March 30, 2019 -- The Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area in far northern Washoe County, Nev. has been designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, only the seventh place in the world with the elusive designation. “This designation literally puts Washoe County on the Dark Sky map,” Friends of Nevada Wilderness Shaaron Netherton said. “We are just thrilled that this special place has been recognized for its natural values.”...Read more »

March 22, 2019 - Members of the Natural Resources Committees in both the Nevada Assembly and Senate have said a resounding NO to the U.S. military's proposed expansion into the heart of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, closing even more of the refuge off to the public.  In unanimous bi-partisan votes, the committees approved two joint resolutions, AJR2 and SJR3, expressing their reasons for opposing the expansion to the already sprawling 2.9 million acre military training facility. The resolutions will now be scheduled for votes before the full Assembly and full Senate....Read more »

March 14, 2019 - After receiving thousands of comments from Nevadans opposed to a plan to allow oil and gas leasing in the Ruby Mountains, the U.S. Forest Service announced today that it is denying the application.  A private entity had requested access to 53,000 acres of land in the NE Nevada mountain range, often referred to as the "Alps of Nevada" for purposes of exploring for oil and gas reserves.  But Forest Service officials concluded there was little potential of discovering oil or gas and that the overwhelming public opposition and threats to the recreational, wildlife habitat, and scenic values outweighed the need to drill.  "The public won a major victory today," said Shaaron Netherton, Executive Director of Friends. "We applaud the U.S. Forest Service for making the right decision. Thanks to everyone who raised their voices to defeat this disastrous proposal. This victory belongs to them."...Read more »