This month Governor Sisolak signed into law AB 84, this Conservation Bond Program provides for the issuance of state general obligation bonds to protect, preserve and obtain the benefits of the property and natural and cultural resources of the State of Nevada. This bill is a great step forward in helping protect and enhance Nevada's one-of-a-kind natural, cultural, and recreational treasures for generations to come.

AB 84 provides critical provisions that will support hunting, fishing, public access, address complex conservation challenges and create economic opportunities in important communities throughout our state. This program will help preserve water quality, protect rivers and wetlands, and help enrich State Parks, historic treasures, and more. 

The law includes the following provisions strongly supported by the Nevada chapter of BHA:

• $30 million for State Parks for the acquisition of property for the purposes related to parks and recreation and for the planning, design and construction of capital improvements and facility renovations in state parks

• $30 million for Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) for acquisition of property or interests to enhance protect and manage wildlife habitat, enhance recreational opportunities related to wildlife, development and renovation of facilities, and improvement or restoration of existing wildlife habitats.

• $10 million Clark County Wetlands and Lower Las Vegas wash for wetland construction and restoration, acquisition and development of land and water rights, recreational facilities, parking and weir construction.

• $10 million to Clark County to distribute to a nonprofit organization to plan, design, construct, or develop the Las Vegas Valley Rim Trail.

• $10 million to counties, municipalities, conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations to enhance and restore the corridors and watersheds of the Carson River and Truckee River.

• $57.5 million to DCNR for conservation grants to counties, conservation districts, municipalities and non-profits for a variety of purposes including:
  • Design and construction of recreational facilities, campsites and trails.
  • Acquisition of land and water interests for enhancing environmental, historic and cultural resources pursuant to an adopted plan for open spaces
  • Projects that reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire, improve the condition and ecological health of watersheds or rehabilitate lands damaged by wildland fires.
  • Credits for work to protect, enhance and restore sagebrush ecosystems
  • Inventory, enhancement and restoration of wetlands

The Nevada of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers looks forward to seeing the positive benefits that will be provided through the Conservation Bonds Program. Specifically the increased recreational opportunities AB 84 provides for hunters and fisherman in the state.