Mountains, to them, contain a of these facilities would require revenue- great amount of power that can be generating uses. Furthermore, programs dangerous if not respected. In general, for school children may need financial members of the tribe have avoided support because the cost of attending and building permanent structures within transportation can be a barrier for their the Spring Mountains because they feel families and schools. this would be inappropriate. • Traces of CCC and WPA achievements Enhanced Fire / Emergency are visible in areas around Las Vegas, Fire and emergency facilities that serve such as the Kyle Ranger Station area in both Kyle and Lee Canyons need to be Kyle Canyon, the Camp Lee facility in updated, enlarged, and integrated with other Lee Canyon and remnant facilities such government facilities. as bridges, roads, and trails throughout the Spring Mountains NRA.

39 Qualities and Issues

4 Recreation and Visitor Facilities occasion (weddings, birthdays). In • Many exceptional new visitor and order to be economically successful, educational facilities are existing information and recreation facilities on or proposed in the conservation public lands in the Las Vegas region and recreation areas surrounding need to consider flexible venues and Kyle Canyon (e.g., expanded Red high quality, engaging presentations of Rock Visitor Center, Oliver Ranch information. Environmental Education Field School and Wild Horse and Burro Complex, Land Use and Transportation Clark County Wetlands Park Visitor • The projected volume of traffic on Center, Desert National Wildlife nearby beltways and the easy access to Refuge Complex Visitor Center, Big Kyle Canyon they provide could place Visitor Center and extensive pressure on the Canyon. some type of visitor center in Middle Kyle Canyon). • A new multi-modal transportation hub is planned at the gateway to Kyle • Due to the diverse environments Canyon (intersection of I-95 and S.R. and land ownership patterns of the 157). This center could serve as an lands around Las Vegas, there are exceptional place to stage and inform many different recreation experiences visitors going into the Kyle Canyon available to everyone, including hiking area. in the wilderness, boating on Lake Mead, riding off highway vehicles on • The Las Vegas Valley is a “serious designated trails, and skiing in Lee non-attainment” area for National Canyon. Ambient Air Quality Standards with regards to Particulate Matter less than • Certain types of recreation facilities 10 microns and Carbon Monoxide. The that are safe and easily accessible to area is expected to also be listed for the majority of Las Vegas residents non-attainment of Ozone standards as are limited. Especially needed are of September 13, 2004. Kyle Canyon road bike routes, off-road mountain and Lee Canyon lie within this area bike areas, and picnic and recreation and contribute to air quality non- facilities that can accommodate attainment. extended families with a range of ages. • The east side of the Spring Mountains NRA, along Highways 156, 157, and Socioeconomics 158 currently receives far and away • Las Vegas is the fastest growing city the most use in the Spring Mountains in America and has been for over a NRA, with great demand placed within decade. The population grew by 83 its sensitive resource areas. With the percent between 1990 and 2000, about projected growth in the Las Vegas 711,000 people. Around 5,000 people Valley recreational use of this area is currently move to the city each month. New Housing projected to increase significantly. Much of the growth pressure is in the • Because of Las Vegas’s role as an north end of the City near the Kyle entertainment-based city, many of Canyon access (the intersection of S.R. its residents and visitors are used 157 and 95). Planners expect around to high quality entertainment fused 250,000 new people to be living in the with complex technology. These immediate area of this intersection in people have come to expect this high the next 15 years, most likely in mid- level of quality in both information to high-density developments. This delivery and recreation experiences. growth will put tremendous pressure on Furthermore, they are accustomed to the Kyle Canyon, Deer Creek and Lee Site of Future recreation experiences being organized Canyon areas. Beltway and around an event, such as a concert, • Economic growth and development Housing fair, seasonal celebration or individual with accompanying population

40 Qualities and Issues

increases will continue to increase is semi-arid with average precipitation 4 demand for recreation opportunities, of 14” per year, much of which is both free and fee based. received October through March. On • Recreation facilities must address the average, only 15 days per year have changing demographic profile of the more than 0.5” precipitation. Snow Las Vegas Valley, including growing is received periodically, but because latino and retiree populations. freezing temperatures are not sustained • Although only 25% of the area’s the snow melts quickly. Wind typically population is Latino, the Latino comes from the southwest, ranging population is expected to increase at from 0 – 32 MPH, averaging 5.6 MPH. the fastest rate of any ethnic group over • Middle Kyle Canyon transitions Ivesia is a 20 years. This group typically has little through three main plant communities, Sensitive disposable income, limited access to which gives visitors the rare Plant transportation, and needs picnic areas opportunity to experience numerous Species for large family groups. Fee-demo habitat types within a short distance. programs may preclude them from These consist of: using an area. o Desert Shrublands, containing • About 380,000 children under age 18 mainly of Joshua tree, yucca, live in Clark County. 14% of them blackbrush, cliffrose, and some live in poverty and 30% are Latino. juniper; Many of these children do not have o Low-Conifer Woodland, dominated much experience with the natural by pinyon-juniper forest, Mormon environment. As a result, many are tea, curlleaf mountain mahogany, fearful of being in a natural area that sagebrush and grasses; doesn’t have many characteristics in o High-Conifer Forest, with ponderosa common with the city. Environmental pine forest, white fir, curlleaf Palmer's Chipmunk educational facilities are needed region- mountain mahogany, and aspen. wide to address this issue, particularly is Endemic • Several significant views exist within to the Spring those that provide transition from Middle Kyle Canyon, including Mountains developed facilities to undeveloped Charleston Peak to the west, La Madre natural areas. Mountain to the east and the Mt. • A major barrier for environmental Charleston wilderness area from the education facilities is cost: a substantial Nel property. percentage of parents cannot afford to • Middle Kyle Canyon has several pay for their child to attend, nor can the significant geologic features, which public school system pick up the extra include the cliff-face at Harris Springs costs. Road, the Slot Canyon west of Harris • Clark County residents are the primary Springs Road, lone-standing landforms target market for the Spring Mountains (known locally as hoodoos) in the NRA’s recreation facilities, with Kyle Canyon wash along the central tourists being a secondary market. bench, and a large cliff-face on the Nel property. These consist of cemented gravel and are much harder than the Context Around And Within surrounding alluvial soil. Project Area • Middle Kyle Canyon has several areas with gentle slopes, sparse tree cover Natural Resources and disturbed sites that would be Middle Kyle Canyon appropriate for facility development • Summer temperatures rarely exceed since resource disturbance would be 90oF, with the hottest days being in minimized. July. Although freezing temperatures • The Nel property is located at the are common in winter, many days have transition from pinyon-juniper o temperatures well above 50 F. The area woodland to ponderosa pine woodland,

41 Qualities and Issues

4 and could be ecologically diverse as a • Deer Creek Canyon is mentioned in result. This would make an excellent one of the Southern Paiute Nation’s environmental education site. ceremonial songs and is a major route Local Area—Including Lee Canyon and for spirits transitioning to the afterlife. Deer Creek Road • The Southern Paiute Nation considers • Within the local area, Desert View many of Middle Kyle Canyon’s plants overlook provides an exceptional view to be culturally important, because of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge they are traditional food and clothing Meadow in and the Nevada Test Site. sources. As a result, this group would Lee Canyon • Impacts on the Spring Mountains like to see these plants conserved NRA ecosystem have negatively wherever possible. These plants include affected several species of concern. pinyon, yucca, sage, and cliffrose. These impacts include non-native plant • WPA and CCC facilities in Kyle and invasions, introduced horse, elk and Lee Canyons include Camp Lee, a burrow populations, water diversions WPA-constructed cabin facility and the and recreation and commercial Kyle Ranger Station which has several development and recreational activities. CCC-constructed cabins and other • The Spring Mountains provide a buildings. Although the original CCC- variety of natural environments constructed roadbed in Deer Creek has that offer recreation opportunities been mostly abandoned and replaced by throughout the year. This is due to their a higher road, it is still visible in places. Existing large elevation range, which causes Kyle Canyon decreasing temperature and increasing Visitor Center Visitor Facilities and Experience precipitation as elevation increases. Middle Kyle Canyon • Lee Canyon contains a broad, grassy • Visitor information is limited and not meadow with steep slopes on its north well coordinated between the Forest side. The meadow is covered by snow Service, its concessionaires and local for much of the winter, and would make businesses. As a result, many users an ideal winter recreation area. Overuse become confused and frustrated about from picnicking and wild horse/burro what recreation opportunities are grazing has compacted the meadow available where, how to access them, and damaged its vegetation. Funds and the rules that apply to using them. have been granted under the Southern • Equestrians mainly use an informal Nevada Public Lands Management riding area, roughly between S.R. 157, Act (SNPLMA) for its restoration, S.R. 158, and Angel Peak Road. This which could include adapting it to new group would like a trailhead facility recreation uses. suited to group camping located away from OHV use and other traffic. Cultural Resources • Mountain bikers currently have limited • The Southern Paiute Nation considers areas in which to ride: Telephone the Spring Mountains to be sacred, Canyon Road and the Bristlecone Trail likening them to a living being that are the main known routes. This user should not have facilities constructed group built several mountain bike trails on its surface. east of S.R. 158 and north of S.R. 157 • The Slot Canyon west of Harris Springs in the early 1990’s. However, these Road is the last prepatory stop on a trails are not documented or recognized Southern Paiute vision quest route, and by the Forest Service. Telephone plays a significant ceremonial role in Canyon in particular is not ideal for this these quests. The tribe would prefer the group’s needs, because it does not offer site be cleaned up, limited to hiking a true off-road experience. and that visitors appreciate and respect its significance.

42 Qualities and Issues

• Mountain bikers would like additional Local Area—Including Lee Canyon and 4 trails developed for their use in Middle Deer Creek Road Kyle Canyon, and undocumented • Kyle and Lee Canyons offer a wide routes recognized as official trails. range of recreation activities, including New facilities should include short hiking on wilderness areas, hiking easy routes suited to families as well as on designated trails, picnicking, tent longer loops. camping, RV camping, horseback • Road bikers use Kyle Canyon Road, riding, OHV-riding, on-road biking, Deer Creek Road and Lee Canyon off-road biking, skiing, and other Road, which can be dangerous due winter recreation. Facilities are not to high-speed traffic and poor sight adequate for current demand, however. distances. • Users in general do not respect • OHV users mainly use the area south the natural environment of Spring and east of Harris Springs Road, but Mountains NRA, which many times some also use the area west of the Road leads to them unknowingly damaging through the Slot Canyon and up the sensitive resources. Also, many Kyle Canyon wash. Some members of users discard trash along trails and this user group would like a trailhead at roadsides. This is particularly apparent the bottom of Angel Peak Road, and be in springtime when snow melts and permitted to use that road. reveals an underlying layer of trash. • Several picnic areas exist within Kyle • Lee Canyon has several picnic and and Lee Canyons. However, they camping areas that are not often full, are not well-equipped for the large because people either do not know extended-family groups that use them, about them, believe they are a long they are located in congested areas distance away or assume they are full. within the upper canyon’s sensitive A coordinated information system resource areas, and there are not could help this situation by letting enough spaces for current demand. In visitors know where space is available. fact, many people either wait (in their • Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort car) in line for a picnic space to become in Lee Canyon is a unique recreational available or they are turned away after resource in the region. The resort is arriving at the picnic area. located in a biological hot spot, and • There is a strong need across many suffers from not enough parking area stakeholder groups for more places and traffic problems along the Lee for people to recreate in Kyle and Lee Canyon Road. Canyons. Some people believe the • Winter recreation mainly occurs in Nel property should be designed with upper Kyle Canyon, along Deer Creek people in mind, providing places for Road and in upper Lee Canyon. Many relaxing, shopping, reading, eating, of the people who participate in “snow Ski and Snowboard talking, walking, contemplating, play” sled on hills adjacent to the main Resort gathering with friends and family, or roads and just about anywhere they find experiencing some special event (e.g. a snow-covered slope. The situation local art show, concerts, environmental is dangerous and results in damaged education programs). resources. Also, people discard • The Nel property has some paved trails trash wherever they are recreating that could be adjusted and adapted to in an unmanaged manner. One circulation for the property, as well as concessionaire-run picnic area – Foxtail a walking and biking trail loop. Some – will remain open in the winter to help of the landforms that were built for its alleviate these problems. Snow Play former use as a golf course are ideal for • There are insufficient recreation in Kyle people places, specifically the “upland resources on the west side of Spring Canyon bench” areas. Mountains NRA with access from Pahrump.

