New York Times - Bombing Range or Nature Preserve? A Battle for Control of the Nevada Desert
June 25, 2019 -
DESERT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Nev. — Beams of sunlight shone through the clouds like a celestial spotlight on a recent evening in the Mojave Desert, lighting up cliffs, tracts of yucca plants and slabs of volcanic rock covered with ancient stone carvings.
Nevada Legislature Sends Strong Bipartisan Message to Congress Opposing Military Expansion in Wildlife Refuge
Carson City, NV – In a nearly unanimous bipartisan vote, Nevada state legislators have adopted a resolution telling the U.S. Congress they are strongly opposed to the U.S. Air Force’s plan to expand the training facility at the Nellis Test and Training Range (NTTR) into more of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. The 2.9 million-acre bombing and training range currently sprawls across three counties in the southern part of the state. The Air Force now wants another nearly quarter million more acres. The U.S. Congress is expected to act on the proposal next year.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto Recognizes Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary in Congressional Record
April 18, 2019 – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today presented Friends of Nevada Wilderness with a framed copy of her April 4 Congressional Record statement recognizing the designation of the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Only the 7th Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world designated in Washoe County
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.”
Legislative Committees Unanimously Oppose Military Expansion into Desert National Wildlife Refuge
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.
Forest Service Says NO to Oil and Gas Leases in Ruby Mountains!
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."
New Poll: Nevadans Favor Public Lands Conservation Over Energy Production
From Public News Service
CARSON 
CITY, Nev. – Almost two-thirds of Nevadans oppose the Trump administration's emphasis on energy production over conservation on public land, according to a new poll.
Researchers for the ninth annual "Conservation in the West" poll from Colorado College surveyed 400 registered voters in eight western states, including Nevada. They found that 64 percent of Nevadans want Congress to focus on protecting air, water and land – compared with 25 percent who said more drilling and mining should be a higher priority.
Navy Extends Public Comment on Fallon Expansion to Feb. 14
Help Save the Stillwater Wildlands!
January 17, 2019 - The U.S. Navy has extended the public review and comment period by an additional 30 days for the Fallon Range Training Complex Modernization Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Public comments may now be submitted through Feb. 14, 2019.
Military Wants to Seize Public Lands and Quadruple Fallon Naval Bombing Range
November 21, 2018 - The military wants to shut you out of more than 420,000 acres of valuable public land YOU own in order to expand the Fallon Naval Air Station bombing range across six counties in Nevada.
The Navy’s Fallon Range Training Complex is seeking to withdraw and reserve for military use approximately 604,789 (424,000 acres with no public access and the remainder with some access). This will be nearly 1,000 square miles, in addition to the 203,000 acres they already control. Click "Read more" to view an awesome video of what's at stake and to read up on how you can take action.
Friends Celebrates Public Lands Legacy in Nevada Day Parade
October 30, 2018 -
Friends of Nevada Wilderness highlighted the value of outdoor recreation on our public lands at the Nevada Day Parade Saturday in Carson City.
The Friends entry, “Outdoor Recreation is Gold for the Silver State,” featured the UTV decked out with recreation gear and supporters walking the parade route dressed for their favorite outdoor activity.
