It’s that time of year when the final seasons have come to an end, and we start planning for the fall. That is of course, unless you’re one of the lucky few who were awarded a spring turkey tag. If you are, good luck to you and feel free to share your success with BHA, as for the rest of us, the wait continues.
The Nevada Legislative Session opened this month, and there are several bills that impact conservation. Below we have overviews of the bills that we are tracking and why we think they are important. There are also some federal issues that BHA is tracking that affect public lands both nationally and here in Nevada. We provide some tips on how you can use the BHA website to take action on these issues.
Finally, it is expo season, and BHA will be attending the Elko Sportsman’s Expo on March 1st and 2nd, and the Nevada Premier Sportsman’s Expo March 14th and 16th.
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Winter Banquet
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Nevada Chapter at our banquet last month! Congratulations to all the winners of our gun and gear raffles as well as our silent auction winners. The proceeds from the banquet support our mission in Nevada to protect, advocate for, and nurture our public lands and waters. A huge thank you to Louis’ Basque Corner for hosting us, and to all of the businesses and individuals who sponsored the event and donated prizes, thank you!
Shots from the Field
The Nevada Chapter presented a lifetime achievement award to Board Member Karen Boeger at our banquet. Karen is a founding member of the Nevada chapter and has dedicated over four decades to conservation and protecting public lands in Nevada across multiple organizations. She is the compass of the chapter when it comes to policy issues and we are all indebted to her service. Thank you Karen!
If you have any pictures that you would like to submit, send them to us at: [email protected] or via Instagram: nevada_bha
Federal Round-Up
Utah lawsuit rejected by U.S. Supreme Court
On January 13th the U.S. Supreme Court rejected to hear the State of Utah’s lawsuit to force the disposal of millions of acres of public land. While this is a huge win for public lands and conservation, it highlights the need for all conservationists to be alert to the threats of our way of life. As BHA CEO Patrick Berry said, “While this announcement represents a significant development toward defending our public lands, waters, and wildlife, BHA remains vigilant.” He goes on to say, “ If the State of Utah tries to continue moving forward with this reckless case through other legal means, or should other public officials pursue legislative or administrative actions that undermine our public lands legacy, BHA stands ready to once again lead the fight on behalf of hunters and anglers across the country.”
Join BHA in staying the course and ensuring that public lands remain in public hands. Visit UtahIsNotForSale.org today to learn more and take action against future attempts to privatize our shared heritage.
Take Action - Federal Legislation
There are multiple federal policy issues that BHA is tracking and that you can support. Such issues include supporting the Public Lands in Public Hands Act and the Ruby Mountains Protection Act. On our website under the TAKE ACTION tab, you will find a list of all the issues we are tracking and a ‘Take Action’ button you can click on to send a letter to your representatives.
If you want to send your own letter, BHA can help facilitate that as well. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page to compose your own message.
Nevada Legislative Session
The 83rd Session of the Nevada Legislature is underway, and there are multiple bills on the roll that could have an impact on conservation in Nevada. Some we are still reviewing, but as of now BHA Nevada has come out in support of:
AB 87 would appropriate $5 million from the state general fund to the wildlife crossings account. Wildlife crossings over highways are critical to maintaining migration corridors and habitat connectivity.
SB 101 would require the retrieval of edible portions for mountain lions and black bears. Current law does not require hunters to keep the edible portions of these animals. Although most hunters already do keep the edible portions, by not making it a legal requirement it exposes Nevada to potential attacks from anti-hunting organizations that want predator hunting completely prohibited. This law allows Nevada to remain a shining example of successful self-regulation by the hunting and angling community.
AB132 would authorize the increase of water guzzler capacity from 20,000 gallons to 40,000 gallons. This will help guzzlers to be more drought resistant, which in turn will help the wildlife dependent upon them.
To submit your position and/or comments for each bill, there is a box in the top right corner of each bill’s home page labeled “Opinions”. Once you click on it you can list your position as well as submit a public comment.
Elko Sportsman Expo March 1st & 2nd
Stop by the BHA Nevada booth at the Elko Sportsman's Expo this year! BHA volunteers will be selling swag and raffle tickets, as well as discussing all things public lands. We hope to see you there!
Nevada Premier Sportsman Expo March 14th &16th
Nevada BHA will be attending the Nevada Premier Sportsman Expo in Reno. This expo will be packed with vendors and products from around the world. SAVE the dates and grab your huntin' buddy because this show has it all. Seminars all 3 days, silent auction with gear and hunts for the most avid sportsmen.
STATE CHAPTER SPONSORS
We are grateful for all of our state chapter sponsors who support our work!
Thank you!
If you know or own a business that would be interested in supporting Nevada BHA, send us an e-mail at: [email protected]
BHA Nevada
About Joel Weltzien
Joel grew up backpacking and river running in rural Montana, and as an adult began hunting and fishing every chance he got. As California's Chapter Coordinator, Joel seeks to advance diverse coalitions in support of BHA's mission in the Golden State.