43 Qualities and Issues

4 families who use the picnic facilities Land Use and Transportation for large weekend family get-togethers. • Highways 157 (Kyle Canyon), 156 These groups can arrive in three to five (Lee Canyon) and 158 (Deer Creek cars and bring many things, such as Road) currently provide two-lane chairs and coolers. Generally this group secondary highways through Kyle is most interested in activities that keep and Lee Canyons. The loop created them together as a family, which do by them is designated as a Nevada not include hiking or nature watching. state scenic byway and is traveled A fee program could preclude some of by many locals and tourists. These this group’s use of facilities. roads are inadequate for their current • The future Kyle Canyon Gateway amount of traffic, and they also provide community will consist of mixed-use insufficient capacity for emergency and mid- to high-density, with a range response and evacuation. of income earners. Thus, recreation • The high volume of traffic in upper facilities in Middle Kyle Canyon must Kyle and Lee Canyons causes traffic increasingly serve an economically congestion and contributes to accidents diverse set of users. during peak seasons and winter weather • Developed recreation facilities in conditions. Furthermore, many drivers Middle Kyle Canyon represent a great are unprepared for snow and icy winter opportunity for concessionaires to driving conditions which also results in benefit from access to a new market, accidents. and for the Forest Service to meet user • The area contains many gravel and needs. Because ongoing costs of newly unimproved dirt roads, some designated built facilities will most likely not be Forest Service roadways and some funded from current budgets, revenue informally created by OHV users. from concessionaires or cooperating These “social roads” can be damaging associations can help support these to the environment and may be closed facilities and their programs. to motorized traffic in the near future. • Parking is scarce within Kyle and Fire, Police and Safety Lee Canyons, particularly during • Spring Mountains NRA is high on the peak hiking, picnicking and winter potential fire danger list. Kyle Canyon recreation periods. As a result, many and Lee Canyon are considered to have people park informally along the road a high fuel load, since their natural and on private residences during these fire cycle has been interrupted over the periods which damages environmental past century or more. The canyons are resources and creates traffic problems box-canyons, and would be difficult to Picnickers and law enforcement issues. evacuate in the event of a fire. and Their • There are dangerous unmarked • Several agencies respond to fires in Gear pedestrian crossings on major Kyle and Lee Canyons: Mt. Charleston roadways. Fire Protection District (volunteer), • Clark County would like to link the Nel Nevada Department of Forestry, Clark property into their trails system. County Fire Department, and Spring • The Nel property contains many Mountains NRA’s Fire Management disturbed benches and flat areas that group. Currently there are three fire could be redeveloped, decreasing the department facilities – two in Mt. need to disturb new areas for facility Charleston and one at the Kyle Ranger development. Station. Managers of these facilities would like to have a joint facility in Parking Kyle Canyon. is Scarce Socioeconomics in Kyle • Picnickers generally consist–80% by Canyon some estimates–of extended Latino

44 Qualities and Issues

• Fire risk is greatest in the upper reaches 4 of the Spring Mountains, and as a result fire protection facility managers would prefer their facilities be located near the junction of Kyle Canyon and Deer Creek Roads or in other areas of the upper canyon. • Abandoned campfires are common in picnic areas, requiring rangers to regularly patrol these areas. They can cause serious fire danger hazards.

Operations and Maintenance The current operations complex is located at Kyle Ranger Station, and includes a machine shop, a maintenance yard, a fire station, fuel tanks for vehicles, and several living quarters for both permanent and seasonal fire personnel and other seasonal staff. More living quarters are needed, due to an increased amount of operations and fire protection needs. The facility is outdated, undersized and in a sensitive natural and cultural resource area.

Existing Fire Station is Inadequate for the Spring Mountains NRA's Needs

45

c h a p t e r 5 Vision, Goals and Use Program Vision, Goals and Use Program

5 Vision, Goals and Use Program

Using the qualities and issues that emerged to the Spring Mountains NRA to operate from the analysis and information gathering new facilities, once constructed. phase, the Forest Service drafted a Vision and Goals to guide what Middle Kyle Next come natural and cultural resources, Canyon should become and the types and visitor experience and uses goals. of roles it should play in the recreation These topics are stated in the Spring community. Mountains NRA’s enabling legislation, and meeting these goals helps the NRA fulfill its overall purpose. Lastly come the Vision fire/maintenance/administration/ housing, transportation, education and interpretation, Middle Kyle Canyon is a place that is and partnerships goals. These goals are enjoyable, easy to navigate for all people, important in that they allow the Spring and provides a safe environment to form Mountains NRA to meet its mission and ensure that all users and surrounding wonderful memories in a natural outdoor residents have a safe experience. setting. Partnerships are used to promote Natural Resources pride, understanding, appreciation Synthesis: Restore and protect sensitive and protection of the site’s unique natural resource areas and native vegetation. environmental and historic resources, and 1. Enhance, manage and protect native Southern Paiute stories. vegetation, species of concern (plants and animals) and culturally important plants. 2. Transition over time to using plants Goals to Achieve Vision native to the Spring Mountains. 3. Restore disturbed non-developed areas These goals provide a basis from which to to a natural condition. judge each plan option, with a greater level 4. Attract people to the less sensitive of detail than the vision. In that way, they areas of Middle Kyle Canyon to reduce both support the vision and give direction resource impacts in the upper canyons. for facility development and land use within Middle Kyle Canyon. Visitor Experience and Uses The paramount goal—meaning the goal Synthesis: Provide a diverse group of that must be met—is socioeconomics recreation settings based on Middle Kyle goal number one: Ensure Middle Kyle Canyon’s special resources, and manage the Canyon’s group of facilities is economically site for an appropriate number of visitors. sustainable overall. This is because additional appropriations will not be given

48 Vision, Goals and Use Program

1. Middle Kyle Canyon's uses/experiences maintain and be sustained by, an anchor 5 should express its unique character. for their historical memory, and part of 2. Create Middle Kyle Canyon as a their route to the afterlife.) destination that results in repeat 2. Recognize, interpret and appreciate visitation through changing, interesting the historical dimensions of Middle programs and places that use the natural Kyle Canyon, integrating it with stories environment as a draw. of the Spring Mountains and the 3. Develop a group of settings where all surrounding area. people – including all ages, ethnicities, 3. Incorporate cultural elements into income levels, and abilities – both design and management decisions. individually and in groups feel welcome, safe and comfortable. 4. Provide connectivity with the surrounding areas. 5. Create memorable and distinctive locales that integrate with the natural setting. 6. Provide diversity of recreational uses and settings for a variety of recreational experiences, from contemplative to social. These should be placed compatibly and separated from operation and maintenance areas. 7. Ensure appropriate visitor limits are in place to maintain a healthy environment and desired recreation experiences. 8. Develop programs, services, activities and settings that encourage healthier Entry to Slot Canyon lifestyles and a sense of well being. Education and Interpretation Cultural Resources Synthesis: Promote visitor understanding Synthesis: Understand and take care of and appreciation of Middle Kyle Canyon Middle Kyle Canyon’s significant cultural through a variety of education and resources, paying special attention to interpretation methods that also reflect the Southern Paiute traditions and needs. Forest Service's unique identity.

1. Respect, protect and support the 1. Create fun, exciting, innovative and spiritual, historical and physical nature dynamic environmental education and of the site for the Southern Paiute interpretive programs that influence all Indians. (The Spring Mountains are ages to be appreciative and respectful their Creation Place, an area they of the natural world. have cultural rights and obligations to 2. Educational and interpretive programs reflect the Forest Service's identity. 3. Provide self-guided interpretive materials that are available 24/7. 4. Focus interpretation and education on the unique qualities of Middle Kyle Canyon, and integrating them with stories of the Spring Mountains and the surrounding areas.

CCC-Built Cabin at Kyle Ranger Station

49 Vision, Goals and Use Program

5 5. Link the Middle Kyle Canyon education Transportation and interpretation programs with other Synthesis: Provide a transportation system Southern Nevada educational plans and that allows easy site access, eliminates programs. confusion and is economical, safe and 6. Use and interpret site restoration and efficient. sustainable/green facilities as part of the environmental education program. 1. Design the transportation system to enhance the visitor experience. 7. Provide orientation and interpretive information before, during and after 2. Provide a transportation system peoples’ visit to the site through a that is easy to use, customer-first variety of onsite and offsite sources. oriented, attractive, safe, efficient and economical. 8. Provide information and interpretation that markets or encourages responsible 3. Use the transportation system to behavior in sustainable locations. eliminate congestion while routing people to key areas in the system in a Former way that helps conserve resources. Dump Near Fire/Maintenance/ Current Administration/Housing Socioeconomics Helipad Synthesis: Construct administrative and Needs Site Synthesis: Provide a diverse group of emergency response facilities that can be Restoration recreation facilities that support themselves highly responsive, and are ecologically and financially, while giving access to a wide financially sustainable. range of people in ways that protect the 1. Create and maintain a suitable facility environment and private property. and area to stage emergency response. 1. Ensure Middle Kyle Canyon’s group of 2. Make an operation and maintenance facilities is economically sustainable area that is carefully located, uses overall. green building methods and consistent 2. Ensure that the people at many income with the site’s landscape character. levels and ethnicities can access and 3. Establish and integrate an interagency navigate the site through international fire facility with facilities for symbols and language translation. maintenance and administration. 3. Use price mechanisms that encourage 4. Provide offices for on-site personnel. visitors to make choices that protect the 5. Ensure that the utility infrastructure is area’s sensitive resources and private sustainable, built of lasting materials property. and adequately sized for expected final 4. Provide appropriate facilities on public facility build-out. lands that help protect private property 6. Create and maintain financial support within Spring Mountains NRA by outside appropriated funds for eliminating the need for visitors to operations and maintenance activities. recreate on private land. 7. Ensure facilities optimize staff's ability to serve the public. Partnerships 1. Maintain and create new partnerships that are synergistic, and create solutions.

50 Vision, Goals and Use Program

Use Program Information and Interpretive 5 Visitor Information Center The core planning team created a general Interpretive Exhibits program with plan components that Native Landscape Garden or Trail would help meet the vision and goals for Children’s Nature Trail Middle Kyle Canyon. Not all plan options Interpretive Kiosks (Outdoor) contain every program element; rather Recreation they incorporate these elements to varying Day-use Picnic Sites with Open Play degrees to stay within the concept for each Area option. A list of these elements follows. Universally Accessible Trails Hiking Trails Mountain Bike Trails Trailheads with Information Kiosks Comfort Stations Campgrounds for RVs and Tents Family Bike Trail Road Biking Path/Lane Equestrian Trails Reflection Spots Shade Structures / Trees Resources Protection of Biological Hot Spots Protection of Culturally Significant Sites Restoration of Wash System Restoration of Degraded Habitats and Slopes Transportation Central Parking with Large Vehicle Area Alternative Transportation / Shuttle Service Link with Las Vegas Regional Transportation Park-N-Ride for Ski Area and Others Administrative Interagency Fire/EMS/Police Complex Maintenance Complex Forest Research Center Housing for Fire Personnel and Volunteers Offices for On-Site Personnel Concessionaire/Partner Book/Gift Shop in Visitor Center Forest Research Center Food Area Retail Uses that Relate to the Environment and Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Equipment Rental Concession Meeting Rooms for Private and Community Events Rental Cabins Amphitheater for Special Events

51

c h a p t e r 6 Plan Options Plan Options

6 Plan Options

Options were created to apply the vision, Option 1 goals and program for Middle Kyle Canyon in varying ways, placing appropriate uses Balance Recreation and and facilities in different locations and Education with Economic and altering their general size and relationship. Environmental Sustainability This helped the Spring Mountains NRA staff determine different ways that Middle Kyle Canyon could be managed and to (Preferred Option) evaluate each of the options. These options are organized around a concept, which guided the planning team while they Concept fleshed out management scenarios. The role This preferred plan would provide a broad of transportation—meaning automobile, range of recreation and environmental mass transit and parking—was a key education opportunities while preserving component of making decisions, because the Canyon’s key natural and cultural overuse could overwhelm the area with resources. Recreation related facilities, that vehicles and significantly alter the visitor also produce revenue, would be developed experience within this part of the Spring to help ensure long-term operation and Mountains NRA. Facilities in each option maintenance costs can be met. were arranged to disperse visitor use over a five mile stretch of the canyon to avoid overuse of any one area, provide a range of appropriate experiences and divert users away from sensitive habitats.

Proposed Village in Option 1, Showing Building Massing and Site Organization

54 Plan Options

Overall Plan for Option 1 6

55

Plan Options

Village and Village Valley for Option 1 6

57

Plan Options

Village 6 The center of activity would be a small “Village” overlooking a broad valley within Kyle Canyon and the Mt. Charleston Wilderness. The selected site and adjacent valley are currently ecologically disturbed and are an excellent location for more intensive uses and revitalization. The area with its flat bench overlooking a wide and topographically varied valley could present visitors with a range of experiences, from very active and communal to quiet and contemplative. 1. Visitors Arrive at Village Transit Center Option 1 would provide the broadest diversity of trails and provide access to the largest area of any of the options. The Village would include a medium sized visitor center with a bookstore and gift shop, amphitheater, outdoor classrooms—both developed and “natural,” environmentally-based shops, convenience store focused on picnickers and campers, food vendors, artist-in-residence studio, an on-site security apartment, small indoor multi-use space, and group picnic sites adjacent to a green “commons” area. The amphitheater would be small to moderate scale with both constructed seating and 2. Rock Play Area Near Visitor Center on-ground seating, and host only events appropriate for its natural setting. It would be sited to minimize sound carrying through the canyon. All Village facilities would provide easy access to restrooms.

