Zinke must follow leaders’ example

Eric Roberts, Las Vegas

Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017 | 2 a.m.

Regarding the editorial “Interior Secretary, Congress should support Gold Butte” (Las Vegas Sun, Jan. 1):

I couldn’t agree more. What better Christmas present to Nevadans and all Americans than the new designation of Gold Butte National Monument! I am grateful to Sen. Harry Reid, Rep. Dina Titus, former Rep. Steven Horsford, and newly elected Rep. Ruben Kihuen and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto for their support of Gold Butte. Finally, my biggest thank you goes to former President Barack Obama for speaking on behalf of all Americans. I’m a Nevadan who loves the open spaces and natural beauty that is so characteristic of this great state, and I appreciate that these elected representatives value keeping Nevada and Gold Butte beautiful.

Also, this was well said: “The next administration will be impossible to predict.” Newly nominated Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke says he is a supporter of public lands. Still, words only matter if you back them up, and I truly hope he backs those words up. More than 80 percent of Nevada is public land.

The upcoming change in management could have a huge effect on the everyday lives of Nevadans and the natural landscapes that surround every city and town in our state. I encourage Nevadans to remain vigilant and hold these folks accountable. These are our lands, and it’s in our best interest to remain engaged in their management as we have with the designation of Gold Butte National Monument. The resources, history and culture found only in Gold Butte are important to my fellow Americans, and we all want our kids to have the opportunity to experience it. I encourage Nevadans to go out to Gold Butte National Monument and see its wonders.