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Today - 16 July 2004 I received the following message in my email.

In the heart of Las Vegas, a new war has been waged. The eventual victor seems clear, his opponent far smaller and weaker.

It is the Southern Nevada Water Authority against little baby ducks.

Lakeside Villas, a condominium complex by Sunrise Villas, was built back in 1985 near Eastern and Flamingo. It was decided at that time that they would provide for their homeowners a brook that runs along behind the properties, with pleasant waterfalls and an island with landscaping to provide privacy from neighbors. Little did they know at the time, this waterway would provide a home for a myriad of wildlife for many years to come.

For years, neighbors have watched as Ducks numbering in the tens and twenties come to breed and raise their brood. This year, in particular, has seen several different families all differing in age from little ducklings to adolescents and, of course, the drake and their hen. It is something that has become a ritual of sorts.

Nineteen years later, the Southern Nevada Water Authority has taken it upon themselves to demand this habitat be taken down. It seems that the officials at the water police have deemed the habitat as something of a waste of water. No one has asked the ducks and other wildlife that inhabits the area. Occupants of the neighborhood, comprised of sixty one living spaces, report that the little stream and its surrounding landscaping have harbored many forms of life including; fish, hummingbirds, waterfowl, turtles, field mice, frogs and many other birds.  Though this is a man made refuge, it has clearly become a living and breathing ecosystem that has supported life in many forms for nearly twenty years. Apparently, these people have taken the opinion that you can build a home for nature’s animals and then come along years later and simply tear it down, rendering the natural tenants virtually homeless or even out to die.

You can’t create a habitat like this and not expect nature to come along and begin to depend on it to support life, that’s just the way it works. This is the middle of the desert, without help from man we would not have this type of environment here.

Contrary to the theories of the S.N.W.A., the waterway was originally built to assist in the preservation of water. The planners have guaranteed conservation by virtually assuring that none of the sixty one residences can install a pool or spa, one of the most notorious water wasters in the residential populace, not to mention the impact on energy use. The brook also provides a cooling effect on the complex, significantly lowering resident’s energy demands. The average water bill for the individual residences is said to be around nine or ten dollars most months. There is very little watering of grass, as the association has removed acres of lawns and replaced them with rock in an effort to conserve. They have also turned off several water fountains that served nothing but an aesthetic purpose.

All they are trying to protect is the one thing on the property that actually adds to nature.

In the nineteen years since the building of the complex in 1985, when the population of Las Vegas was less than half what it is today, the original residences have seen many changes in the Metro Las Vegas area. People flocked here by thousands per month. New casinos were built featuring water attractions and lush landscaping requiring extensive watering. 57 new golf courses were developed, most of them with one or more water hazards and even more watering of lawns.  All of these are amenities which do not support nature in any way. Unfair water laws and questionable politics have seen all of these projects through, and the same group who allowed this wants to tear down the habitat supporting an abundant number of wildlife.

We don’t think this makes any sense, and we are willing to defend the duck’s rights to water as others have defended theirs. 

If you are concerned about the little ducklings, please put a call into Pat Mulroy 702.258.3939 or email John Guinivere by clicking here 

iGreens say:

Now there's a story.  Ducks versus fat and thirsty Vegas casino owners.  Surely not?

The Southern Nevada Water Authority is a state run corporation.  Strictly a "not for profit local government entity".  Taxpayers fund it but it can't go bust because the local authorities will bail it out.  With salaried employees and no shareholders to pay, no-one really cares about providing a good service.  

Take a look at their site (click here).  It's full of mission statements and environmental pledges but when it comes to ducks, and the people who love them.  Why bother if you're the government?  

Jim Thornton

Nottingham  16 July 2004

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Last modified: October 19, 2005