Editorial: Wetlands given a second chance

IT'S about time that government agencies are finally taking responsibility for preserving the wetlands in the Las Vegas Wash.

The Sun's Mary Manning reported Thursday that the Southern Nevada Water Authority is putting in place a comprehensive plan that will design marshes to improve the valley's water quality and also offer recreation within a natural wetlands park. In an effort to prevent erosion from stripping marsh plants from the channel that winds its way across the eastern part of the valley, an agreement with Clark County will help repair damaged structures that were supposed to slow rushing waters.

Rebuilding the erosion control will cost $1 million, with the water authority and the county splitting the cost equally. The erosion of the wetlands is an issue for a variety of reasons. If the wetlands can flourish again, they can become habitat not just for wildlife, but they can also assist the environment.

At one time there were more than 2,000 acres of wetlands in the valley, providing a natural way to clean our drinking water since the drinking water pipeline is six miles downstream from sewage plants. But urban runoff and polluted groundwater have flowed into the Las Vegas Wash, eroding away the wetlands, reducing them to less than 200 acres today. Once restored, these wetlands will act as a natural filter for the valley's water quality.

The Las Vegas Wash is a little-noticed but critical component in maintaining the health of the valley's environment. It's good to see local governments working together to restore this vital resource.

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