Facilities in the Village would be oriented to the adjacent valley and Mt. Charleston wilderness area, with parking well screened and located away from significant views.

The Village Valley would provide a wide diversity of opportunities for multi- use trails, a children’s fishing pond, and natural outdoor classrooms and picnic areas directly adjacent to the Village’s developed 3. "Commons" Being Used for Active Play facilities. It would also provide many trails, some paved and some soft-surface depending on their intended use. Much of the existing paved trails would be retained and connections made to provide a series of 1 loops. A new unpaved contemplative trail would be added for hikers who wish to have Sketch 3 2 Locator a more restful experience. In addition, an Map escarpment trail system would be added to the south side of the valley to provide

59

Alternative 1: Balance Recreation With Conservation & Economic Sustainability � � � � � � ��� �������� ������ ����������� ��������������������������������� �������� SHAPINS ����������������������������������������� ASSOCIATES

PLANNING URBAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Plan Options

6 an enticing yet fairly difficult pedestrian trail overlooking the Village. With this diverse system a diversity of uses could be accommodated—including walking trails, slow-speed cycling, rollerblading, and hiking for contemplation. The Valley trails would connect with the paved Rim Trail and the unpaved Canyon Trail to the east, and with a smaller unpaved trail that connects the campgrounds to the west. Transportation A staging area would be placed at the intersection of I-95 and S.R. 157, with parking for transit access. This area would 4. Rim Trail Overlook at Village provide Spring Mountains NRA orientation information, and be operated through partnerships. The intent would be to provide a transit system that is more convenient than driving. This facility could be part of the Regional Transportation Commission’s northern hub and a community center for the Focus Property Group’s Lower Kyle Canyon Gateway development.

The Village would act as an alternative transportation hub to help alleviate traffic congestion in the upper canyons, provide an opportunity for visitor education, and create 5. Village Valley Trail a node for longer-term traffic solutions between the Village and Las Vegas. It would contain a transit center that allows people to ride express buses to the site from the intersection of I-95 and S.R. 157, and connect with circulator buses to key recreation resources such as the Cathedral Rock area and Lee Canyon. The transit system would be phased into operation, at first running during the busiest recreation seasons. The Village would also contain adequate parking for visitors driving to the site during the low season. The amount of parking spaces that would accommodate Option 1's estimated number of users is 6. Escarpment Trail Entry a minimum of 1,200, taking into account off-peak season use. During peak times a small shuttle bus would run along S.R. 157 4 from the Village to Harris Springs Road to provide linkages between facilities and minimize the need for private automobiles. Non-motorized ways to reach the Village would include a separated paved multi-use Sketch path and an unpaved equestrian/jogging Locator path along S.R. 157. Map 5 6

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Alternative 1: Balance Recreation With Conservation & Economic Sustainability � � � � � � ��� �������� ������ ����������� ��������������������������������� �������� SHAPINS ����������������������������������������� ASSOCIATES

PLANNING URBAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Plan Options

Recreation Facilities Outside the 6 Village Facilities on the north rim near the Village would include picnic sites for groups as well as for individual and extended families, and a variety of campsites for people wishing to tent or RV camp alone or in groups. Option 1 would provide a moderate amount of these facilities, which would serve current demand and also growth of the Las Vegas Valley. This area would be linked to the Village and other trails via a paved multi- use Rim Trail.

An equestrian trailhead, horse-rental 7. Horse Rental Area concession, equestrian campground and a formalized equestrian trail system would be provided on the north side of S.R. 157. Campers using this campground, and the concessionaire for horse rentals would be required to clean up their sites, which could amount to as often as daily.

Existing, but unmapped mountain bike trails in this area would be formalized as part of the official Spring Mountains NRA trail system and managed to minimize conflicts between equestrians and cyclists. Portions of the equestrian trails would be multi-use and also allow for hikers and 8. Rim Trail Overlook at Campgrounds bikers while others would be for equestrian and hiking use only.

A trailhead leading to an Off Highway Vehicle looped trail would be developed at the intersection of S.R. 157 and the road to Angel Peak. The historic ranger station up-canyon would be rehabilitated and managed to be a revenue generating public use. The existing Fletcher View and Kyle Canyon campgrounds would remain and be improved as needed.

Hikers and bicyclists would experience the ������� ����������������������� area from a multitude of different levels �������������������������� ����������������������������� S. PAIUTE PINYON ���������������������������� and viewpoints. The paved Rim Trail along GATHERING AREA �������������������������������� 9. Campground ������������������������� the north edge of Kyle Canyon would �������������������� ����������  ������������������������  ����������������������������������������������  ������������������������������ allow hikers and bicyclists to experience �����������������������������������������������  ����������������������������������������  ��������������������������������  �������������  �������������������������� the length of the canyon from above, with  �������������������  ������������������ VILLAGE SLOT PARKING/  ��������� TRAILHEAD ����������� dramatic views of its rock formations and MOUNTAIN BIKE  �������������������������������������������� (5-15 SPACES) ����������������������������������� ��������������  ����������������������������� TRAILHEAD  ������������������ ����������  ����������������������� surrounding mountains. The Canyon Trail (10-40 SPACES)  ������������� 7  ������������������������������ �������������� would provide hiking along the length of a ����������������������� EXISTING FLETCHER ����������������������������������������� �������� CANYON TRAIL ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������� the canyon bottom from Fletcher View �������������� 9 ���������������������������������� ��������������������������������� Sketch 8 ���������������������������������� ����������������������������� Campground to Harris Springs Road and Z ������������������������������ Bike/Hike/Equestrian VALLEY AREA CAMPGROUND (II) ���������������������������������� Path Continues to Locator CAMPGROUND (I) ��������������������������������� ������� direct contact with the Canyon’s rough rock Cathedral Rock CANYON TRAIL ������������ (HIKING-ONLY) ���������������������� Map ������ ��������������������� � � ������� � ������������������������� �� �������������������������� � ������������������ FLETCHER VIEW RESTORED CCC AREA � ����������������� � ������������ RV CAMPGROUND (MANAGED PUBLIC USE) �� P � TH ������������������ (13 Sites) �� c ����������� �� a ������������ �� h ��������������������� 61 � g������� SMALL TRAIL � F ������� LOOP TO WEST d ���������������� w ������������ 6 ���������������� 9 �������������������� -�������������������

������ ��������������� ����������������� ������������������ ����� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������� ��� �� � ����� ���������� ������������������������ ������������������������� ��������������������� ������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ����� ��������������� SHAPINS ����������������������������������������� ASSOCIATES

PLANNING URBAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Plan Options

6 w alls and co b b l y w as h. A trailhead near the S l o t w o ul d be sens i ti v e l y de v e l oped to minimize impacts to the area and visual impacts from S .R. 1 5 7 . Al o n g the trails vis i tors co ul d l earn abo ut So uthern P ai ute tradi ti o ns, the sacredness o f this landscape , and abo ut the s i te ’ s natural reso urces . Equestrians ha v e been e x c l uded from the Can y o n T rail and S l o t to respect So uthern P ai ute wis hes, as mem bers o f the tribe w o ul d lik e uses in this area to re fl ect i ts tradi ti o nal associati o n as a vis i o n quest ro ute and cerem o nial s i te .

10. Canyon T rail A ddi ti o nal m o un tain b ik e facili ti es so uth o f K y l e Can y o n w o ul d inc l ude a trailhead l eadin g to a di v ers i ty o f trails, gi vin g users vi e w s o f the can y o n bo ttom, surro undin g m o un tains and hills, and Las V e gas . The trailhead w o ul d also inc l ude space f or a b ik e-ren tal co ncess i o naire . Hik ers w o ul d also be all o w ed o n these trails .

N o te that trails s h o wn o n maps are the main trails, and the F orest Servi ce ma y add supp l emen tal trails . Envir onmental Education /

11. Multi-Use T rail Interpr etation / Special Pr ograms Opti o n 1 w o ul d pro vi de a s i gnifi can t am o un t o f en viro nmen tal educati o n and in terpretati o n o f K y l e Can y o n ’ s natural and cul tural history . Whil e still m oderate l y - s ized, this opti o n w o ul d ha v e the larg est - scal e vis i tor cen ter o f the three opti o ns, the F orest Servi ce w o ul d pro vi de and main tain a larg er area o f in terpreti v e e xhib i ts in a v ari ety o f imaginati v e media. This media w o ul d be created us in g F orest Servi ce staff, poss ib l y thro ugh l ocal partners hi ps and Las V e gas tal en t—w hi c h is some o f the best and m ost creati v e in the w or l d. The cen ter co ul d

������� also co n tain a small theater/l ecture space ����������������������� �������������������������� ����������������������������� used f or films and talks b y l ocal e xperts . S. PAIUTE PINYON ���������������������������� GATHERING AREA �������������������������������� �������������������������

�������������������� ����������  ������������������������  ����������������������������������������������  ������������������������������ �����������������������������������������������  ����������������������������������������  ��������������������������������  �������������  ��������������������������  �������������������  ������������������ VILLAGE SLOT PARKING/  ��������� TRAILHEAD ����������� MOUNTAIN BIKE  �������������������������������������������� (5-15 SPACES) ����������������������������������� ��������������  ����������������������������� TRAILHEAD  ������������������ ����������  ����������������������� (10-40 SPACES)  �������������  ������������������������������

�������������� a ����������������������� EXISTING FLETCHER ����������������������������������������� �������� CANYON TRAIL ������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������� �������������� ���������������������������������� 11 ��������������������������������� Sketch ���������������������������������� 10 ����������������������������� Z ������������������������������ Bike/Hike/Equestrian ���������������������������������� Path Continues to VALLEY AREA CAMPGROUND (II) CAMPGROUND (I) Locator ��������������������������������� Cathedral Rock ������� CANYON TRAIL ������������ (HIKING-ONLY) ���������������������� Map ������ ��������������������� � � ������� � ������������������������� �� �������������������������� � ������������������ FLETCHER VIEW RESTORED CCC AREA � ����������������� � ������������ RV CAMPGROUND (MANAGED PUBLIC USE) �� P � TH ������������������ (13 Sites) �� c ����������� �� a ������������ �� h ��������������������� � g������� SMALL TRAIL � F ������� LOOP TO WEST d ���������������� w ������������ 62 6 ���������������� 9 �������������������� -�������������������

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PLANNING URBAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Plan Options

Picnic Areas for Option 1 6

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Camping Areas for Option 1 6

65

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Several outdoor classrooms located in the 6 Village and Village Valley could be used by local school districts for environmental education programs. Habitat adjacent to the ponds would provide the potential for sightings of endemic butterflies, and a trail to the west of the Village would give people access to their habitats in a less-obtrusive way. Adherence to Dark- Sky design guidelines would help ensure that facilities could be used for night-sky programs. Between the campgrounds on the bench, there would be a small classroom/ amphitheater for daytime interpretive talks 12. Side View of and nighttime programs held for campers. Amphitheater The amphitheater and outdoor plaza space at the Village would provide locations for special programs. These programs could include low profile concert and theatre events—with gentle forms of music such as classical, jazz and folk music as well as plays; a lecture series; community events 13. Amphitheater such as art shows, craft markets, spelling Looking South contests, holiday events, and local dance, theater and orchestra/band productions; an environmentally-focused outdoor film series; and milestone marking ceremonies such as graduations. Combined with the small meeting facility, these events could be extended to symposiums and small conferences of organizations or agencies, possibly of those focused on the natural environment.

The artist-in-residence space within the Village creates an interesting confluence of education combined with an adapted concession. This would consist of an artist 14. Small Classroom Near Village awarded the experience of living within Middle Kyle Canyon for a period of time, and encouraged to create art reflective of the Spring Mountains. The art could be sold to Village visitors, either through periodic shows or a small on-site gallery space. In exchange, the artist would give periodic 13 talks/classes to students about their work, hopefully inspiring some to engage in 12 artistic or environmental pursuits.

Sketch 14 Locator Map

67

Alternative 1: Balance Recreation With Conservation & Economic Sustainability � � � � � � ��� �������� ������ ����������� ��������������������������������� �������� SHAPINS ����������������������������������������� ASSOCIATES

PLANNING URBAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Plan Options

6 trailhead would also be revegetated. On the north side of S.R. 157 existing water system facilities such as the ponds near S.R. 158 would be restored, where practical.

