FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2020
Contact: Will Pregman, [email protected], 702.752.0656
LAS VEGAS, NV – Earlier today, Nevada celebrated its 4th Annual Public Lands Day event much differently than years prior. Groups, elected officials, and Silver the Bighorn Sheep gathered eager Nevadans from across the state for a virtual celebration of our public lands around Nevada, featuring an educational series packed with discussions, presentations, and performances amplifying the importance of protecting and preserving Nevada’s outdoors spaces. The event followed a storyline which reiterated the importance of safe social distancing while participating in the celebration, including pieces on key issues such as the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife Corridors, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Today’s celebration also provided performances, story time segments, a backyard scavenger hunt, and welcome addresses from Nevada’s Congressional delegation and local elected officials. Governor Steve Sisolak proclaimed this day as Nevada Public Lands Day to celebrate our public lands, and waived entry fees to state parks to commemorate the occasion.
See attachments for copies of the Governor and Clark County’s Proclamations.
Governor Steve Sisolak issued the following statement:
“Public Lands Day is meant to recognize the historical, scenic, economic, and other values of Nevada’s public lands while encouraging Nevadans to become stewards of our outdoor treasures so we can all do our part to conserve the unique public lands that are only found in our state. Public lands often protect vital pieces of our region’s past and important cultural heritages, including the remnants of ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region and whose ancestors still protect their legacy. I am proud that we can continue the tradition of celebrating Nevada’s public lands even through a pandemic. Staying connected with our outdoor spaces is more important now than ever. Whether it’s through virtual celebrations like this or safely visiting these spaces, our public lands are a source of relief for many Nevadans during these tough times.”
Lt. Governor Kate Marshall issued the following statement:
“One of my favorite things about Nevada is the endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. From hiking in Great Basin National Park to mountain biking in Caliente, there’s something for everyone. So when you plan your next trip outdoors, make sure you recreate responsibly and support our local outdoor recreation retailers as well.”
Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto issued the following statement:
From my first trips camping with my family in Nevada as a kid, I knew our public lands were precious,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m so proud to be working every day in the U.S. Senate so that future generations of Nevadans can enjoy them as much as I have. I hope this Nevada Public Lands Day inspires you to do the same.”
Senator Jacky Rosen issued the following statement:
“Nevada’s public lands are a source of pride and natural beauty, as well as a cornerstone of economic strength and support for our communities and our state’s economy,” said Senator Jacky Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped lead the charge in Congress to support our state’s conservation efforts and to raise my voice in defense of Nevada’s natural wonders. We must keep our public lands open, accessible, and pristine for Nevadans, for visitors to our state, and for future generations.”
Congresswoman Dina Titus issued the following statement:
“Right now we are seeing wildfires spewing ash and smoke into the air all across the west as winds of the storms that hit the Gulf Coast. In Nevada, each year we experience lower water levels at Lake Mead and deadly waves of heat. The best thing we can do to protect our public lands is to fight climate change.”
Congresswoman Susie Lee issued the following statement:
“Nevada is blessed with some of the best public lands in America. From Red Rock and Sloan Canyon, to Lake Mead and the Big Bend of the Colorado, Congressional District 3 has no shortage of beautiful places for us to enjoy. During this pandemic, we’ve relied on our public lands more than ever to help keep us remain active, healthy, and – quite frankly – sane. I love starting my day with hikes or bike rides along our Valley’s open areas, and I truly can’t imagine my life without the opportunity to do those things in my backyard. This weekend, take some time, and visit some of our beautiful parks and natural areas. Thank a Park Ranger or a conservation worker, and enjoy National Public Lands Day!”
Congressman Steven Horsford issued the following statement:
“I am very proud to represent Nevada’s Fourth Congressional District, which is home to more than 50,000 square miles of public lands. On National Public Lands Day, we celebrate Nevada’s natural splendor and recognize the importance of preserving our pristine landscapes, wildlife, and unique outdoor recreation opportunities for generations to come.”
Speaker of the Nevada Assembly, Jason Frierson, issued the following statement:
“As a kid growing up in Compton, I didn’t get to experience much outside the urban cityscape until I moved to Nevada as a college student at UNR. I immediately fell in love with Nevada’s wide open spaces, lakes, rivers, mountains and panoramic sunsets. One of my favorite activities is to be out fishing on our public lands with my children. I am proud that we have set aside a day to officially highlight Nevada’s diverse geography, but I appreciate that heritage everyday.”
Commissioner Justin Jones issued the following statement:
“National Public Lands Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the amazing natural spaces that we have in Nevada, from Gold Butte to Lake Tahoe, and everywhere in between. And this year we get to celebrate a major victory for our public lands, with full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. So let’s all commit to celebrate outdoors this weekend, and then get back to work electing conservation champions in November!”
Commissioner Michael Naft issued the following statement:
“I want to thank all of the organizations who worked so hard to make Nevada Public Lands Day a success once again this year. While so much has changed since we celebrated together last year, one thing remains the same, our commitment to advocating for our public lands.”
Mayor Daniel Corona of West Wendover issued the following statement:
“This public lands day it’s imperative that we don’t lose sight of the importance of protecting Nevada’s wildlife corridors. These corridors allow our wildlife to follow generational migration patterns & promotes healthy populations amongst our wildlife. Ensuring populations stay healthy not only ensures long term ability for those who hunt & fish to do so but also helps maintain a healthy balance to many of our state’s diverse and already fragile ecosystems.”
Annette Magnus, Executive Director of Institute for a Progressive Nevada, issued the following statement:
“We are proud that although we cannot celebrate in person, as we’ve done in previous years, we maintained the tradition of Nevada Public Lands Day today. We were able to connect with public lands supporters virtually and celebrate the monumental progress we’ve made in our fight to protect public lands here in Nevada. This year, Congress voted to fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is America’s most important program to conserve irreplaceable lands and improve outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the nation. We are also continuing our efforts to permanently protect other places in Nevada like the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. Many have used this pandemic to connect with nature as a way to heal and that is one reason why we need to continue our work to protect our open spaces.”
Mauricia Baca, Executive Director of Get Outdoors Nevada, issued the following statement:
“The fourth annual Public Lands Day is an example of what our outdoor spaces do; they help people, they inspire people, and they give us a sense of hope. Today, Nevadans showed their love for our public lands during tough times for our state. During this pandemic, we have grown to appreciate being outside, enjoying the fresh air, and staying active and healthy. America’s 640 million acres of federal public lands are the backbone of our rich outdoor heritage, and it’s important that we keep them pristine and open to the public.”
SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH
###
