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Protecting petroglyphs To the editor: There are numerous unique petroglyph sites within the Las Vegas Valley that are of prime importance in the study and understanding of the cultural development of the Mojave Desert and southwest Great Basin regions. All of these sites, whether on private or federal lands, need our collective protection to ensure their continued survival for scientific studies and social/cultural appreciation. Resource protection, however, appears not to be in the best interest of the valley's local governmental agencies, entrepreneurs, real estate developers (in particular), and certain people who prefer to vandalize such sites for their own satisfaction. The prevailing mentality is, if a fast buck cannot be made from it, it stands in the way of growth. In short, Las Vegas does not appreciate its own history. A partial list of sites lost to growth includes the Union Pacific Ice Plant, the Las Vegas Hospital, and even the original Flamingo Hotel, all important in the historical development of Vegas. Big Springs, the very heart and reason Las Vegas exists, is threatened by freeway expansion, a prime example of bad planning. Little Red Rock, located on Summa Corp. land, has never been properly recorded or studied and is threatened by potential development. The site which is referred to in your recent editorial will suffer a similar fate from development pressure. Indeed, what is needed is a joint effort not to create another park, but to control growth in the valley. As for educating local avocational groups, professional and governmental archaeologists, and some community teachers, continue to teach the importance of our common cultural and historical heritage and to encourage the protection and conservation. It has worked in many cases, but by and large, you can't teach some people anything. The answer to the problem is not simple, and controlled growth is not a likely option given the current boom. I will agree with the editorial, however, in that something must be done, immediately. WILLIAM G. WHITE Senior Archaeologist Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies University of Nevada, Las Vegas

If you ever come across petroglyphs or pictographs please be extremely careful. Some of these sites are very, very old. Enjoy their beauty and be awed by them. Report any one you see who is defacing, damaging or removing these ancient and historical markings to the park ranger or other proper authorities.