The Forest Service would partner and work with the Southern Paiute Nation to provide for the indigenous uses of native plant and nut gathering, and to provide space for some activities in which the tribe would like to engage. Furthermore, trash and graffiti in the Slot area would be cleaned up and automobile access moved back toward Harris Springs Road. Hopefully this change would discourage vandals from defacing Fire and Ådministrative/Maintenance the area in the future. Uses in the canyon Facilities Would Be Improved bottom would be limited to hiking, to Administrative Facilities respect the contemplative and sacred nature A new administrative area for the Service of the pilgrimage route up the canyon that would be developed with a multi-agency tribal members value. fire complex, a helicopter landing pad, an operations and maintenance area, research Development Character Option 1 would carefully balance built- center, office space for concessionaires, facilities with the natural environment. some employee housing, and several RV Although the Village would contain several pads for volunteers and temporary workers. buildings, an amphitheater and large paved The complex would be located about areas, these would be constructed from 1⁄4 mile from S.R. 157 for easy access materials that complement the surroundings to canyon emergencies yet it would be and at a scale and character that blends with somewhat screened and separated from natural features. Creative use of outdoor visitor use areas. One administrative facility areas would be exhausted before building located away from this complex is one enclosed space for a programmed-use, thus helipad located on the east end of the bench emphasizing and connecting visitors with to accommodate fire-fighting activities on the natural environment. Buildings would south of S.R. 157. have a horizontal quality, and reinforce the Protection and Restoration Forest Service’s identity of land stewardship The Village Valley would receive in the context of multiple land-uses. Not environmental restoration in several areas. all facilities would fit within currently- Disturbed slopes would be stabilized and disturbed areas. However, land and revegetated; the channelized wash would vegetation disturbance would be minimized be redesigned in places to allow return of and native vegetation would be used to natural wash processes; areas where turf screen buildings. was installed would be revegetated with Appropriate trees would be used in native species; and the ponds would be significant numbers at the Village and reconfigured and enhanced with native within picnic and camping areas to provide vegetation to encourage endemic butterflies shade and cooler temperatures. Within the and other local wildlife. Large-scale junk, Village this would probably be ponderosa such as discarded automobiles and cable pine trees, as well as pinyons and junipers, spools, would be cleaned up along the as the Village site would be located at the bottom and side slopes of the canyon. transition from pinyon-juniper woodland to Social roads would be removed over the ponderosa woodland. Camping and picnic long-term, and disturbed areas area around areas would use pinyon trees, as they are the Slot would be revegetated. The former located well within the pinyon-juniper landfill around the proposed mountain bike woodland area.

68 Plan Options

Administrative Area for Option 1 6

69

Plan Options

Summary of Option 1's Proposed Facilities Facility Size 6 Village and Village Valley: Visitor Center w/ Bookstore 10,000 – 12,000 square feet Indoor Meeting Space 4,200 square feet Transit Center 2,000 square feet Retail Space, including Rentals 4 – 6 shops Food Area 3 vendors Plaza Areas 60,000 square feet Landscape and Play Space 40,000 square feet Amphitheater 900 Seats + 600 on berm Outdoor Classrooms 4 Group Picnic Sites 3 Commons Approx. 4 1⁄4 acres Parking Garage + Other Parking 1,315 spaces Artist-in-Residence and On-Site Security 2,400 square feet Trails Approx. 5 miles Outside Village: Picnic Sites – Individual/Extended Family 245 sites Picnic Sites – Group 3 sites Campground – Individual RV/Tent 210 sites Campground– Small Group RV/Tent 2 areas with 15 sites each Campground – Large Group 1 area with 100 sites Campground – Equestrian 10 sites Rim Trail w/ Overlook (Multi-Use) 3.2 miles paved, 1.1 miles unpaved Canyon Trail (Hiking) / Trailhead 4.3 miles below Village and 1.9 miles above Village Equestrian/Hiking Trails / Trailhead Approx. 10 miles Mountain Bike Trails – North of S.R. 157 Existing trails formalized Mountain Bike Trails – South of Canyon Approx. 8.5 miles OHV Trailhead 10 oversize spaces Restoration: Village Valley Approx. 28 acres Helipad Approx. 2 acres Automobile Dump Approx. 1 acre Slot Trailhead Approx. 2 acres Social Roads Approx. 3 miles Restore CCC Area to Historical Condition Administrative/Infrastructure: Multi-Agency Fire/Emergency Facility 10,000 square feet with Warehouse and Maintenance Shop Housing for Emergency Personnel 3 houses + bunkhouse RV/Trailer Pads 8 pads Helipads 1 at Admin Site, 1 on Bench (Type II) Concessionaire Offices 2,000 square feet Research Center 3,000 square feet Wastewater Treatment System Water System Use Forest Service water Electrical Improve infrastructure

Figure 4: Option 1 Facilities Summary 71 Plan Options

6 Option 2 Transportation Of the three options, this would restrict Resource Conservation with automobile access the most. During the Focus on Education high seasons, express-bus service from the intersection of I-95 and S.R. 157 would transport most visitors to the Village. Concept Circulator buses would shuttle the majority This option focuses on conserving and of upper canyon users to their destination. restoring Kyle Canyon’s natural resources. Only those with a parking permit, a picnic Minimal recreation facilities would be or camping reservation, a residential permit, developed under this option, with any or heading to a retail establishment up- new facilities being placed in areas that canyon would be allowed to park in upper are already ecologically disturbed. Small Kyle Canyon. Very limited parking would buildings and outdoor spaces that support be provided at the Village, primarily sized environmental education activities are for hike-in campers, day-picnickers, and emphasized. Day-use recreation facilities limited off-season use. Demand may exceed are sized only to replace facilities in the the site’s carrying capacity, at which time upper canyon, should the Forest Service limits may need to be set on the number of need to close facilities in other areas due people permitted in the Canyon’s recreation to sensitive resources or site rehabilitation. area at any one time. This option protects resources through conservation and more stringent Recreation Facilities Outside the management of visitor use, providing Village limited new facilities and concentrating use The Canyon Trail would be shorter in this in only a few areas. Facilities in the upper option than in Option 1, since it would start canyons would be expected to continue to at the Village and head east to the Slot. serve visitors. There would be no trail connection from the Village to Fletcher View or Kyle Canyon campgrounds to avoid placing people in a Village and Village Valley potentially sensitive area. Equestrian trails north of S.R. 157 would be shorter than in New visitor facilities would be centered Option 1, and mountain bike use would be around a small building complex that allowed on these trails. relates to the adjacent valley to the south. This complex would include a small visitor No mountain-bike trails would be provided contact station and bookstore, a couple south of Kyle Canyon, as in Option 1. The of group picnic sites, a medium-sized Rim Trail would be limited to accessing picnic area with individual and extended the group camping area east of the Village. family sites, a group campsite and a small Camping-wise, the only facility developed RV/tent campground with individual sites. outside the Village would be a moderate- A hike-in campground would be created size group campground east of the Village. within a former golf-course green in the valley-bottom, but above the 100-year flood Off Highway Vehicle use would be allowed plain. Facilities would be sized to provide on the Angel Peak road, to create a place for a replacement for camping and picnic this activity in a location that is currently facilities further up-canyon. used by OHV recreationalists. Modest trailhead facilities would be provided at the A simple paved trail system for walking Slot, the equestrian trailhead, and the off- would be provided between facilities and highway vehicle trailhead. in the adjacent valley. A loop trail from the existing trail system would be retained Note that trails shown on maps are the while much of the existing system on the main trails, and the Forest Service may add Valley’s upper slopes would be removed. supplemental trails.

72 Plan Options

6

Overall Plan for Option 2

73

Plan Options

Village and Village Valley for Option 2 6

75 Plan Options

6

76 Plan Options

Environmental Education / 6 Interpretation Summary of Option 2's Proposed Facilities This option would center primarily on off- Facility Size site communication and education through Village and Village Valley: the Spring Mountains NRA’s website, Visitor Center w/ Bookstore Approx. 1,800 square feet videos, brochures and other outreach Transit Center Simple Bench Area methods. When possible through volunteers or partnerships, a diversity of outdoor Plaza Areas 18,000 square feet programs and tours would be provided that Outdoor Classrooms 1 focus on Spring Mountains NRA resources. Natural Area Picnic Area Parking 105 spaces Administrative Area An administrative area with a multi-agency Trails Approx. 2.3 miles fire station, operations and maintenance Outside Village: area, helicopter pad, and a few housing sites Picnic Sites – Individual/Extended Family 76 sites would be located at the site that currently Picnic Sites – Group 2 sites contains the Forest Service’s helicopter pad. Play Area for Picnic Sites 1 acre This location is already badly disturbed. Campground – Individual RV/Tent 30 sites Protection and Restoration Campground– Hike In Tent-Only 25 sites To encourage native plants and wildlife, Campground – Large Group 1 area with 100 sites the disturbed area of Kyle Canyon adjacent Canyon Trail (Hiking) / Trailhead 4.3 miles below Village to the Village would receive extensive Equestrian/Hiking Trails / Trailhead Approx. 8 miles environmental restoration. Many existing trails would be removed, much of the wash Mountain Bike Trails – North of S.R. 157 Existing trails Formalized would be restored, and disturbed slopes OHV Trailhead 10 oversize spaces and turf areas would be rehabilitated. Restoration: The ponds in the Village Valley would Village Valley Approx. 53 acres also be removed, as they are not naturally Helipad Approx. 4 acres occurring. As in Option 1, the Forest Automobile Dump Approx. 2 acre Service would work with the Southern Paiute Nation to provide for indigenous Slot Trailhead Approx. 4 acres use of native plant and nut gathering. Social Roads Approx. 5 miles Furthermore, the previous dump near the Restore CCC Area to Historical Condition Forest Service’s current trailhead would be Administrative/Infrastructure: entirely cleaned up and vegetation restored Multi-Agency Fire/Emergency Facility 10,000 square feet to reflect the area’s natural state. Housing for Emergency Personnel 3 houses + bunkhouse Development Character Helipads 2 for Type-II Helicopters Development under this option would be Wastewater Leach Fields Next to new facilities small-scale, and almost exclusively placed Water System Use Forest Service water in disturbed areas. There would be a limited Electrical Minimal Upgrades number of recreation facilities and extensive environmental restoration, bringing the site Figure 5: Option 2 Facilities Summary back to a more natural condition.

77 Plan Options

6 Option 3 As in Option 1, an amphitheater would act as a counterpart the other Village Emphasize Economic facilities. However it would be in a more Sustainability visible location with more direct access to concessions and have good prospects for expansion, should the need arise. People Concept coming to events at this site would be Option 3 emphasizes uses that generate encouraged to patronize the shops and food revenue, while still meeting the vision and concessions, thus generating additional goals for Middle Kyle Canyon development. revenue. It would provide recreation and education Several indoor and outdoor special event uses in a more limited fashion than Option spaces would provide attractive locations 1, instead focusing on retail and food for community events, ancillary events to venues, event spaces, and rental activities. Las Vegas conventions, and special events A high proportion of revenue-generating such as weddings. These spaces would uses to recreation facilities would ensure be much larger than in Option 1, and able that the Spring Mountains NRA could meet to accommodate events with at least 800 long-term operations and maintenance people. Group picnic sites that handle more expenses so that facilities can remain people than in Option 1 would complement relevant to visitors. It would not provide the other Village facilities. A family or the diversity of recreation and education corporate picnic could tie to a performance facilities shown in Option 1, and ongoing at the amphitheater or an event at the indoor programs that do not pay for themselves special event space. would be minimized. Village Valley Village The valley adjacent to the Village would The Village would contain a smaller-sized provide a trail system for a diversity of visitor center than Option 1, but would users. The paved trail system would be have a larger bookstore/gift shop than that similar to that provided in Option 1, for option. The interpretive area would also be the most part using existing trail routes. smaller than Option 1 to minimize on-going However, several trails would be removed operations costs of updating and replacing to minimize trail maintenance costs. This interpretive boards and other media. The option replaces the contemplative trail with focus of the Village would be its retail and an unpaved bike loop to provide direct food concessions, an amphitheater, and access for beginning mountain bikers who indoor and outdoor special event spaces. wish to rent bikes. Furthermore, this option does not provide the escarpment trail or a Retail concessions would focus on stocking trail connecting with facilities to the west items that help visitors enjoy and learn of the Village. Village Valley trails would about Kyle Canyon’s natural and cultural connect with the Canyon Trail and the Rim resources and its surrounding Mojave Trail to the east. Desert context. Food concessions would help make visitors feel comfortable Transportation while visiting the area, and range from To ensure convenience, visitors would coffee shop to fast food to an appropriate have year-round automobile access to the restaurant. In addition, a convenience store Village with parking in a large surface lot and gas station would be provided near and underground garage. This would be S.R. 157. This store would provide small much larger than Option 1, No bus service groceries and other items for campers and from Las Vegas would be provided, except picnickers, as well as the only gas service possibly during special events. The ski area within the Spring Mountains NRA. This and/or other concessionaires would be asked would serve both residents—who have to subsidize limited circulator bus service to expressed an interest in this concession— Cathedral Rock and Lee Canyon. and visitors.

