Now a campaign called Protect Basin and Range aims to get the land around the piece some sort of environmental protection. Garden Valley, it turns out, isn't just home to Heizer's magnum opus. It also harbors desert ecologies and ancient rock art.

Some arts institutions are beginning to throw their weight behind this cause (which includes a Facebook petition in support of protecting the land). The L.A. County Museum of Art — which is home to Heizer's massive rock art piece "Levitated Mass" — has a post on the importance of Heizer's site on their Unframed blog. And the Gagosian Gallery, which represents Heizer, is also publicizing the effort. A #ProtectCity hashtag is circulating on Twitter.

As Hyperallergic points out, this isn't the first time there has been an attempt to protect land in the area. Last fall, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) tried to pass a bill that would restrict mining and energy exploration there, but the measure failed.

Requirements: To be considered for the position, a poet must reside in Clark County, be at least 18 years of age and be available for public activities throughout the term of service.  A poet may be self-nominated or nominated by others.

Selection: Clark County Parks and Recreation (CCP&R) will facilitate the selection process.  A diverse selection committee of five county residents with expertise in poetry and literature will select the laureate. The laureate will be chosen by the criteria of: quality of work, distinguished achievement, perceived ability to advance poetry among the public, and an understanding of the public responsibility of the position.

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