A virtual public meeting will also be held via Zoom, Thursday, April 14, at 6 p.m. regarding the multi-use separate from the road paved path.
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Forté, 702.596.9866 steph@forteprlv.com
Heather Fisher, 702.274.0116, heather@saveredrock.com
LAS VEGAS (APRIL 13, 2022) Since 2005, Save Red Rock has worked to safeguard outdoor recreation in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area through initiatives like its genesis safety project, the Red Rock Legacy Trail, a separate from the road multi-use path for activities like cycling, running and walking. Now through May 9, the public can view and comment on a draft environmental assessment of the trail’s first phase, a 5.5 miles stretch from W. Charleston Blvd. and Sky Vista Dr. in Summerlin to the Red Rock fee station. Ultimately, the Red Rock Legacy Trail is designed to connect Summerlin with Mountain’s Edge and Southern Highlands through the Red Rock Canyon area.
A virtual public meeting will be held via Zoom Thursday, April 14, at 6 p.m. People can register HERE.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has also made the draft environmental assessment available for public comment through May 9 at 4:30 p.m. Comments can be submitted by registering at the virtual meeting, or by email at BLM_NV_RR_LegacyTrail@blm.gov, or by mail at BLM Red Rock/Sloan Field Office 4701 N. Torrey Pines Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, 89130. Hard copies of the environmental assessment may be requested.
“In 2005, after Las Vegas Metro officer Don Albietz, a close friend, was killed while training for an Iron Man on the Scenic Byway, Save Red Rock started the Red Rock Legacy Trail project to convert a tragedy into a legacy based on Don’s own reputation for health and safety,” says Heather Fisher, President of Save Red Rock, “We are grateful to the FHA, BLM, Clark County, and all other RRLT partners for helping to make this dream a reality.”
The Legacy Trail emerged in 2005 as one of the top ten safety alternatives from an NDOT study hosted by Save Red Rock in Blue Diamond. In 2009 the first programmatic Environmental Assessment was completed. While laying the groundwork for the Red Rock Legacy Trail to keep vulnerable road users safe on SR 159, Save Red Rock has supported the completion of several additional safety alternatives, like widening the road’s bike lane and reducing the speed limit. Yet the Legacy Trail creates an even safer space for outdoor enthusiasts.
In 2017, Save Red Rock started the Red Rock Legacy Trails Partnership to support the advancement of the project, and SRR treasurer, Sheila Billingsley, applied for a FLAP Grant (the Federal Highways Administration’s Federal Lands Access Program) which is now in charge of planning, designing, developing, and constructing the trail’s first phase. Since then, the BLM has applied for continuation of the trail through SNPLMA funding and County Commissioner, Justin Jones, has secured additional FLAP funding to connect the trail in the southwest from the village of Blue Diamond to Durango Blvd.
The founding members of the Red Rock Legacy Trail Partnership represent local safety and community organizations, including the Bureau of Land Management, Clark County Board of County Commissioners, Federal Highway Administration, Get Outdoors Nevada, Howard Hughes Corp., Focus Property Group, International Mountain Biking Association, Kimley-Horn, National Parks Conservation Association, Nevada Department of Transportation, National Interscholastic Cycling Association, Regional Transportation Commission, Red Rock Citizens Advisory Council, and Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition and Save Red Rock.
About Save Red Rock Save Red Rock is a nonprofit organization mission-focused on preserving the safety, serenity, and scenic nature of Red Rock Canyon. Save Red Rock works to protect the rural character and prioritize environmental and recreational needs over other uses not conducive to conservation and safety. For more information, visit www.SaveRedRock.com or connect with Save Red Rock on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
