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LVWCC
Annual tour showcases LVWCC achievements
Numerous local, state and federal agencies recently participated in the annual Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee (LVWCC) tour, getting a firsthand look at the past year's various achievements.
After opening remarks from Keiba Crear, Manager for the Environmental Monitoring and Management Division at the Southern Nevada Water Authority, participants boarded a bus and enjoyed a video of the Clark County Wetlands Park that will be used once construction of the Nature Center is complete.
The first stop on the tour was the 10-Year Commemorative Garden and Upper Diversion Weir, viewing the Sunrise Mountain Picnic Area along the way. Recognized by the Nevada chapter of the American Public Works Association as the Environmental Project of the Year, the Upper Diversion Weir site plays a major role in averting erosion along the Las Vegas Wash.
At the Upper Diversion Weir, Engineering Project Manager Gerry Hester pointed out repair work completed by Bureau of Reclamation crews and Environmental Biologist Jason Eckberg provided an update on vegetation at the site, noting phenomenal growth. Elsie Sellars, Clark County Wetlands Park Coordinator, discussed an increase in visitors to the Wetlands Park.
After traveling through the Clark County Water Reclamation District, members were able to view construction of the Wetlands Park Nature Center on the way to the In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Ponds. Sellars shared information about the construction project and pointed out the Observation Deck, which will “float” three feet above the wetlands. Construction is expected to be complete in the summer of 2012. Sellars also pointed out the success of the ponds, abundant with birds and waterfowl. Environmental Biologist Debbie Van Doormolen listed the species that frequent the ponds as well as current compliance monitoring for threatened and endangered birds. Biologist Carol Lane offered information on current water quality permit monitoring.
Following a scenic walk of the Duck Creek Trail, participants headed to the City of Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. At the Preserve, the group was led to the viewing deck by Van Doormolen, where she shared information on the Preserve master plan and species found at the site. Biologist Marissa Foster described outreach and educational activities, citing 32 events attended by more than 13,000 people in 2010.
The next stop was the site of the most recent Green-Up event, Pabco Road Weir, followed by the Lower Narrows/Homestead Weirs where Hester described the construction in progress as well as perchlorate monitoring and its role in the water quality of Lake Mead.
After enjoying views of Powerline Crossing Weir and Fire Station Bank Protection, the tour concluded with a stop at the Las Vegas Bay Overlook, where McClain Peterson, of the Colorado River Commission, discussed the increase of lake levels and how the efforts of the LVWCC have aided in protecting the valley’s water supply.