DCNR News & Updates: November 2010

From Leo Drozdoff, Acting Director

Post-election happenings

Now that the general election is concluded, and we can all start answering our telephones again without trepidation, news will slowly start to come out as transition efforts begin between outgoing Governor Jim Gibbons and Governor-Elect Brian Sandoval.  As of the time of this newsletter, only two names have been announced by the Governor-Elect as individuals who will help him with the transition and potentially stay on in his administration.  Those two are former Assembly Minority Leader Heidi Gansert and Dale Erquiaga.  Previously named by Governor Gibbons to head the transition effort for the current administration is Steve Robinson, a former staffer for both Governor Guinn and Governor Gibbons.

I have been told that each department director will meet individually with the Governor-Elect at some point during the weeks ahead, although that schedule has not yet been finalized.  As the Governor-Elect prepares his Governor Recommend budget, prepares for the legislative session and begins to be briefed on major policy issues, it will in turn be a busy time for the agencies in state government.  At this time there is no news on our budget submission and our DCNR legislative package is “housekeeping” in nature – basically comprised of cleanups/clarifications to the NRS – along with a handful of budget bills in support of our budget submission.

Stay tuned.

State Parks publishes 2011 color calendar

Nevada State Parks just published a 2011 calendar that contains full-color images of many of Nevada’s beautiful state parks. As part of the park system’s 75^th anniversary, a number of images in the calendar were submitted by visitors to parks around the state. You may purchase a calendar here (a portion of sales goes to State Parks): http://www.lulu.com/product/calendar/state-parks-calendar/13378249

NDEP helps with Carson River cleanup

The fifth annual Carson River water quality Snapshot Day, sponsored by the Carson Water Subconservancy District and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, was held in mid-October. The purpose of this event is to provide a hands-on community based approach to learning about the Carson River watershed. Under the guidance of water quality professionals, participants collected data from 10 locations along the river to provide a “snapshot” of environmental conditions. This information will be used by water quality agencies to establish baseline conditions and help develop strategies to improve and protect the Carson River.

NDF flies over Nevada Day parade

The Nevada Division of Forestry’s air ops flew a special mission over the Nevada Day parade this past weekend in Carson City.  The NDF helicopters joined with other aircraft flying the parade route to signal the star of the parade and in support of the aviation parade theme for this year.  View a slideshow of the helicopters in formation before the parade: http://dcnr.nv.gov/2010/11/slideshow-ndf-helicopters-get-ready-for-the-nevada-day-parade/

State Parks shines at Nevada Day parades

On Nevada Day this year the Nevada Division of State Parks participated in Carson City and Elko with floats in Nevada Day parades. State Parks celebrated the state holiday with its annual float in the Carson City parade, this year themed as “100 Years of Aviation History in Nevada.” The float was design by Washoe Lake State Park employees and built and manned by State Parks employees from multiple parks, along with volunteers and friends and families of State Parks employees. The float, entitled “Flying High at 75” – in honor of State Parks’ 75^th Anniversary this year —  won the coveted “Parade Director’s Award.”

Also featured in Elko County’s Nevada Day parade was a State Parks float designed and staffed by Andrew Bass, park supervisor at Wild Horse State Recreation Area, his family and friends. The float featured snowmobiling, fishing, camping and hunting.  The float even featured a Canadian goose following them through the parade.

A slideshow of the floats and their construction is here: http://dcnr.nv.gov/2010/11/state-parks-celebrate-nevada-day-win-awards/