The Desert National Wildlife Refuge dodged a proverbial bullet in July but permanent protection is the only way to save it from the Air Force. In a sneaky move in early July, the Air Force went around the Nevada delegation to Rep Rob Bishop (UT) to get an amendment approved as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would give the military control of the western portion (840,000 acres) of the wildlife refuge.
This summer, our staff, Americorps, and trail crew have been hard at work Keeping Nevada Wild. We have limited our contact with the public, including volunteers, to ensure that we keep our programs safe and servicing Nevada's public lands.
12 wild artists joined us this year for our annual Artown gallery. This year’s “REFUGE” gallery went virtual for the first time and we are so excited to have had the opportunity to share it with so many more people than ever before.
The Wilderness Society released an analysis of the surprise amendment by a member of the Utah delegation to the National Defense Authorization Act. Their analysis follows:
On June 11th, the Senate Armed Services Committee said no to military expansion in Nevada for both the Nellis Test and Training Range and the Fallon Naval Air Station. Both bases would have their current military withdrawal extended for 20 years - but no new expansions. What does this mean to supporters of Nevada's Wildlife Refuges? A small first win on the road to permanent protections. There can (and most likely will) be markups that will go against everything we campaigned for. But there is more you can do to sway Congress.
Friends of Nevada Wilderness returns to Artown this year featuring the “Refuge” gallery. Boasting stellar nature photography, as well as paintings, pastels, prints, and found object sculpture all celebrating Nevada’s nine scenic wildlife refuges and public lands. The gallery will run from July 10th to the 17th and will be experienced fully online for the first time ever! Art in the gallery will be available for purchase on our online store and helps support local artists as well as Friends of Nevada Wilderness’ work protecting and caring for wild Nevada. Get inspired and help protect and preserve these special places and unique wildlife.
Our Summer Stewardship Season is up and running, with one major difference. No volunteers! 😢 Due to the current pandemic and recent resurgence of cases, we have chosen to halt our volunteer projects for the safety and concern of our participants and staff. We miss our volunteers! But your health and safety come first. We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our upcoming events. We are working on new procedures and look forward to opening up volunteer opportunities late summer.
National Trails Day is celebrated each year on the first Saturday in June (June 6, 2020). The purpose of National Trails Day is to highlight all the amazing benefits the National Trail System provides. Our staff, trail crew, and volunteers spend thousands of hours on the ground each year building, restoring, and maintaining the backcountry trails of Nevada. While we have limited projects going on currently, we would like to invite you to take this unprecedented time to evaluate what National Trails Day means to you as the celebration moves online.
For over a decade, a bunch of conservation-minded folks has been descending on the Black Rock Desert for the Black Rock Rendezvous held over the Memorial Day Weekend. With social distancing rules keeping us out of the backcountry, we turned online to continue the tradition virtually. From May 25 -29, we held nightly programming with guest speakers, workshops, and campfire songs. Click the link below and catch up on what you missed or relive the festivities.
With how much time we’ve all been spending indoors, that fresh air feeling is better than ever. Plus, spending time outside leads to so many physical and mental health benefits. For these reasons and more, visitor use has increased dramatically at some public lands locations. Increased use causes increased, lasting impacts. Now is the time to work together and remain mindful about our impacts and the safety of our communities.
