Clark County Public Lands Bill(s)

In 1992, Clark County passed the Clark County Public Lands bill to ensure the protection of public lands through Southern Nevada’s population boom. The bill created 17 new Wilderness areas on 452,000 acres around Las Vegas and Lake Mead, as well as adding to the Mt. Charleston Wilderness — adding acres available to development while protecting valuable habitat and recreation areas.

The Clark County Commission is considering a new proposal that would build on the original bill and expand the boundary set by SNPLMA another 38,000 acres to allow opening more land for economic development and infrastructure, as well as transferring land to the Moapa Band of Paiutes. The Commission’s proposal would also add Wilderness areas, expand current Areas of Environmental Concern, and preserve desert tortoise habitat.

Language has not been finalized, as elected leaders and residents work to balance the development of one of the fastest growing counties in the country with the conservation of public lands that improve the quality of life sought by so many who move to Southern Nevada. The Clark County Commission is playing a critical role in convening stakeholders from the community with the goal of reaching an agreement on the final elements. Once there is a county resolution in place, a bill will be drafted and make its way through the Congressional process. Both Senator Heller and Senator Cortez Masto have expressed willingness to negotiate for the common goals of protecting land and expanding Southern Nevada’s ability to grow.