78 Plan Options

Overall Plan for Option 3 6

79

Plan Options

Village and Village Valley for Option 3 6

81

Plan Options

Over the long-term, a widened road additional cabins built. These additional 6 would be required under this option. cabins are necessary to enhance this The current road can handle about 2,500 activity’s economic feasibility. vehicles comfortably. However, to provide convenience and flexibility to consumers Environmental Education / without a holistic mass transit solution, easy Interpretation automobile access would be a major part of This option would provide few this plan. environmental education programs or materials. Within the modestly-sized Recreation Facilities Outside the visitor center, the Forest Service would Village create and maintain a medium-sized area Along the bench, more extensive camping with interpretive media. When possible and picnicking facilities would be provided through volunteers or partnerships, a series than any other option. These are desirable of outdoor programs and tours would be because they provide a method for the provided. Spring Mountains NRA to construct economically self-sustaining facilities Administrative Area maintained by a concessionaire. An administrative area and forest research facility would be developed the similar to Also, a high-end, attractive and carefully Option 1, with the exception of two helipads sited meeting center and lodge would be being located at this site. constructed at the current Forest Service helipad site. This facility would provide an Protection and Restoration additional revenue stream not represented in Option 3 would have the least amount of the other two options, which could tap into restoration of any option. Restoration would the corporate retreat market from Las Vegas be limited to major disturbed areas, which and elsewhere in the region. consist mostly of disturbed slopes in the Village Valley, that could become costly to Trails provided in this option would repair in the future if not tended to in the be lesser in scale than Option 1, but short-term. The ponds in the valley would significantly more than Option 2. The goal be removed because they represent a long- would be to provide a balance of trails that term cost with limited economic benefit. complement other recreation facilities while Also, the dump below the current Forest also minimizing maintenance activities. Service helipad would be restored, as it North-rim facilities would be linked to the mars the scenic beauty of this future retreat Village via a soft-surface multi-use Rim center site. Trail. As in Option 1, a soft-surface Canyon Trail would be provided for hiking-only. Development Character Equestrian and mountain bike trails north Option 3 would contain the largest scale of S.R. 157 would be similar to Option 2, development that is more urban in character with a horse rental area and equestrian than in the other options. Although some campground also created. Campers using development would be placed in disturbed this campground, and the concessionaire for areas, the amount and size of facilities horse rentals would be required to clean up would require previously unused land areas their sites frequently, which could amount to be built upon. Constructed facilities to as often as daily. Off Highway Vehicle would create a strong presence in the use would be allowed on the Angel Peak landscape, possibly competing with the road as in Option 1. Trailheads similar to natural environment for people’s attention Option 1 would be provided at the Slot, the in order to create a solid identity for Middle equestrian area, and off-highway vehicle Kyle Canyon’s facilities. area on Angel Peak Road. As in Option 1, trees would be used The historic ranger station complex near extensively throughout the Village, and Fletcher View campground would be picnicking and camping areas to provide rehabilitated for cabin rentals, and several shade and cooler temperatures for visitors.

83 Plan Options

Summary of Option 3's Proposed Facilities 6 Facility Size Village and Village Valley: Visitor Center w/ Bookstore 5,000 square feet Multi-Use Indoor Space 40,000 square feet Transit Center 500 square feet Gas Station / Convenience Store Retail Space, including Rentals 7 – 9 shops Restaurant 3,500 square feet Food Area 5 vendors Plaza Areas 90,000 square feet Landscape and Play Space 30,000 square feet Amphitheater 900 Seats + 600 on berm + expansion area Outdoor Classrooms 1 Group Picnic Sites 2 Green Spaces Approx. 1 3⁄4 acres Parking Garage + Other Parking 1,830 spaces Trails Approx. 3.2 miles Outside Village: Picnic Sites – Individual/Extended Family 250 sites Campground – Individual RV/Tent 400 sites Campground– Small Group RV/Tent 3 areas with 15 sites each Campground – Large Group 1 area with 100 sites Campground – Equestrian 10 sites Rim Trail w/ Overlook (Multi-Use) 3.5 miles Canyon Trail (Hiking) / Trailhead 4.3 miles below Village Equestrian / Hiking Trails / Trailhead Approx. 8 miles Mountain Bike Trails – North of S.R. 157 Existing trails formalized OHV Trailhead 15 oversize spaces Cabin Rentals CCC buildings + 10 new cabins Meeting Center / Lodge Meeting rooms, terrace, and 25 guestrooms/restaurant Restoration: Village Valley Approx. 5.5 acres Helipad Approx. 2 acres Automobile Dump Approx. 1 acre Restore CCC Buildings to Historical Condition Administrative/Infrastructure: Multi-Agency Fire/Emergency Facility with 10,000 square feet Warehouse and Maintenance Shop Housing for Emergency Personnel 3 houses + bunkhouse RV/Trailer Pads 4-8 pads Helipads 2 for Type-II helicopters Research Center 3,000 square feet Wastewater Treatment System Water System Use Forest Service water Electrical Improve infrastructure Figure 6: Option 3 Facilities Summary 84 c h a p t e r 7 Phasing and Costs Phasing and Costs

7 Phasing and Costs

The Forest Service has received Southern Most Village and Village Valley facilities Nevada Public Lands Management would be constructed during Phase I, Act (SNPLMA) funding for the first as would some of the camping/picnic phase of the framework plan, which facilities, and the fire station. All associated includes a portion of the Village, some infrastructure would also be constructed trails, some camping facilities and new during this phase, because of construction firefighting/operations/ maintenance efficiencies. facilities. The amount approved for design and construction during this phase is Phase I would focus on constructing approximately $32.4 million. While waiting facilities that would provide public to be spent, this money does earn interest. environmental education, as well as produce However, the interest is withheld from the a positive cash flow to cover additional project budget for cost overruns, should costs that would be required to operate they occur. Therefore, cost estimates for the facilities. Also, proposed phasing of phasing take into account the time value facilities would support the Forest Service of money, but do not provide an additional image of a conservation agency that percentage for contingencies and cost provides recreation places, with concessions overruns. being only an ancillary activity. Because of this, the Forest Service would not construct Because the framework plan spans 15 all retail or food concessions in Phase I, years and is trying to address longer- instead focusing its budget on items that term problems than were addressed in the would provide recreation. As Phase II original SNPLMA proposal, additional facilities were built, additional retail and funding will have to be found for Phase II food concessions would be constructed. for Options 1 and 3. Facilities built during Phase I would be Option 1 focused on those that help create Middle Kyle Canyon as a destination. In this way, Although proposed facilities for Phase people coming to the Spring Mountains I of Option 1 fall fairly close to those in NRA would find quality recreation facilities the original SNPLMA proposals, the cost at the site and many would be diverted estimate falls somewhat short—partially from the upper canyon’s sensitive habitats. due to facilities costing more than originally Since only about one-third of the Village estimated and partially due to inflation. In concessions would be built in Phase I, order to construct all facilities contained in along with the amphitheater, group picnic Phase I, the Forest Service would need to sites and the Village Valley facilities, the raise approximately $6.9 million (adjusted paved plaza, landscape, play areas, and for inflation). To execute Phase II of the the commons would only be built to 50% Framework Plan, the Forest Service would completion during Phase I. This will allow, need to raise approximately $22.5 million as facilities are constructed, outdoor spaces (adjusted for inflation). to remain at a human scale and avoid large

86 Phasing and Costs

7 empty plaza spaces. Unbuilt spaces could Phase I (within 5 years) be landscaped with nursery stock and act Visitor Center and Interpretive Exhibits as a virtual-nursery that allows vegetation that would eventually be moved to other Group Meeting Space landscaped areas time to mature. Retail and Food Concessions (1/3) Amphitheater According to Bruce Hutton’s economic feasibility study this option appears to be Plaza and Play Spaces (1⁄2) economically sustainable over the long- Village Group Picnic Sites term, providing enough concession space Commons (1⁄2) to support the staff, maintenance and Outdoor Classrooms utilities that would be required to operate Village Parking and Road Improvements its facilities and related environmental Artist-in-Residence and Security Spaces education programs. Valley Restoration and Trails Transit, however, would probably not be Individual Picnic Facilities (1⁄2) fully funded through this option. The Forest Individual Camping Facilities (1/3) Service would need to continue to explore fee options, as well as partnerships with a Small Group Campsites transit authority, the local community and Campground Area Restoration businesses, and the developer of residential Rim Trail to Camping/Picnic Areas–Soft Surface housing at the intersection of I-95 and Fire Station, Road and Landscape Improvements S.R. 157. The importance of transit in this All Infrastructure (Water, Electrical, Sewer) option cannot be stressed enough, because Option 1 provides only enough parking for Phase II (6 to 15 years) off-peak seasons. A transit solution would Retail and Food Concessions (remaining 2/3) be required for peak-days and to prevent Village Plaza and Play Spaces (remaining 1⁄2) S.R. 157 from being significantly widened, and to help ensure the Middle Kyle Canyon Commons (remaining 1⁄2) recreation area is economically viable and Transit Facilities sustainable over the long-term. Individual Picnic Facilities (remaining 1⁄2) Individual Camping Facilities (remaining 2/3) Group Picnic Sites Outside Village Large Group Camping Area Equestrian Camping Area Social Road Restoration Pave Rim Trail to Camping/Picnic Areas Remaining Trails / Trailheads / Improvements CCC Ranger Station Rehabilitation Remaining Administrative Facilities

Figure 7: Option 1 Phasing

87 Phasing and Costs

7 Staffing Lower level personnel would manage day- to-day operations of each facility and Although details of the preferred option activity. These people would also manage have not been worked out at this point in concessions and partners that help keep the planning process, a preliminary staffing operations running smoothly. A permits structure has been devised by the planning administrator would help manage parking in team. The organizational chart below the upper canyons so that visitors park their depicts this staffing structure, which would vehicles and use transit according to the be phased in over time and complete by NRA's intent. year 15. A preliminary revenue and expense An overall site manager would be needed estimate has shown this organizational to manage Middle Kyle Canyon's recreation structure to be financially sustainable, with facilities as a whole, and an implementation revenue slightly exceeding personnel and manager would be needed to manage operations expenses. facility construction. An agreements and contracts manager would ensure that all contracting efficiencies are taken advanatage of where possible.

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Figure 8: Option 1 Draft Organizational Chart

88 Phasing and Costs

NRA’s goal of instilling respect for the area 7 through educating visitors as to its interesting Option 2 and unique characteristics. Furthermore, a creative fee and partnering system would Phasing is not required for Option 2, need to be implemented to operate on-going because its modest amount of facilities transit operations and strictly enforce parking could be fully funded using current restrictions. SNPLMA funds. This option does not aim to solve upper-canyon recreation Staffing usage issues related to large amounts of people located within biological hotspots. Option 2's preliminary organizational chart is It probably would not reduce the amount depicted below. As in Option 1, an overall site of people using facilities in that area. manager would be needed to manage Middle However, an extensive transit infrastructure Kyle Canyon's recreation facilities as a whole, could be easily funded using the approved and an implementation manager would be SNPLMA funds not spent on recreation and needed to manage facility construction. People administrative facilities. This in itself would responsible for day-to-day operations would go a long way toward solving Kyle and Lee report directly to the site manager. canyons’ traffic problems. Although this Option would have a minimal Economically, this option is the least amount of staff, a preliminary revenue sustainable because its economic and expense estimate indicates that this components are too limited to generate organizational structure is not financially meaningful revenue. Thus, revenue sustainable. Personnel and operations expenses generated under Option 2 would not cover would exceed revenue from concessions, the ongoing costs of staff, maintenance, and utilities needed to operate its facilities. It would also not be able to fund ongoing environmental education programs, providing only the space for other groups to use for their programs. Therefore, a significant amount of partnering would be required to meet the Spring Mountains

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Figure 9: Option 2 Draft Organizational Chart

