Protect Yourselves, Protect Nevada this Labor Day Weekend

With many public lands and recreation areas open across Nevada, public officials are reminding residents and visitors to recreate responsibly by continuing to take all precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19.

This Labor Day weekend, it is critical that everyone practice responsible recreation. Protect yourself, others, and Nevada’s invaluable public lands and waters.

Remember, public lands belong to all of us. Together, we share the responsibility of protecting our natural places and the communities that serve as gateways to Nevada’s numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

Just as you would at the grocery store or any other public venue, please practice social distancing and wear a face mask when crossing paths with others, be it in the parking lot or on the trail. And – as always – please be mindful and respectful to “leave no trace” while enjoying Nevada’s natural wonders.

Leave nothing behind, whether it’s dog waste, your picnic trash, or the mask you brought with you. It is more important than ever to know and follow all regulations, including more stringent fire restrictions.

Nevada’s amazing outdoor spaces can provide solace and healing during these trying times. To protect one another, our local communities, and the pristine condition of Nevada’s natural resources, we need to follow common-sense rules and courtesies when we recreate outdoors.

Eight rules for Nevadans looking to get outside:

1. Protect the health of yourself, your family, and your fellow Nevadans. This is a top priority for all of us. Stay within small household groups. Bring a mask whenever you recreate and put it on when approaching other groups. Always carry sanitizer. Practice social distancing at all times by maintaining at least six feet from others.

2. Prevent wildfires by following Nevada-wide fire restrictions. Statewide fire restrictions are in effect. Check this site for details on fire bans before you venture outdoors. Refrain from high fire-risk activities. Avoid target shooting in non-designated areas. Check trailer chains regularly. Do not park in dry grass. Keep a shovel, fire extinguisher, and at least five gallons of water readily available in the event of an unintentional fire start. Our firefighters and first responders thank you for using extra precaution during these trying times.

3. Avoid crowded trailheads and parking lots. Have a back-up plan if your favorite spot is too crowded. Remember, those State Parks and federal recreation areas that are open are operating under limited staffing and capacity, including day-use only limitations at some sites.

4. Know before you go. Check land management agency websites before venturing out to recreate. Although many parks and recreation areas have reopened, many parks, on-site museums, visitor centers, and gift shops are operating under limited capacity.

5. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Protect our shared natural resources. Pack it in, pack it out. This includes packing out dog waste. Be #1 at packing out #2.

6. Be prepared. Be self-sufficient by bringing your own food, water, and trash bags.

7. There are no reservations available for camping. Overnight camping in Nevada State Parks is first-come, first-served (with the exception of group-use campgrounds and rental cabins).

8. Take it slow. Now is not the time to try an extreme or risky recreational activity. Thank you for protecting Nevada's healthcare workers.

For all State of Nevada recreation sites, please remember to visit the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website and follow @NevDCNR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates on public lands closures, re-openings, and other pertinent information. Join the conversation using #RecreateResponsibly. Additionally, please visit parks.nv.gov and follow @NVStateParks on Facebook for the latest information on Nevada State Parks.

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The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ mission is to protect, manage, and enhance Nevada’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources. Established in 1957, the Department includes 11 divisions and programs (Environmental Protection, Forestry, Outdoor Recreation, State Parks, State Lands, Water Resources, Historic Preservation, Conservation Districts, Natural Heritage, Sagebrush Ecosystem, and Off-Highway Vehicles) and 15 boards and commissions.