Rep. Dean Heller: Feds looking at designating 2 Nevada national monuments

By Lisa Mascaro

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 | 3:56 p.m.

The Interior Department is considering two areas in Nevada for designation as national monuments, potentially carving out lands for protected use, Republican Rep. Dean Heller said today.

Heller, who is troubled by the possibility, said the department is eying The Heart of the Great Basin, where the "Toiyabe, Toquima, and Monitor peaks tower to 12,000 feet," as well as the Nevada portion of the Owyhee Desert, "one of the most remote areas in the continental United States." Heller cited documents he said came from the Interior Department.

Interior's consideration will surely be welcomed by nature and wildlife preservationists but could set up a face-off with interests who oppose restricting use and development of public lands. Nevada has a long history of fighting federal efforts carve out protective zones on land used by hunters, miners and others.

Heller said he found the administration's actions "troubling." The administration could make the designation without congressional approval.

"There should never be a rush to develop proposals that will have long lasting impacts on the local communities and county residents," Heller said. "The administration should work closely with members of Congress in an open and transparent process before deciding to designate any national monuments.”

Heller has posted parts of the Interior documents here.