89 Phasing and Costs

7 mainly because Option 2 has few revenue to help fund facilities in other parts of the generating concessions or facilities. Spring Mountains NRA. Option 3 The largest uncertainty with Option 3 is that S.R. 157 would need to be significantly Option 3 would focus first on constructing widened to accommodate traffic related facilities that are the most efficient at to increased recreation demand from producing revenue, along with certain population growth in nearby Las Vegas. recreation facilities that help fulfill Widening this road would significantly environmental education goals and fire- alter the visitor experience of the Spring protection facilities needed for visitor Mountains NRA, which would probably not safety. About half of the Phase I funds reflect the Forest Service’s image or value would be spent on a large underground system. Funds to widen the road would parking structure, with two levels below have to be provided by entities other than ground and one level above ground. This would be necessary because this option does not call for mass-transit to the Village from the I-95 and S.R. 157 intersection. However because of the high-cost of this parking garage, currently approved Phase I SNPLMA funds would not fully fund Phase I under Option 3. The Forest Service would Visitor Center and Interpretive Exhibits need to raise approximately $10.5 million Retail and Food Concessions (1/2) of additional funds. For Phase II, the Forest Restaurant Service would need to locate about $38.4 Convenience Store and Gas Station million (adjusted for anticipated inflation). Group Picnic Sites Phase II would include facilities that do Plaza and Play Spaces (1/2) not have as high of a revenue producing Green Spaces potential in relation to their cost, as well Village Parking Garage and Road Improvements as the remainder of the recreation and Valley Restoration and Trails administrative facilities. The Forest Service would not have to raise Phase II’s entire Individual Picnic/Campgrounds (1/3) construction cost under Option 3, because Rim Trail to Camping/Picnic Areas excess revenue from Phase I’s facilities Fire Station, Road and Landscape Improvements could—in addition to funding staff, All Infrastructure (Water, Electrical, Sewer) maintenance and utilities costs—be used to pay for constructing a portion of Phase II. Phase II Retail and Food Concessions (Remaining 1/2) In the long run, because of its high Plaza and Play Spaces ( Remaining 1/2) percentage of concessionaire-run facilities, Option 3 would produce the highest amount Large Multi-Use Indoor Space of revenue of the three options. It would Amphitheater ensure that all facilities are maintained Outdoor Classroom to a high-level and also provide excess Transit Center (for Upper Canyons Only) revenue that the Forest Service could use Meeting Center/Lodge to either provide additional interpretive and environmental education programs, or CCC Ranger Station Rehabilitation Individual Picnic/Campgrounds (Remaining 2/3) Small Group Campsites Large Group Camping Area Equestrian Camping Area All Remaining Trails, Trailheads and Associated Improvements Remaining Administrative Facilities Figure 10: Option 3 Phasing 90 Phasing and Costs

the Forest Service, since the Service has no be minimized under Option 3. Also, since 7 mechanism to fund this type of project. transit is mainly subsidized or managed by other entities (such as the Ski and Staffing Snowboard Resort), the transit concession would not be managed by Spring Mountains Option 3’s preliminary staffing structure is NRA staff. depicted in the organizational chart below, which would be phased in over time and A preliminary revenue and expense hiring complete by year 15. estimate has shown this organizational structure to be the most financially As in Option 1, an overall site manager sustainable of the three options, with would be needed to manage Middle Kyle revenue greatly exceeding personnel and Canyon's recreation facilities as a whole, operations expenses. This is because much and an implementation manager would be of Option 3's construction budget would needed to manage facility construction. An be spent to construct revenue generating agreements and contracts manager would facilities. ensure that all contracting efficiencies are taken advantage of where possible.

Lower level personnel would manage day-to-day operations of each facility and activity, as in Option 1. Partnerships coordinating staff would not be needed in this option, however, as this activity would

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Figure 11: Option 3 Draft Organizational Chart

91

c h a p t e r 8 Summary of Potential Outcomes Potential Outcomes

8 Summary of Potential Outcomes

This section summarizes potential outcomes • In Options 1 and 2, restoration and of implementing the three options. The revegetation of roads not reused for summary is meant to provide a starting trails near Harris Springs Road, and point for writing the NEPA document that user-created roads on the bench would will follow the Framework Plan. These may probably have a beneficial outcome be adjusted after detailed scientific analysis on soil erosion; planned use of erosion is performed. control measures, such as mulching and water bars to control water flows, Physical and Biological would minimize outcomes. Environment • Building new and maintaining existing unpaved trails could result in soil Soils and Geology erosion in these areas. However, this • Restoration of areas in Kyle Canyon could be minimized over the long-term south of the Village site could reduce by using trail design measures that soil erosion in Option 1. Over the long- ensure erosion is managed. These could term, increased native vegetative cover include water bars, careful layout, and along with de-channelizing the wash revegetation of adjacent areas. Under all in certain areas would likely reduce options, user-created trail development erosion. This would be greatest under would be managed through signage and Option 2. other visitor management techniques. • Under all options, construction of • Construction of new trails could result the Village visitor facilities, parking in localized soil disturbance, including facilities and overlooks, camping short-term soil erosion and long-term, areas, picnic areas, the horse rental but minimal, reduced soil productivity. area, and the administrative area This applies to Options 1 and 3. would require soil excavation, grading • Construction of the proposed parking and other surface disturbances. garage would most likely require Temporary increases in soil erosion excavation of alluvial fill. Geotechnical could occur in these areas. A long-term explorations indicate the area is alluvial loss in soil productivity may occur fill with very to extremely gravelly from construction of visitor-related sandy loams and loamy sands, sandy structures. gravel and clayey sand—much of it • Construction of the separated bike with cobbles. (CRS Engineers, 2004) path proposed by Option 1 and the With a goal of keeping these materials bike lane proposed by Option 2 would on-site, they could be used as an on-site require soil excavation, grading and material for facility construction. other surface disturbances. This could temporarily increase soil erosion.

94 Potential Outcomes

• Option 2 may require construction Surface Water 8 of leach-fields, which would require • Restoring/building the pond in Option disturbance of sites and importing of 1 would create an unnatural surface- fill to function properly. water resource within Middle Kyle • Options 1 and 3 could require Canyon’s native ecosystem. However, it construction of a wastewater treatment could benefit environmental education facility, which would require efforts and locally significant wildlife disturbance at and around its site. – such as butterflies and bats. • Restoring portions of the wash below Water Resources the Village could benefit the natural processes of Kyle Canyon, its water Groundwater quality, and native plant habitat. This • The Forest Service plans to use its applies to Options 1 and 2. rights to 83.5 acre-feet of water • Stormwater runoff from paved areas to supply the new visitor facilities could increase offsite erosion and and administrative facilities. There introduce automobile-related pollutants could be short-term effects to into the Kyle Canyon wash system, groundwater levels associated with thereby reducing water quality. pump draw down that could affect Erosion and pollutant effects could be nearby wells. However, because the minimized by using oil-sand separators underlying aquifer is replenished and creating vegetated buffers/holding by precipitation and snowmelt, the ponds adjacent to developed facilities. aquifer is considered to be a renewable resource. Conservation measures such as using water-harvesting techniques to Vegetation Communities sustain vegetation, recycling of treated Overall wastewater, and using low-water use • More intensive management of toilets and other water conserving recreational use and traffic in the upper plumbing fixtures could reduce overall areas of Kyle Canyon could have a water use and minimize this outcome. positive effect on the integrity of native This would be greatest under Options 1 plant communities in the Canyon’s and 3, and least under Option 2. upper areas. This would apply at • Construction of the underground varying levels in all options. parking garage in Options 1 and 3 • Construction of the separated bike path should not cause changes to ground proposed by Option 1 and the bike lane water movement, as groundwater was proposed by Option 2 could result in not encountered during a geotechnical vegetation removal along its route. exploration based on a 20-foot deep bore-hole in the proposed parking Village and West Area garage location (CRS Engineers, 2004). • Placing Village facilities in the proposed locations should minimally • Slope wash restoration in the Village affect native vegetation at that site, area could result in reduced runoff, since it is disturbed and mostly devoid which would allow a great amount of native vegetation. of precipitation to infiltrate into groundwater. This applies at varying • Ponderosa pines may be difficult to levels to all options. establish at the Village site because the its soil, elevation, temperature and • The installation of septic tanks and precipitation does not match that of leach fields under Option 2 would their native habitat—which begins at have an incremental adverse effect on the western edge of the Nel property. groundwater quality. Pinyon and juniper trees are probably the climax vegetation for this site, but

95 Potential Outcomes

8 like the ponderosa they would still need • Construction of the Off Highway irrigation for a few years to become Vehicle trailhead would require removal established. For all of the above trees, of desert shrubland plants, reducing the the topography surrounding them native vegetation community at the site. should be adjusted to direct storm This applies to all options. runoff to their roots. • NDOT may have some concerns about • Restoration within Kyle Canyon below creating an Off Highway Vehicle the Village could benefit the integrity trailhead at the proposed location due of native vegetation communities in to its limited sight distance at S.R. 157. that area. This could also provide • Creation of the horse rental area improved habitat for MSHCP covered proposed in Options 1 and 3 would butterfly species. This would be result in removal of vegetation. This greatest under Options 1 and 2. could be minimized through placing • Creation of a trail between the Village this facility in a currently disturbed and the campgrounds to the west under area. Vegetation could be enhanced Option 1 could have a negative outcome adjacent to the highway to mitigate this on that area’s vegetation communities. outcome, which would also screen this This effect could be minimized through area from the adjacent highway. keeping the trail narrow and preventing Bench Area and Wash user-created trails through signs, • Removal and revegetation of user- fencing, and environmental education. created roads under Options 1 and 2 North Area could benefit the long-term integrity of • Placement of the proposed equestrian vegetation communities surrounding trailhead would minimally affect native those roads. vegetation, as the site is currently a • Construction of picnic, camping, disturbed area used for parking. This road and trail facilities in Options 1 applies to all options. and 3 would require removal of some • Moving the equestrian trail out of a vegetation, decreasing the integrity biological hotspot would provide a of the surrounding native vegetation benefit to the integrity of the area’s community. Removal should be carried MSHCP covered species. This should out in a sensitive manner to avoid reduce trampling of butterfly host significant individual plants and to plants, soil compaction and erosion, relocate plants whenever possible. introduction of and dispersal of non- • Picnic, camping, and trail facilities native plant species and fragmentation in Options 1 and 3 could adversely of habitat. This applies to all options. affect the surrounding plant • Construction of the administrative community through user-created trails, area and equestrian campground under localized trampling, soil compaction, Options 1 and 3 would require removal introduction of and dispersal of non- of some vegetation, resulting in loss of native species, and fragmentation of portions of the cliffrose and pinyon- habitat. juniper plant communities. Removal • The Forest Service’s current helipad should be carried out in a sensitive site, which is disturbed, would be manner to avoid significant individual partially restored with native vegetation plants and to relocate plants whenever and partially used for new camping possible. facilities in Options 1 and 3. This • Paving the existing dirt road to and should improve the integrity of the within the proposed administrative area adjacent vegetation community, while in Options 1 and 3 should have minimal also reducing the area disturbed for outcome on vegetation communities, new facilities. but could result in minor pollution due to runoff from paved areas.

