Historic Conservation Bill Introduced in Congress Would Save Desert Refuge from Military Expansion!
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Congresswoman Dina Titus have just introduced the single largest conservation bill in Nevada history, The Southern Nevada Economic Development & Conservation Act (SNEDCA). The bill would designate more than 1.6 million acres of new Wilderness, including 1.3 acres in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, which has been the top priority at Friends for many years.
Save Our Dark Skies: Public Opinion Needed Today
Help us! Senate Bill 52 (SB52), a bill to help promote and preserve Nevada's uniquely dark skies, is moving quickly through the Nevada Legislature and we need you to act now to help make sure it passes!
Tell our Nevada State Legislators how much dark sky conservation means to you. Supporters can submit their opinion here - and provide all the requested information. (Make sure to select SB52)
Legislators look at these results! You are also encouraged to make one-on-one contact with your own representatives by email. Find out who your state Senator and Assemblymember are, then shoot them a quick email thanking them for supporting SB52 and preserving Nevada’s amazing dark skies! And thank YOU for taking action today!
Conservation Watch: Nevada State Legislature 2021
While the vast majority of publicly-owned lands in Nevada are managed by the federal government (the primary focus of Friends of Nevada Wilderness), the State government can also play very important roles in helping to conserve all public lands, state and federal. The Governor and legislators have a strong voice in reinforcing their constituents’ desire to conserve public lands, as they did with these resolutions and this letter opposing military expansions. The State can partner with federal agencies to help stretch public investments in conservation. And the State manages critical wildlife habitat and a number of wonderful public parks that provide accessible and diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Gas for Goodness: Fill Up For Friends!
Pump your fuel at Sierra Car Care in Reno on Wednesdays during the month of January to help Friends of Nevada Wilderness. Part of every gallon pumped will be donated to Friends of Nevada Wilderness as their charity of the month for January 2021. Help us fuel our mission!
Military Expansions Denied, Desert Coalition Reacts
A broad coalition of conservationists, Native Americans, sportsmen and women, elected officials and others are celebrating the Congressional vote today that denies the U.S. military its long sought-after expansions of two major facilities in Nevada, at the Fallon Naval Air Station and the Nellis Test and Training Range.
In passing the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress instead approved language that maintains both facilities at their current size for the next 25 years. All six members of the Nevada Congressional delegation voted in favor of the NDAA with no military expansions.
Opt Outside With a Purpose!
With the number of people choosing to opt outside skyrocketing, it is no surprise that our public lands are suffering. The pandemic and shutdown have many people heading to nature for healing and solace while, for much of the year, organizations like Friends have been unable to lead volunteer projects leaving public lands suffering as a result. Lucky for us, there are several individuals who go above and beyond for public lands. These anonymous stewards have been filling in gaps and you should join them.
The Benefits of National Wildlife Refuges
The second week of October is dedicated to the celebration of America’s National Wildlife Refuges. These ecological safe-houses are the life vein for many species of plants and animals who would die out without these protective borders. The National Wildlife Refuge System was created to be a “national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of the present and future generations of Americans." Many Americans live near refuges but few know why they exist, how they work or what are the benefits. Let's take a closer look.
Help Celebrate National Public Lands Day
National Public Lands Day is September 26 and we’re celebrating for many reasons – primarily because Nevada is incredibly rich in public lands that provide us endless opportunities to seek physical, mental and spiritual renewal in the great outdoors. From the arid valleys of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge to the lake-strewn peaks of the Ruby Mountains, we have much to be grateful for.
A whole host of public and non-profit agencies are getting together for some fun to mark the occasion. We invite you to join the virtual celebration!
Nevadans Urge U.S. Senate to Pass Pershing County Wilderness Bill
September 3, 2020 -
Vast stretches of land in rural northwest Nevada will be preserved if Congress can finally pass legislation that would protect wilderness in Pershing County while encouraging economic development.
You're Invited to a Star Party!
Please join us, the Basin and Range Dark Sky Cooperative, the Great Basin Observatory and other “luminaries” for a virtually stunning Star Party on Saturday, September 5 from 8 – 9:30 PM.
See LIVE images of star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, planets, and other celestial objects from telescope operators in Nevada and neighboring Oregon. Star Party-goers will learn to use a planisphere, computer software and apps, and how to star hop!
