Published in the High Desert Advocate May 2nd, 2019 Edition.
Nevada outdoors (Photo credit
Nevada Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources)
Each year on Earth Day, April 22, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries join together to celebrate and protect our common home. From participating in community clean-up events, to reaching out to local leaders about environmental concerns, and spending time appreciating the outdoors, Earth Day serves as an annual opportunity to promote environmental stewardship across the globe. In Nevada, preserving, protecting, and enhancing the unique and magnificent natural wonders statewide is the everyday mission of over 900 employees within the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR).
Through the dedication and dynamic collaboration among NDCNR’s seven divisions and three programs, highlighted below, Nevada continues to be home to some of the most diverse environmental treasures nationwide.
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection – As the department’s largest agency, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is committed to managing and enhancing Nevada’s land, water, and air quality resources – and encourages recycling through its Nevada Recycles program. Consequently, the division aids in promoting public health, sustaining healthy ecosystems, and contributing to a vibrant economy.
Nevada Division of Forestry – Fifteen percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are absorbed by forests each year, and 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity lives in forests. Wildfire prevention, emergency response, and restoration are leading priorities within the Nevada Division of Forestry, as wildfires can wreak havoc on the natural environment, air quality, native flora, natural ecosystems, wildlife, public health, and more. Additionally, the Nevada Division of Forestry operates two nurseries and a seedbank facility, which provide year-round native plants available for purchase.
Nevada Division of State Parks – Nevada’s 27 beloved State Parks boast over 350 public trails, ever-inspiring natural surroundings, unique wildlife, and recreational activities for families and individuals of all ages. What’s more, the new Pitchfork Ranch campground at Walker River State Recreation Area (near Yerington) will be opening in late spring 2019, and Nevada’s newest State Park, Ice Age Fossils State Park (Las Vegas), will be opening in late fall 2019!
Nevada Division of Natural Heritage – From protecting and monitoring Nevada’s endangered/at-risk species, educating communities about the important role of wildflowers and rare plants, and supporting wetlands, the Nevada Division of Natural Heritage is committed to enhancing the state’s biological health and ensuring optimal land-use decisions.
Nevada Division of State Lands – Recognized as one of the nation’s leading conservation and restoration programs, the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program continues to be a key focus area within the Nevada Division of State Lands. The program involves close collaboration among dozens of local, state, federal, nonprofit, and private sector partners that prioritize and implement innovative projects to reduce stormwater pollution, restore lake clarity, combat aquatic invasive species, improve forest health and public recreation opportunities, revitalize communities, and enhance the region’s transportation system.
Nevada Division of Water Resources – As the driest state in the U.S., with only 11 inches of average precipitation per year, water is an especially critical resource in Nevada. The Nevada Division of Water Resources carefully manages the quantity of Nevada’s water – through issuing water rights, appropriating water, etc. – while the Nevada Division Environmental Protection manages the quality of water.
Nevada Conservation Districts Program – Because the environmental needs vary greatly across the state, Nevada’s 28 conservation districts promote local conservation efforts, based on the unique resources within each area.
Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Program – Nevada’s sagebrush ecosystem is not only home to much of the state’s plants and wildlife, but it is also an integral part of Nevada’s culture and economy. Nevada’s sagebrush ecosystem serves as a key indicator of the health of Nevada’s overall natural environment. The Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Program focuses on providing solutions and actions to the myriad of threats challenging the condition of the ecosystem and the plants, animals, and populations dependent upon the health and resiliency of this landscape.
Nevada Off-highway Vehicles Program – In addition to securing safe, responsible opportunities to enjoy Nevada’s vast environmental treasures, the Off-highway Vehicles Program provides community education and grant funding for projects such as environmental clean-up initiatives.
Nevada State Historic Preservation Office – With over 110,000 historic and cultural resources throughout the state, the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office is dedicated to documenting, conserving, and restoring historic buildings, structures, objects, and archaeological sites in Nevada.
Together, the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ divisions and programs work in collaboration with one another, as well as other state, federal, private, and nonprofit agencies, to help sustain a green, eco-friendly Nevada – today and for generations to come.
You can help promote a greener Nevada, too! The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources encourages the following everyday tips to help shrink your carbon footprint, on Earth Day and beyond:
1. Avoid leaving the faucet running when washing dishes or brushing your teeth.
2. Wash and dry only full loads of laundry.
3. Turn off unnecessary lights.
4. Avoid using pesticides, use non-toxic alternatives.
5. Try composting leaves, grass clippings, coffee grounds, and more.
6. When it comes to recycling, think beyond the plastic bottles, paper, and cardboard boxes – items like paint, tires, certain electronics, and even fire extinguishers can be recycled, too. Learn more tips from Nevada Recycles at www.nevadarecycles.nv.gov/.
7. When outdoors, remember to “leave no trace” by “carrying out what you carried in.”
8. Send electronic copies of documents whenever possible.
9. Choose products in reusable and/or recyclable containers.
10. Opt to walk, bike, or carpool to work and other activities.
the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: dcnr.nv.gov. Additionally, check local news sources for Earth Day happenings throughout the S
