Originally published in Public News Service August 31, 2023
Two pieces of legislation could require the Bureau of Land Management to throw out thousands of public comments and jeopardize the agency’s proposed rule, which aims to put conservation efforts on par with other uses taking place on public lands.
Mandi Elliott, executive director of the Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition, said it is important for public lands in Nevada to be protected because they not only improve quality of life but also serve as what she called economic drivers.
“Outdoor access plays such a huge role in quality of life,” Elliott pointed out. “Hand-in-hand with that is these burgeoning outdoor recreation economies that if you’re not in Reno and you’re not in Vegas, the draw is outdoor rec, right?”
Elliott noted other parties seem to forget public lands are intended for everyone’s use. While the proposed rule aims to equally prioritize conservation and outdoor recreation with other uses, some stakeholders within the extractive resource industry do not seem to view it that way. Elliott stressed if the rule were to be dismissed, it would send an “unfortunate message” priorities are skewed.
Congress is currently in recess but is set to reconvene after Labor Day, which means House Resolution 3977 and Senate Bill 1435 could get a floor vote shortly thereafter.
Garrett Hammack, board member of the Nevada Wildlife Federation and an avid hunter, said Nevada faces unique challenges for rehabilitation efforts of public lands and supports the proposed rule, as it would help address those concerns.
“What we are seeing right now with feral horses, with the really large-scale fires that we are getting lately and the development around other cities, we really need to get back to rehabilitating some of this land and the sagebrush structure right now in Nevada is continually degrading,” Hammack contended.
Conservationists said public comments are by and large in support of the BLM’s proposed rule. The agency said it would continue to identify appropriate sites for renewable energy developments and to efficiently process applications for projects on public lands.
NVOBC on Facebook
Tomorrow marks the 30th year celebrating National Public Lands Day!
Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is traditionally the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. It celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits.
We are grateful for our public lands, which support Nevada’s outdoor economy and our communities. Whether you’re hiking, biking, fishing, or camping, we hope you celebrate the beauty and diversity of Nevada’s landscapes tomorrow and all year round!
Learn more about National Public Lands Day and find some nearby events at www.nps.gov.
And don't forget to visit a national park for free tomorrow!
#nevadaoutdoors #nationalpubliclandsday #leavenotrace #outdoorrecreation #optoutside
ICYMI ‼
Last week, a letter was sent out to the Biden Administration asking for an Administrative Withdrawal of 350,000 acres of the Ruby Mountains and Ruby Marshes. This important action would protect the Ruby Mountains and Ruby Marshes from oil and gas leasing as well as mineral leasing.
Below, you can see our Executive Director's (Mandi Shumaker Elliott) comment as well as the link to the full press release.
“We strongly urge the Biden Administration to recognize the invaluable benefits of granting an Administrative Withdrawal for the Ruby Mountains,” said Mandi Elliott, Executive Director, Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition. “This isn't just about conserving nature; it's about acknowledging the strong connection between the protection of our public lands and the vitality of our local economies. Rural Nevada, more than many realize, relies on the health and accessibility of these lands. Beyond the conservation and economic implications, this decision would also lead to a more effective and strategic use of human resources at the Ruby Mountains, ensuring that those teams can focus on sustainable management and community engagement. As the Executive Director of the Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition, I've seen the potential for prosperity that comes with safeguarding our natural assets.”
www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cortez-masto-rosen-urge-biden-administration-to-pr...
#OutdoorIndustry #OutdoorEconomy #publiclands #outdoorrecreation #nevadaoutdoors
www.cortezmasto.senate.gov
The Official U.S. Senate website of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto