Better We err on the side of History!
There remains no proof to show that Cooper, or any other early settler- including itinerate Spaniards- introduced Washingtonia filifera palms to Moapa!
There are several testimonies however, which say outright that palms existed in Moapa groves prior to the coming of Whites to the area.

What is the current 'official' position?
Government agencies currently control, or maintain most of Moapa's wild Palm groves and have officially decided, (based on the Cooper information) - that the palms are a NON-NATIVE white introduction.
Although there is no scientific proof or data which can substantiate it, they are now removing palms from all natural areas on public lands!

A pet hypothesis regarding Palm borer beetles claims that the absence of beetles in Moapa proves that the groves are recent in origin!
But this premature and heavily flawed hypothesis is full of major contradictions which are far too serious to ignore. Beetle presence appears to more accurately demonstrate the likelihood of ancient human trade among Palm Cultures south into Mexico where there are other forms of this quickly adapting beetle!

No researcher has ever asked the Moapas about what they may know about the local Palms! This question was reserved strictly for local Whites! None of these whites even lived in the upper Moapa valley until late 1920's when most of the then existing palms were removed to create flood diversions. This area has never had a White settlement and was the last area to be occupied by any of the white ranches.

Today Warm Springs is home to nearly 3000 Palms and easily represents 10 percent of the entire wild population of native Washingtonia filifera in the world! Literally Hundreds have already been cut, bulldozed or removed!

A dying legacy?
Some of us believe that an irreplaceable part of living Moapa history is being systematically obliterated for no reason at all.
Furthermore, it is all through willful ignorance.
Without seriously considering the testimony and memories of the remaining living Moapa people, this part of their already torn and largely unknown history WILL be obscured, obliterated destroyed and ultimately lost forever.

So What to do ?
Voice your opinion and let local agencies KNOW if you have anything to say about the issue. Do you have photos? Do you have early memories from grandparents? Do you have concerns about history in the area? Let THEM KNOW. This is what you can DO.