State launches 'Conserve Nevada' grant program; supports conservation and recreation projects
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 01/18/2022 - 4:50pm
The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on Tuesday launched the next phase of one of the state’s most important and successful conservation and recreational grant programs. Formerly known as the Conservation and Resource Bond Program approved by Nevada voters in 2002 (or “Q1”), the new and expanded program will be known as “Conserve Nevada.”
Under Assembly Bill 84 passed by the Nevada Legislature in 2019, Conserve Nevada is a continuation and renewal of the State’s original conservation bond program enacted in 2002.
Through the Conserve Nevada program, $217.5 million in bond proceeds will be leveraged over the next decade as follows:
— $77.5 million in grants to nonprofits, local/county governments, and other agencies for projects to enhance recreational trails and facilities, acquire and protect environmentally sensitive land, improve river corridors and watersheds, improve wildlands to reduce fire risk, and protection of Nevada’s historic and cultural resources.
— $50 million will be used for projects at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, Clark County Wetlands Park, Lower Las Vegas Wash and Las Vegas Valley Rim Trail.
— $60 million will be provided to the Nevada Division of State Parks and Nevada Department of Wildlife for improvements to wildlife habitat, wildlife facilities, and Nevada’s State Parks.
— $30 million will be provided to the Nevada Division of Museums for improvements at Nevada’s Museums, including expansion of the Boulder City Railroad Museum and improvements at the East Ely Depot Museum.
As the Conserve Nevada program gets underway, all Nevada residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in an upcoming Listening Session to share their input and help guide development of the program’s regulatory requirements, grant project selection criteria, and more. The Listening Sessions are scheduled as follows:
Las Vegas: January 27, 6pm-7pm at the Springs Preserve (Cienega Conference Room, 2nd Floor), 333 S. Valley View Blvd.
Elko (Carlin): February 1, 5:30pm-6:30pm at the Nevada Army National Guard Readiness Center, 100 University Avenue
Reno: February 8, 6pm-7pm at the Nevada Department of Wildlife Headquarters (Main Board Room), 6980 Sierra Center Pkwy #120
Statewide Virtual Listening Session: February 10, 6pm-7pm, Click here to join the video meeting or call in: +1 775-321-6111, 518328967# (Phone Conference ID: 518 328 967#)
Housed within NDCNR, Conserve Nevada is administered by the department’s new Program Manager, Brandon Bishop. Bishop has over 10 years of experience in environmental, energy, and water conservation, and has managed numerous sustainability grant programs in the public and nonprofit sectors.
As Conserve Nevada’s Program Manager, Bishop will build on the success of the original program, while expanding further to meet the needs and challenges we face today to protect and enhance Nevada’s unique and abundant natural resources. Additionally, Conserve Nevada facilitates funding for museums and historic properties to preserve Nevada's cultural heritage while making it universally accessible for all Nevadans and visitors.
“For nearly two decades, Nevada’s landmark conservation bond funding program has helped restore, preserve, and enhance our spectacular natural and cultural resources in every county across the state,” said NDCNR Director Bradley Crowell. “From creating fire-resilient landscapes and ecosystems, to protecting rivers and wetlands, to advancing sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities for families and visitors, to preserving historic and cultural treasures, the Conserve Nevada program will help cultivate a healthy, vibrant Nevada for generations to come. I thank our many partners and public leaders for helping advance the next phase of this iconic program, and supporting efforts to elevate the Silver State’s celebrated natural and cultural heritage.”
Since 2002, this model program has supported over 200 projects throughout the state, resulting in over 100 miles of new recreational trails and over 17,000 acres conserved for open space, as well as improvements to all of Nevada’s 27 state parks and 11 Wildlife Management Areas, and increased conservation efforts through wildlife habitat restoration and fish hatchery enhancements.
To learn more about Conserve Nevada, please visit ConserveNevada.nv.gov and check out this video clip. Additionally, follow @NevDCNR on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and join the conversation using #ConserveNevada.