96 Potential Outcomes

• The disturbed slope below the Forest • Placement of mountain bike trails on 8 Service’s current helipad site— certain existing roads would benefit previously an informal dump for cars the integrity of surrounding plant and other debris—would be cleaned communities, as the roads would be up and its vegetation restored in all narrowed and the edges revegetated. options. • Removal, restoration or conversion • Construction of the Canyon Trail of motorized routes (system and through the Kyle Canyon wash non-system) to non-motorized routes should have a minimal outcome on will likely be an issue to motorized vegetation, as much of this trail would recreation user groups. follow the existing wash bed which is primarily vegetation-free. User-created Wildlife trails through the bed’s surrounding vegetation could be managed through General signs and environmental education. If • Restoration and revegetation of user- highly sensitive areas are subsequently created roads and other disturbed found, they should be fenced off or areas should have a beneficial outcome otherwise restricted from use. on wildlife habitat, because in • Moving the Slot Canyon trailhead from general larger average patch sizes are its present location should benefit the considered to have a positive effect on long-term integrity of the adjacent wildlife and habitat. vegetation community, because the • Additional recreation facilities and existing user-created roads, disturbed trails would likely increase habitat parking area, and Slot Canyon entry fragmentation, which could negatively would be restored and revegetated. This affect wildlife, their range and applies to all options. individual territory. This applies at • Placement of a new trailhead near the varying levels to all options. Slot Canyon would result in the removal • Increased presence of people in Middle of a portion of the Desert Shrubland Kyle Canyon may disturb or displace plant community. This should be individual animals. carried out in a sensitive manner with MSHCP Covered Species all significant plants relocated adjacent • MSHCP covered species at Spring to the trailhead and trail. The trailhead Mountains NRA could receive a long- should be placed–if possible–within term benefit from Option 1. Recreation disturbed land. use is expected to be more intensively South Area (Only Option 1) managed in the upper canyons under • Placement of a mountain bike trailhead this option, which is where many of on a former landfill should minimally these species exist. Also, the Village to affect the native vegetation community. Fletcher View Campground trail could Areas around the trailhead would be provide interpretation of MSHCP restored, having a long-term positive species which may result in visitors outcome on the vegetation community. being more careful in sensitive areas. • Removal and restoration of existing • Restoration activities in Kyle roads not reused for trails would have Canyon below the Village could a direct, long-term beneficial outcome benefit MSHCP covered species, on the integrity of surrounding plant due to increasing their habitat where communities. appropriate. The wash area would • Construction of new mountain bike naturally have contained some habitat trails at the southeastern end of the site, for these species, which was removed near Harris Springs Road, would have a during construction of the golf course. minimal outcome on vegetation. These • In Options 2 and 3, the biological trails are intended to be narrow and hotspot at the base of Telephone avoid significant vegetation. Canyon would likely benefit due to the existing equestrian trail being removed

97 Potential Outcomes

8 from this area. Noise • Creation of the Canyon Trail in • Noise levels could increase in Middle Option 1 between the Village and Kyle Canyon under all options, due Fletcher View/Kyle campgrounds to the concentration of recreation could negatively affect that area’s activities and traffic in this area. MSHCP covered species due to habitat • Events held at the proposed fragmentation and potential trampling amphitheater in Options 1 and 3 could of their host plants. Degradation could result in increased noise levels within be minimized by keeping the trail the Canyon. This could somewhat be narrow and managing user-created managed through limiting events to a trails through signs, fencing and moderate scale, and the amphitheater’s environmental education. design and siting. Atmospheric Environment Transportation Environment Air Quality • Under Options 1 and 2, transportation • Construction of public use facilities, would become more organized and habitat restoration activities and on- significantly reduce the parking and going facility management would traffic problems that currently occur on likely require the use of motorized peak-days. equipment that would produce carbon • Option 3 could result in greatly monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. increased traffic coming to and These activities could also likely circulating within Middle Kyle Canyon result in fugitive dust. This dust will due to its lack of mass transit to handle be managed by requiring contractors the projected increase in visitors. As to obtain air quality permits and a result, S.R. 157 from its intersection implement appropriate dust control with I-95 to the Village would probably measures during construction. need to be significantly widened. In • Increased public access by people this case the visitor experience would driving to the site in automobiles could become urban in character. Along result in increased carbon monoxide with this increased traffic, the risk of and hydrocarbon emissions. Overall, automobile-related accidents could however, these emissions could be increase significantly. reduced through increased availability • The separated bike path proposed by of mass transit, and more stringent Option 1 and the bike lane proposed by traffic management. Auto emissions Option 2 could increase cyclist safety would probably be highest under by removing bicyclists from the main Option 3 due to its greater reliance traffic lanes. on automobile transportation to bring people to the site. Emissions would be lowest under Option 2 due to its heavy Land Use, Cultural, reliance on mass transit—which would Social, and Economic require most people to leave their car at the I-95 and S.R. 157 intersection. Environment • Fugitive dust from Off Highway Land Use Vehicles, as well as increased emissions from these vehicles would likely occur Easements and Special Uses within Middle Kyle Canyon under • The two special uses permitted by the all options. These effects would most Forest Service, the Metro Police site likely represent a redistribution of and the waste transfer station, should OHV use, however, which is currently be evaluated for visual concerns and occurring in other areas. appropriate highway access, and relocated where practical and desirable. • High-use roads will be hardened with asphalt, concrete or gravel to reduce fugitive dust emissions.

98 Potential Outcomes

• The Forest Service should work • Interpretive facilities near the Slot 8 with the Nevada Department of Canyon could promote awareness of the Transportation (NDOT) to foster Spring Mountains’ importance to the cooperation between the two agencies Southern Paiutes, which might reduce and ensure that NDOT's site is visually vandalism in this location and other appropriate and that its highway access areas of the Spring Mountains NRA. is safe and convenient. • Under all options the Kyle Canyon Communities and Neighborhoods bottom would be pedestrian-access • The Mt. Charleston community only, which could emphasize spiritual west of Middle Kyle Canyon should connection to this area as a pilgrimage benefit from more intensive traffic route to the Spring Mountains. management. Reduced traffic through • Pinyon-juniper areas–on the bench the community could decrease the and elsewhere–would be protected and likelihood of traffic-related injuries. would likely expand their boundaries Also, additional picnic and camping through increased seed germination, facilities within the Canyon should thus enhancing pine-nut and berry reduce or eliminate the current situation gathering potential. Pine-nut gathering of visitors picnicking on private activities by Southern Paiutes would be residences and land. encouraged in Middle Kyle Canyon. • Condominiums directly adjacent to the • Removal of user-created roads under Village site are likely to experience Options 1 and 2 would enhance a reduced level of privacy due to the the integrity of native vegetation concentration of people being brought communities, all of which are to the Village site. These privacy issues important to the tribe. However, facility could be reduced by creating a physical construction would require vegetation buffer–a combination of vegetation and removal which damages the Spring constructed measures (such as a berm Mountains’ life under tribal members’ or fence)–between recreation facilities beliefs. and the condominiums. Historic Resources Tribal Resources • Under all options, the exterior of the • The entire Spring Mountains NRA is Ranger Station built by the Civilian sacred to the Southern Paiute Nation Conservation Corps would be restored as its tribal birthplace, and the location to its condition during its period to which their spirits travel when they of significance, once determined. die. Historically, the Southern Paiutes This would enhance the integrity have refrained from building facilities of this historic complex allowing on and within the mountains, instead its historic character to be seen and wanting to conserve them as a sacred interpreted. Under Options 1 and 3 site. Members of the Nation consider this complex would be managed to any additional facilities or recreation- meet revenue goals that have not yet use to be a highly inappropriate. been determined. Possible uses are • Under all options the Slot Canyon cabin rentals or a forest research center would have limited vehicular access, managed by UNLV. thus inhibiting present-day vandalism • Currently a survey of historic and and OHV use in this area and creating archaeological resources is underway a better environment for spiritual use for portions of Middle Kyle Canyon. and interpretation of this area. This survey will be used to write additional outcomes contained in the NEPA document that follows the Framework Plan.

99 Potential Outcomes

8 Public Parks and Local/Community Economic Recreation Lands Outcomes • The Mt. Charleston Hotel and the Mt. Recreation and Trails Charleston Lodge could experience • Recreation facilities proposed in increased business due to additional all options would increase the ease visitors to the area. of access, availability and diversity Environmental Justice of recreation opportunities within Environmental Justice refers to the fair the Spring Mountains NRA. These treatment of all races, cultures, incomes, opportunities include hiking–for a and educational levels with respect to range of ability levels, cycling (both the development, implementation, and mountain and road), horse-back riding, enforcement of environmental laws, camping (tent, RV and equestrian), regulations, and policies. Fair treatment picnicking (for a range of group sizes), implies that no population of people should outdoor group play, organized events at be forced to shoulder a disproportionate the Village, and interpretive education. share of the negative environmental Option 2 provides the least access and outcomes of pollution or environmental increase in recreation, while Option 1 hazards due to a lack of political or provides the greatest. economic strength. • New trailheads under all options would provide improved access to both With regards to outdoor recreation and existing and new recreation facilities. environmental justice, there is an emerging • A wide range of environmental view that natural resources such as public education programs could help create land are societal goods like education and awareness and appreciation of Middle fair housing opportunities that ought to be Kyle Canyon’s environment, which distributed equitably, without regard to race should help decrease intentional or socioeconomic standing. environmental damage by visitors. • Although low income and minority Visual Resources people are a significant percentage • Public use facilities developed in of Kyle Canyon’s users, the Canyon Options 1 and 3, such as trails, is not located within a community trailheads, overlooks, the Village, predominated by these populations. campgrounds and picnic areas would None of the proposed options would increase views to developed facilities. result in disproportionately high In general these would either be in the and adverse human health effects location of current developed facilities on the populations considered under or masked by vegetation. Facilities environmental justice. should be designed at a scale and with • Recreation facilities proposed for materials that minimize their visual Middle Kyle Canyon in Option 1 effect within Middle Kyle Canyon and range from those that are low-cost to from outside the area. Option 2 would concessionaire-managed facilities. minimally affect visual resources due Types of facilities proposed are meant to its low level of development. to serve a wide range of demographic • Certain user-created roads, other needs and prevent serving only one casually used areas, the dump below socioeconomic group. the Forest Service’s current helipad, • Because of mass-transit within Middle the former landfill near Harris Springs Kyle Canyon under Options 1 and Road, and Kyle Canyon adjacent to 2, low-income families who cannot the Village would be restored to a afford to drive to the site should have more natural condition in Options 1 increased access to the area. and 2. This would improve views into these areas by creating larger areas of undisturbed vegetation.

100 Potential Outcomes

• Low-income visitors who currently Wastewater 8 use the picnic areas and campgrounds • There could be an opportunity for could be negatively affected by possible the Forest Service to connect into increases in user-fees and the fact that the Las Vegas area's municipal sewer many Village facilities would have a system, when/if it is extended from I- cost. This is mitigated by additional 95 to the Mt. Charleston community. trails and associated trailheads, which This extension could help protect the would probably be free. aquifer that supplies existing residents, business owners, and the Forest Service because it replaces the need for local Infrastructure and wastewater treatment. Easements • Options 1 and 3 could generate enough wastewater to require a local Potable Water wastewater treatment plant on Forest • Preliminary estimates indicate that Service land, with Option 3 likely Option 1 would utilize much of the generating 75% more wastewater than Forest Service’s 83.5 acre-feet of yearly Option 1. A system of this size and water rights. The existing well site complexity would require new expertise should be analyzed, improved and and a commitment of resources to infrastructure constructed to supply maintain and operate it. the needs of development, restoration • Option 2 would probably require 50% and fire protection. This estimate less wastewater than Option 1, which provides some flexibility as to water may be low enough to manage it use, but conservation efforts should with a number of small septic/drain- be implemented because procuring fields suitably designed to minimize additional water rights may be difficult. groundwater contamination. • Option 3 would require at least 30% Electricity more water than Option 1, which is • Nevada Power currently has overhead more than currently owned by the power lines supplying the Mount Forest Service. This overage could be Charleston community in Kyle Canyon, supplied through other water rights and would likely supply additional that the Forest Service holds within Forest Service facilities the area. the basin and the State of Nevada • Option 1 would probably require 6 that are not currently being used. million Kilowatt-Hours of electricity The Forest Service could apply to the annually, and Option 3 would require 8 State to change the point of diversion million. Both scenarios would require from other appropriate locations to an upgrade of existing infrastructure its wells at Middle Kyle Canyon. The by Nevada Power. This represents next option would be to obtain the an excellent opportunity to replace water commercially through the Mt. overhead lines with underground lines Charleston Water District. As a last where economically feasible within the resort, storage systems for shipped project area. Underground lines could water could be constructed if additional require less maintenance than overhead water is not available. lines, and minimize effects on Middle • Water availability should not be an Kyle Canyon's viewsheds. issue under Option 2, as it would likely • Option 2 would likely use less than 1 utilize 61 acre-feet annually of water million Kilowatt-Hours of electricity during short-term restoration efforts, per year would be required to supply and less than 40 acre-feet annually over all phases of this plan. This should the long-term. be within the capability of existing infrastructure of the electrical utility.

101 Potential Outcomes

8 Telecommunications • The Forest Service would work to • Increased demand and need for phone obtain easements that cross the Nel service under all options could possibly property where possible. These include require a new telephone switch. those for the septic and leach field, and Locally, this addition could benefit waterlines along S.R. 50. the quality of phone service currently provided to residents and other businesses in the Canyon. LEED Considerations • Facilities planned in all options would require between 60 and 225 new • The Village in all options would be phone lines, perhaps using fiber-optic located on a site that was previously technology to supply concessionaires disturbed. This could reduce the with the type of service expected in amount of site disturbance needed for an urban environment. These numbers new facilities, and conserve existing include phone connections required to valuable habitats. operate transportation communication • The below-grade parking garage systems planned to be installed in proposed in Options 1 and 3 would various canyon locations. have many benefits with regards to • Upgrading the telecommunications sustainability and attaining LEED system presents an opportunity green building certification for newly to replace overhead transmission constructed facilities: lines with underground lines where o The garage’s construction process economically feasible within the project could provide excavation of native area. Underground lines could require cobble. Use of this as a building less maintenance than overhead lines, material would reduce the energy and minimize effects on Middle Kyle and environmental destruction Canyon's viewsheds. associated with shipping materials • Both tent and RV campers might expect from elsewhere. internet connections within facilities o Presence of a parking garage located so near to Las Vegas, and would help create a transportation within the more developed environment hub, bringing many alternative of Options 1 and 3. transportation possibilities. Natural Gas o Because it would reduce the amount of paving associated with • Preliminary estimates show that surface parking, a parking garage Options 1 and 3 would require enough would reduce the “heat island propane gas to evaluate the cost effect” of paved areas. Abundant effectiveness of constructing a natural landscape design and vegetation gas pipeline from I-95. could be provided at its ground • Option 2 would likely use a minimal level which also helps reduce this amount of propane, which could effect. Reducing heat is extremely be supplied by a number of small important in Middle Kyle Canyon’s propane tanks and require less utility Mojave desert climate. infrastructure dollars. However, this o The parking garage could reduce could require much more long-term overall site disturbance, because management of propane sales and less land area would be dedicated to monitoring of tank levels. facility construction. Other areas of Easements the site could then be protected or • Under all Options, the Forest Service restored to a native or ecologically must note and honor existing easements productive condition. for the Village site’s leach-field, property access, and rights of way.

