Hyperallergic

[Hyperallergic]

In March, the art world rallied to call for the protection of Nevada’s Basin and Range area, a landscape of rich archaeological resources and the site of Michael Heizer’s sprawling land art piece, “City” (1972–present). The region has faced numerous environmental threats, including a plan to develop a nuclear waste rail line, but last night the White House announced that President Barack Obama will sign a proclamation designating it a national monument, effectively protecting the 704,000-acre area. As the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported, the new monument is the second designated in the state within the last eight months (following the Tule Springs designation in December). The Basin and Range National Monument joins a list of over 100 such sites across the US.

Obama Declares Tract of Nevada Desert, and Michael Heizer’s “City,” a National Monument

[Hyperallergic]

In 1972, the Land Art pioneer Michael Heizer began buying up tracts of land near Nevada’s Garden and Coal valleys. Set against the backdrop of the Worthington Mountains, the desert basin is home to the White River Narrows Archeological District, a historically registered site that contains ancient rock art, early Native American trails, and the remains of 19th century settlements. Greater sage-grouse, pygmy rabbits, and antelope frolic among its native White River catseye.

Museums Join Campaign to Preserve Land Art Opus

[Hyperallergic]

A bill quietly introduced by United States Senator Harry Reid would protect an 800,000-acre swath of Nevada desert containing the land artworks of Michael Heizer, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. Hailed by conservationists, the legislation was introduced by the Nevada Senator, its only listed sponsor, on September 16.

READ MORE