Jim Lawrence resigns as Acting Director of NDCNR

Jim Lawrence has announced his resignation as Acting Director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR). The resignation will take effect January 6.  

NDCNR is one of Nevada’s largest and most multi-faceted agencies, with 8 divisions and 4 standalone programs committed to protecting, managing, and enhancing Nevada’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources. 

Jim was appointed Acting Director of NDCNR by Gov. Steve Sisolak in July 2022 and has been with the Department for 24 years. Jim was hired by the department in 1998 to establish and carry out Nevada’s environmental improvement program at Lake Tahoe.  During his tenure Jim has served as Deputy Director, Special Advisor to the Director, and Administrator of the Nevada Division of State Lands. Jim also represented NDCNR on the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board since 2014. He has been responsible for coordination of Nevada’s environmental improvement efforts at Lake Tahoe, implementation of a multi-agency statewide conservation and natural resource protection grant program, and efforts for the protection of Nevada’s sagebrush ecosystem. 

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve Nevada over the past 24 years, and I am incredibly proud of all that our team has accomplished to address Nevada’s many complex challenges and opportunities head-on,” said Jim Lawrence. “From creating fire-and-drought resilient communities and native ecosystems, to advancing sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities, to ensuring responsible mining for critical minerals, to protecting our iconic sagebrush habitat, to preserving our historic and cultural treasures, and much more, I am in awe at how much NDCNR has accomplished to create a more vibrant, sustainable, healthy Nevada.”