102 Potential Outcomes

o Garage construction would result in 8 a smaller development footprint and leave more permeable area, which would minimize disruption and pollution of natural water flows. • Water efficient landscaping could be incorporated for all options to reduce water usage. Innovative wastewater technologies could be studied and applied, such as rainwater collection to provide irrigation water. The Forest Service could also explore the use of graywater for irrigation. • The septic and leach field currently used by the Mt. Charleston Hotel and the condominiums adjacent to the Village could be connected to the Forest Service waste treatment plant proposed under Options 1 and 3. This would have a positive effect on groundwater quality and provide increased volume for gray water recycling. It could also result in the vacation of the leach field easement and allow for other uses of that area. • In all options stormwater runoff from impervious areas would be managed to reduce their rate and quantity runoff, with the goal of equaling pre- development rate for the overall site. • Night-sky quality in all options will probably degrade. The Forest Service should mitigate this outcome through using “Dark-Sky Friendly” light fixtures as approved by the International Dark-Sky Association. • Water efficiency and energy conservation principles could be implemented to reduce the demand on utilities and resources. • Natural ventilation of buildings and low-emitting indoor-construction materials could be used wherever possible to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy usage. • Indoor and outdoor spaces could be visually connected through introduction of daylight and views into regularly occupied areas of buildings. This could reduce the amount of energy used for artificial lighting.

103

Appendices

Bibliography

A References

CRS Engineers. 2004. Geotechnical Division in collaboration with their Exploration Report, National Forest planning partners, the United States Service Project, Kyle Canyon Road, Forest Service and Nevada Department Clark County, Nevada. Project No. of Transportation. 64035205, Revised March 22, 2004. RECON. 2000. Final Clark County Prepared by CRS Engineers, Las Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Vegas, NV. Plan / Environmental Impact U.S. Forest Service. 1995. Spring Statement. Prepared for the Clark Mountains National Recreation Area County Department of Comprehensive General Management Plan. Planning, Las Vegas, NV and the U.S. Glenne, Gina and Debi Johnson. Hermi Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno, NV by Hiatt, Ed. 2002. Guide to Species RECON, an environmental consulting of Concern in the Spring Mountains firm in San Diego, CA. National Recreation Area, Clark and The Nature Conservancy. 1994. Spring Nye Counties, Nevada. U.S. Fish and Mountains National Recreation Area Wildlife Service, So. Nevada Field Biodiversity Hotspots and Management Office, Las Vegas, NV. Recommendations. Hutton, Bruce R., Ph.D. 2004. Planning The Nature Conservancy. 1996. Plant Research for Sustainable Use: Nel Community Classification of the Spring Property, Mt. Charleston, Clark County, Mountains National Recreation Area. Nevada. Prepared for the U.S. Forest By Jan Nachlinger and Gary A. Reese. Service, Spring Mountains National Stoffle, Richard, et al. 2004. Puha Flows Recreation Area. from It: The Spring Mountains Cultural Hutton, Bruce R., Ph.D. 2005. Business Landscape Study. Case Support: Middle Kyle Canyon Tingley, Joseph, et al. 2001. Geologic Plan, Phase 3, Final Report. Prepared Tours in the Las Vegas Area, Expanded for the U.S. Forest Service, Spring Edition. Nevada Bureau of Mines and Mountains National Recreation Area. Geology, Special Publication 16. Interpretive Arts Unlimited! 2005. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Master Plan for Interpretation, Environmental Education, and Visitor Information. Parsons Brinkerhoff. 2005. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Transportation Study. Project Overview. Report financed by the Federal Highway Administration Central Federal Lands Highway

107 Species of Concern

B Species of Concern

There are 24 species of concern in and around Middle Kyle Canyon, several in a small biodiversity hotspot near the Metro Police office location, and also in Kyle Canyon west of the proposed Village site. These include federally listed threatened or endangered species, candidate species, Spring Mountains and regional endemics, and Spring Mountains and locally rare species. The state of biological information, however, is incomplete at this time, and more research on these species and their habitats is needed. A table of these species follows.

108 Species of Concern

B Above Metro Police Site: Dark Blue Butterfly Euphilotes enoptes ssp. Spring Mtn. Comma Skipper Butterfly Hesperia comma ssp. Spring Mtn. Icarioides Blue Butterfly Icaricia icarioides ssp. Nevada Admiral Butterfly Limenitis weidemeyerii nevadae

West of Village Site: Palmer Chipmunk Eutamias palmeri Ringlet Butterfly Coenonympha tuilla Dark Blue Butterfly Euphilotes enoptes ssp. Silvery Blue Butterfly Glaucopsyche lygdamus nr. oro Spring Mtn. Comma Skipper Butterfly Hesperia comma ssp. Jagged-Border Butterfly Hesperia juba Spring Mtn. Icarioides Blue Butterfly Icaricia icarioides ssp. Mt. Charleston Blue Butterfly Icaricia Shasta charlestonensis Nevada Admiral Butterfly Limenitis weidemeyerii nevadae Golden Anglewing Butterfly Polygonia satyrus satyrus Carole Silverspot Butterfly Speyeria zerene carolae Rough Angelica Angelica scabrida Charleston Pussytoes Antennaria soliceps Clokey Thistle Cirsium clokeyi Jaeger Draba Draba jaegeri Charleston Draba Draba paucifructa Nevada Willowherb Epilobium nevadense Inch-High Fleabane Erigeron uncialis ssp. Clokey Greasebush Glossopetalon clokeyi Charleston Goldenbush Haplopappus compactus Jaeger Ivesia Ivesia jaegeri Hitchcock Bladderpod Lesquerella hitchcockii Charleston Pinewood Lousewort Pedicularis semibarbata var. charlestonensis Charleston Kittentails Synthyris ranunculina

109 Information Meetings Participants

C 2004 Information Meetings Participants

Presentation at Environmental Education Committee Meeting, July 14, 2004 Ellen Anderson Lake Mead National Recreation Area Bobbie Antonich Conservation Initiative Nancy Blagg Univ. of Nevada at Las Vegas, Public Lands Initiatives Callie Leau Courtright U.S. Fish and Wildlife Svc., Desert NWR Complex Christina Gibson Clark Co. Desert Conservation Program Jennifer Haley Federal Lands Management Christie Leavitt Clark Co. Wetland Project, Curator of Education Bruce Lund U.S. Forest Service, Spring Mountains NRA Denise McConnell Big Springs Preserve/Las Vegas Valley Water District Mike McCartney KLVX (Local PBS Station) Alan O’Neill Outside Las Vegas Foundation Kay Rohde Lake Mead National Rec. Area, Chief of Interpretation Elsie Sellars Nevada Division of Wildlife, Education Coordinator Peg Rees Univ. of Nevada at Las Vegas Rick Watson Southern Nevada Water Authority

Federal and State Government Organizations Dick Birger U.S. Fish and Wildlife Svc., Desert NWR Complex Callie Leau Courtright U.S. Fish and Wildlife Svc., Desert NWR Complex Bill Dickinson Lake Mead National Rec. Area, Superintendent Amy Lavoie U.S. Fish and Wildlife Svc., Ecological Services Michael Ryland Bureau of Land Mgmt., Red Rock Canyon NCA Kay Rohde Lake Mead National Rec. Area, Chief of Interpretation Brad Hardenbrook Nevada Division of Wildlife, Biologist Elsie Sellars Nevada Division of Wildlife, Education Coordinator Peg Rees Univ. of Nevada at Las Vegas

County and Local Government Organizations Sharon Blackman Clark Co. School District Indian Education Office Jim Gans Las Vegas Convention Bureau Ron Gregory Clark Co. Air Quality and Environmental Mgmt. (Trails) Jeff Harris Clark Co. Parks and Community Services Marci Henson Clark Co. Desert Conservation Program Kurt Leavitt Clark Co. Fire Department Chris Munhall Clark Co. Liason

110 Information Meetings Participants

Norma Naranjo Clark Co. School District Equity and Diversity Education C Tom Perrigo City of Las Vegas, Comprehensive Planning Manager Alan Pinkerton Clark Co. Air Quality and Environmental Mgmt.

Southern Paiute Nation Kenny Anderson Las Vegas Paiute Tribe Richard Arnold Las Vegas Indian Center and Pahrump Paiute Tribe Ila Bulletts Kaibab Paiute Tribe Clara Belle Jim Pahrump Paiute Tribe Alfreda Mitre Las Vegas Paiute Tribe

Environmental/Recreation/Non-Profit Organizations Ed Dodrill So. Nevada Regional Trails Partnership Thalia Dondero Outside Las Vegas Foundation Jared Fisher Escape Adventures Lou Godino Horse Council of Nevada Ellis Greene So. Nevada Regional Trails Partnership John Hiatt Red Rock Audobon Society and Mohave RAC Marian Kennedy Silent Heroes of the Cold War Helen Mortensen Outside Las Vegas Foundation Alan O’Neill Outside Las Vegas Foundation Jackson Ramsay Southern Nevada Interpretive Association Steve Ririe Silent Heroes of the Cold War Gene Therieau American Land & Leisure Mark Trinko Las Vegas Jeep Club So. Nevada Regional Trails Partnership

Local Residents and Business Owners Ann Bigelo Prospective Buyer – Mt. Charleston Hotel Bill Bigelo Prospective Buyer – Mt. Charleston Hotel Mel Daines Mt. Charleston Water Company Becky Grismanauskas Mt. Charleston Task Force Duffy Grismanauskas Nevada Fire Safe Council Skip Mitchell Mt. Charleston Recreation Cindy Mitchell Mt. Charleston Recreation Barbara Orcutt Mt. Charleston Lodge Richard Sauders Mt. Charleston Lodge Brian Strait Lee Canyon Ski and Snowboard Resort

111 Cost Details

D Cost Details

A detailed cost analysis was prepared for each option based on its proposed facilities. This helped the core planning team estimate the capital requirements of each option, and determine facility phasing for Option 1 and Option 3, as the Forest Service cannot implement their full proposals with existing funding. Estimates were prepared in using 2005 costs, and then adjusted for the future value of facilities to be constructed.

The tables that follow contain the detailed cost estimates for each option.

Option 1 Cost

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112

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Option 1 Cost Estimate, Continued D

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113

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D Option 2 Cost

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E Notes

The Southern Paiute Meanings section Supervised snow play at the Nel Property is based on descriptions in Puha Flows took place on Martin Luther King Day, from It: The Spring Mountains Cultural January 17, 2005. Landscape Study, Prepared by Richard Stoffle et al for the Spring Mountains Southern Nevada Interpretive Association National Recreation Area, February 27, information from initial meeting notes, July 2004. 15, 2004. These are provided in Shapins Associates report to the Forest Service Climate data obtained from the Western called Qualities and Issues, dated November Regional Climate Center database for the 29, 2004. Kyle Canyon weather station, located at 7,200 feet. To access the data, see http:// From The Nature Conservancy’s report, www.wrcc.dri.edu. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Biodiversity Hotspots and Management Kyle Canyon geology information from Recommendations. Geologic Tours in the Las Vegas Area, Expanded Edition, Joseph Tingley et al, 2001, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Special Publication 16.

Information based on September, 2004 meeting with Southern Paiute Tribe members and Puha Flows from It: The Springs Mountains Cultural Landscape Study.

From Puha Flows from It: The Spring Mountains Cultural Landscape Study.

Business Case Support: Middle Kyle Canyon Plan, Phase 3, Final Report, Bruce R. Hutton, Ph.D., April, 2005.

Conversation with Amy McAbee- Cummings, Parsons Brinckerhoff, March 29, 2005.

117 U.S. Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Middle Kyle Canyon Spring Mountains NRA 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive Las Vegas, NV 89130 Framework Plan [email protected] http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf 702/515-5400 702/515-5499 fax Spring Mountains August 2005 National Recreation Area