A large investment is being made in outdoor recreation and conservation projects across the state of Nevada.
$42 million is being invested through the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Conserve Nevada Program, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo announced on Wednesday.
The funding strengthens Nevada’s $8.8 billion outdoor recreation economy, expands access to public lands, protects critical natural resources, and supports the state’s frontier, rural, and urban communities.
“This investment reflects the dedication of the many partners working to conserve Nevada's natural resources, enhancing public access and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across our state,” said DCNR Director Vinson Guthreau. “The projects funded through the Conserve Nevada Program will deliver meaningful results on the ground, from restoring habitat and improving public access, to strengthening the long-term health of Nevada's landscapes.”
The Conserve Nevada Program is awarding more than $12 million in grants for projects that will protect 34,816 acres of recreation area and critical habitat and open nearly 48,906 acres for public recreation.
Funding will support habitat restoration and recreation access along the Humboldt, Muddy, Carson, Truckee, and Walker Rivers.
Significant investments are also being made at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, Ash Canyon, McCullough Hills, Tahoe Meadows, Canepa-Carcione Open Space, Idlewild Park, the Pioche Mill recreation trail plan, the Lamoille Summit Trail System, and the Elko HARP Trail.
Additional conservation projects include wildfire mitigation in the Ruby Mountains and Warm Springs Natural Area, post-fire landscape restoration in the Carson City BLM District, and enhancements to wetlands and riparian areas in Smith Valley.
“Nevada is home to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities and some of the most spectacular public lands in the country,” said Governor Lombardo. “I'm proud of the work being done across our state to expand access to the outdoors, support local economies, conserve our natural resources, and ensure future generations can enjoy these places for years to come.”
The Conserve Nevada Program is also supporting more than $29.5 million in new investments statewide.
More than $7.5 million will further protect Nevada’s natural and cultural resources through targeted investments in recreation and conservation projects managed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the Nevada Division of State Parks.
