BLM Proposes Red Rock Canyon Fee Increase
The cost to enter the 13 mile scenic loop at Red Rock National Conservation Area and other associated sites may see its first increase since 2011. But first, The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public opinion for these proposed amenity fee increases which are aimed to cover "preservation, recreation, public enjoyment and visitor experience management goals". The public is invited to weigh in on these proposed increases and, don't worry, there are several ways to get involved.
5 Reasons to Save the Desert National Wildlife Refuge
The Desert National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem sprawled across 1.6 million acres of the Southern Nevada landscape. Located just 25 miles northwest of downtown Las Vegas, the Desert Refuge provides hiking, birding, hunting, horseback riding, Jeeping adventures, backpacking, and camping activities on fee-free public land. Sounds great, right?
Local Leaders And Advocates Address Secretary Zinke's Visit
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's long awaited visit to Nevada's National Monuments was cut short in lieu of an emergency cabinet meeting. A Monday meeting was previously scheduled between the Secretary and his staff and public lands advocates which included elected officials, Tribal members, business and community leaders. This meeting, however, was abruptly cancelled in light of a Washington DC shake up. Unfortunately, public land advocates did not get the chance we desperately wanted to dialogue with Secretary Zinke in favor of Basin & Range and Gold Butte National Monuments. But we are a resilient bunch! A last minute press conference was held to address the community's concerns with Secretary Zinke's modified visit to Nevada.
The Fight to Keep Our Monuments Continues
President Donald Trump’s call for a presidential review of National Monuments united millions of outdoor enthusiasts in support of our protected public lands. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke is tasked with providing the President with recommendations on the 27 National Monuments under review. Secretary Zinke may recommend that these National Monuments may be left as they are, have their borders reduced, or the designation rescinded in the forthcoming months. The first portion of this process, the public comment period, is now over. Thankfully, over 2.7 million comments were submitted in support of America’s National Monuments! However, we need to keep the pressure on the Department of the Interior and remind them that Nevadans love our national monuments!
Rally ‘Round Our Public Lands
Concern is mounting after President Donald Trump’s Executive Order to review all National Monuments designated after January 1st 1996. This review includes Nevada's Gold Butte and Basin and Range National Monuments. Following the Executive Order, the Department of the Interior opened a comment period to invite the public to weigh in on these 27 national monuments under review. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is tasked with reviewing these comments, visiting with local government officials and other stakeholders, and touring the national monument lands. This past week, Secretary Zinke visited Nevada - not to meet with local stakeholders but to hold a closed door meeting in Lake Tahoe and a press only event in Pahrump. Nevadans showed up at both events to let him know that we love our public lands and National Monuments!
Aria and Friends of Nevada Wilderness Rocks Cathedral Rock
Not too far from the fascinating neon lights, celebrity titled marquees, and rhythmic tones of coin filled slot machines, you will find the Spring Mountains and Mt. Charleston wilderness. The 45 minute driving distance can seem a world away as you take in the majestic scenery along the trails and designated wilderness areas found in Kyle and Lee Canyons. There is no mystery to why so many visitors come to enjoy this wooded oasis nestled above the Southern Nevada desert. Of course, with the heavy number of visitors, this special place requires lots of attention. This week, Aria Hotel + Casino joined us in Mt. Charleston to help maintain the trails!
Making New Friends With REI
Last weekend on a sweltering Saturday morning, hundreds of people gathered outside of REI Boca Park in Las Vegas for a morning of shopping. The occasion was the seasonal REI Garage Sale, an REI Co-Op member sales event where pre-owned clothing and equipment can be purchased at lower prices. With crowds arriving two hours before doors open and customers entering the building in numbered groups, this was a great opportunity for Friends of Nevada Wilderness and other non-profit organizations to engage wilderness and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Volunteers Celebrate National Trails Day
Every year on the first Saturday of June, hiking enthusiasts from across the country celebrate National Trails Day. The designated holiday gives organizations and individuals the opportunity to connect with local trails, raise awareness of trail issues, and enjoy time in nature. Friends of Nevada Wilderness' southern Nevada volunteers spent National Trails Day in Mt. Charleston Wilderness to complete much needed trail work on the popular Trail Canyon.
Public Lands Day Bill Passes Nevada State Legislature
Public lands and national monuments were well represented in the 2017 Session of the Nevada State Legislature. SB413, a bill sponsored by Senator Nicole Cannizzaro and that will designate a Public Lands Day in Nevada, was just signed into law by the Governor on June 1st. We'd like to thank everyone who spoke up for public lands, attended meetings, contacted their legislators, and overall made their voices heard!
Defend Nevada's National Monuments
National Monuments are under attack and need your help today! On April 26, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order attempting to eliminate or shrink national monuments that have been protected by our presidents in recent decades, including Gold Butte here in Nevada. This is an attack on Nevada's heritage and the iconic public lands that are critical to our economy and way of life. We have until June 10th, 2017 to make our voices heard that we support National Monuments!
