Gold Butte is a symbol of Nevada

Shevawn Von Tobel, Reno

Tuesday, July 23, 2013 | 2 a.m.

I wholeheartedly support legislation to designate Gold Butte as a National Conservation Area with wilderness.

In a vastly expanding metropolis such as Las Vegas, there is great need for such wilderness areas — for threatened species to have as a refuge and for urbanites to have as a sanctuary.

If we designate Gold Butte as a National Conservation Area, we’re not just preserving the land for future generations to use and cherish , we’re also ensuring that this direct link to the ancient people who utilized this landscape stays open. This land is a treasure trove of evidence of ancient human habitation, and designating it as such will allow countless others to foster that appreciation and respect for this great state.

Supporting this legislation is supporting the very same qualities that make Nevada, well, Nevada. Let’s keep it wild and free.