(One Hunan On Norris Canson: Srecer Casson Cary, Nevaba 89701 Ornex (775) 684-3670 Fasc Now (775) 684-5683 555 Easr Wasiuncron Avant Las Vecas, Nevana 89101 (spice: (702) 486-2500 Fax Nos (702) 486-2505 Office of the Governor ‘The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue ‘Washington D.C. 20500 Dear Mr, President: ‘Thank you for your service to our great country. | appreciate your wi the years on issues that affect Nevada. ness to speak with me through ‘As you prepare to transition from the White House, | am aware of the potential for additional monument designations under the Antiquities Act of 1906 before the end of your presidency. Westerners broadly, and | believe Nevadans in particular, possess @ deep respect for our public lands and not surprisingly, @ strong desire to see them managed appropriately. Over several decades, Nevadans have worked to ensure hundreds of thousands of acres of public land are managed properly and protected for posterity; identified other public lands te be transferred to state and local ownership; and in some cases supported the sale of public lands to drive economic development in both rural and urban communities. We have worked to balance these uses through robust collaboration between our local governments, local stakeholders, state government, and our federal delegation — and have codified these agreements through a legislative process that has allowed for public input and vetting by national stakeholders, including the Congress. ‘That public process has served Nevada well and is my preferred method of managing and protecting our public lands. The Antiquities Act, as you know, takes.a significantly different approach, and as youconsider potential designations in your final months in office, it is imperative that the state's voice is heard and considered. To that end, | am aware that one such potential designation under consideration is Gold Butte in Southern Nevada, | recently toured Gold Butte and observed that there are opportunities to balance your intentions with local concerns. Should you decide to mave forward with a designation under the Antiquities Act, !'m asking you to please consider the following as you determine the size and scope of the designation: 1. The size of any designation for Gold Butte should be drawn with the original intent of the American Antiquities Act of 1906 in mind, i.e., limiting any designation to “the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.” 2. The designation area should ke drawn to exclude existing water infrastructure and water rights ‘owned by the Virgin Valley Water District. Policy exclusions within @ potential monument designation will not provide sufficient certainty, The boundaries should also be drawn to exclude all private property.3. The designation boundary should take into-consideration the City of Mesquite’s long-range plans for growth and economic development, as well as preserve all rights-of-way for utility and fiber optics corridors. The policy scope of the designation should provide for all existing uses, including, but not limited to recreational uses of the land, including the use of off-highway vehicles on all existing roads, hunting and hiki | appreciate your consideration of these critical factors as your Administration contemplates potential monument designations before the end of your term. Should you or your staff have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my team. ‘Thank you for your consideration. Since fegards, fRIAN SANDOVAL Governor