266 



Exhibit F, section 9 provides for setting aside 17,000 plus acres to 

 enable and encourage continued study and observation of the 

 desert tortoise. The area selected for the set-aside holds the higher 

 populations of the general area and are considered as critical habi- 

 tat in this vicinity by wildlife specialists. 



By phasing out grazing, posting and patrolling the area for Aero- 

 jet security, and fencing the reduced vehicle mortality means the 

 population will not be subject to the present random, indiscrimi- 

 nate uses and will benefit from reduced man-caused hazards. 



In reality, a reserve is being created in Nevada for these reptiles, 

 something that government has not yet done. The net effect would 

 seem to be wildlife enhancement. 



We have heard Aerojet testimony before the Nevada legislature 

 in which the 17,000 plus acres set aside was described as a conser- 

 vation reserve, with the declaration that it is to be in perpetuity as 

 a property deed restriction. 



How long the conservation reserve would exist and the prospects 

 of future sale of the property have been contentious issues. There- 

 fore, we suggest several strengthening amendments to section 9, 

 and they are detailed in our attachment A. 



Those amendments would do the following. Formally classify the 

 set-aside as conservation reserve. Two, direct that the area descrip- 

 tion be recorded as a deed restriction upon successors in interest. 



Three, remove the questionable need for an initial 20 year 

 period. Four, directs that activities conducted within the conserva- 

 tion reserve be accomplished with minimum impacts on tortoise 

 habitat. And five, use of the reserve for other than those stated 

 will be guided and approved by a conservation reserve board. 



In closing, while I am not in a position as representative of the 

 Nevada Wildlife Federation to say that we support the exchange, 

 neither do I say that we oppose it. This is due to our longstanding 

 position of objecting to the removal of public lands from general 

 use. 



The tradeoffs are reasonable in this case, and balance and en- 

 hancement will occur. We have encouraged Aerojet to go beyond 

 the stipulation of Exhibit F that provides for an employee educa- 

 tion program to heighten their awareness of the desert tortoise by 

 their conducting a public relations program that adopts this critter, 

 that has survived virtually unchanged for over some 17 million 

 years, as their Nevada site mascot, and use the characterization of 

 the tortoise as a logo and foster interest in this relic of the past. 



The Department of Wildlife also has an opportunity to work with 

 the utilities that will use the power corridor by doing so in a 

 manner in which it respects the desert tortoise habitat and their 

 needs. 



Finally, our second recommendation to you is that a public hear- 

 ing of some Congressional level be held in southern Nevada on the 

 exchange program, and we understand that will be forthcoming. 



Senator Hecht. That is correct. 



Mr. Wright. And just briefly, in regard to S. 59 — 



Senator Hecht. Please summarize. You are over quite a bit right 

 now. I do not want to cut you off. I have not cut off anyone else. 

 But please summarize. 



