Nevada joins Confluence of States, advancing recreation, environmental stewardship
Nevada now among 16 states to sign “Confluence Accords,” promoting outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship
It’s official! Today, Nevada joined the “Confluence of States,” a coalition of 16 bipartisan states centered on a set of shared principles, common values, and best practices surrounding outdoor recreation and conservation. This “constitution for recreation” embodies 10 principles contained in the four pillars of conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development, and public health and wellness. While each individual state is unique, together, through the Confluence of States, they uphold a shared commitment to promoting love for outdoor experiences, facilitating a sense of place, and enhancing the spiritual and physical health for the broader benefit of all.
“Outdoor recreation is an integral part of life in Nevada, and we are proud to be part of the Confluence of States,” said Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak. “We strongly believe that blending the conservation of our State’s spectacular natural resources with sustainable recreation is the key to providing one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences that will increase tourism and economic development, while enhancing the quality of life of all Nevadans. Through the Confluence of States, we look forward to coming together around shared best-practice principles to strengthen the collective voice for advancing outdoor recreation and protecting our natural and cultural treasures.”
Bradley Crowell, Director of the Nevada Department of Natural Resources, echoed that sentiment. “In Nevada, we’re dedicated to ensuring outdoor recreation and conservation are a part of as many people’s lives as possible,” he said. “Nevada is a recreational wonder, abounding with one-of-a-kind State Parks, vibrant trail systems, historic treasures, native wildlife, epic hunting and fishing, and memorable adventures of all kinds waiting to be discovered. We’re excited to advance Nevada’s ever-growing outdoor recreation economy, protect our precious natural and cultural resources, and ensure the Silver State continues to be the number one place to live, work, and play for generations to come.”
Joining the Confluence of States was a natural next step for Nevada, as the past couple years have been especially momentous in terms of advancing recreational opportunities and carrying out important resource work to protect and enhance environmental conditions. For example, in the last two years, Nevada opened two new state parks, worked with bi-state partners to open the world-class Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail, passed legislation authorizing over $200 million in general obligation bonds for resource and recreation projects, created Nevada’s first-ever online recreation trail map system with over 50,000 miles of off-highway vehicle trails included thus far, and passed legislation last June establishing a new Division of Outdoor Recreation to be housed within the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Stay tuned for more information on the new Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation in the coming months!
Nevada’s abundant public lands are not only cultural, historic, scientific and natural treasures; they also drive important growth that will further diversify and strengthen our economy. Nevada’s outdoor recreation sector generates approximately $12.6 billion in consumer spending, $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenue, 87,000 jobs, and $4 billion in wages and salaries. Additionally, Nevada’s population has increased by more than 12 percent since 2010, which has spurred an uptick in outdoor adventure seekers. In the last year, Nevada State Parks had a record-breaking 3.6 million visitors. With an ever-growing demand for statewide outdoor recreation, the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources remains focused on improving the quantity and quality of recreational opportunities, while protecting Nevada’s natural resources.
To learn more about the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, please visit dcnr.nv.gov.