Natural Resources Management Act provides guaranteed, permanent funding for Nevada
Nevada is a recreational wonder, abounding with one-of-a-kind State Parks, vibrant trail systems, historic treasures, native wildlife, abundant hunting and fishing, and memorable adventures of all kinds waiting to be discovered. Now, outdoor enthusiasts will have even greater opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy Nevada’s vast recreational splendor.
On February 26, 2019, Congress passed the landmark Natural Resources Management Act which permanently authorizes the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF provides essential annual funding to the Nevada Division of State Parks that is leveraged to benefit Nevada’s state parks system and provide grants to local governments and non-profits across Nevada to protect our shared natural resources and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities. LWCF is critical for Nevada’s outdoor industry, which generates $12.6 billion a year for Nevada’s economy and supports approximately 87,000 jobs. Though LWCF has been funding outdoor recreation in Nevada since 1964, prior to the Natural Resources Management Act, LWCF funds were never a guaranteed or permanent funding source.
“Permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund is a huge victory for outdoor enthusiasts throughout Nevada,” said Bradley Crowell, Director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “LWCF funding is essential to everything we do in Nevada to protect our natural resources and provide a second-to-none outdoor recreation experience. With the confidence of permanent LWCF funding, we’re able to elevate our ever-growing outdoor recreation economy, and ensure the Silver State continues to be the number one place to live, work, and play for generations to come.”
Without LWCF, Nevada would not be the premier recreation destination that it is today. The LWCF invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leases to help strengthen communities, preserve history, and assure the physical, cultural, and spiritual benefits of outdoor recreation. From Lake Tahoe to Pahrump to Wells to Laughlin and virtually every city and county in between, LWCF has funded projects far and wide for the benefit of all Nevadans and visitors to our great state.
With more than $104 million received and 360 projects completed in Nevada so far, LWCF has been crucial for creating and protecting the state’s iconic recreational gems and adventures. Some examples of past LWCF projects in Nevada include:
• Carson City’s first-ever disc golf course complex – Features an 18-hole tournament disc golf course and a 9-hole short course, parking lot, site amenities, and opportunities to host events and tournaments
• Construction of new Jaycee Inclusive Playground (Las Vegas) – Provides a universally accessible playground, giving individuals of all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy uniquely designed play equipment, such as the integrating carousel, which can accommodate wheelchair-bound children and visitors
• Interpretive videos and displays for Nevada State Parks (statewide) –Videos were created for 10 of Nevada’s State Parks showcasing the natural beauty and historic attractions at each park. The videos were incorporated into interpretive displays at Sand Harbor, Buckland Station, Cathedral Gorge, Valley of Fire and Spring Mountain Ranch State Parks.
• Construction of a new 14,000 square foot skate park at Miguel Ribera Park (Reno) – Includes lighting, seating, landscaping and a large skate bowl feature, providing a new recreation opportunity in an underserved area
• Bird Viewing Preserve (Henderson) – Received new interpretive signage to provide the 12,000+ visitors per year with information while on self-guided tours; installed a floating dock to create additional habitat for the thousands of migratory birds that populate the preserve
And that’s just the beginning. LWCF funds are already being requested this year to complete the following projects:
• Construction of the new Somersett West Park (Reno) – This 5.6 acre park in the Somersett Planned Unit Development will include a playground, picnic shelter, parking, 50 community garden plots, open turf, and site amenities
• Amenities for Nevada’s new Ice Age Fossils State Park (Las Vegas) – Includes a new visitor center, amphitheater, courtyard, and unique interpretive/educational exhibits and programming showcasing the area’s rare paleontological treasures
• Upgrades at Echo Canyon State Park Campground – Includes new RV campsites, restrooms, ADA parking, and redevelopment of existing property
The permanent reauthorization of LWCF funds is truly a gift that will have an enduring impact for years to come, and underscores Nevada’s celebrated outdoor heritage. To learn more about the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, visit dcnr.nv.gov.