Protecting Public Lands and Confronting the Climate Crisis
LAS VEGAS, NV — Nevada’s 8th annual Public Lands Day brought together advocates, elected officials, and community members to champion the preservation of public lands and address the climate crisis. Held at Hollywood Park near the proposed East Las Vegas National Monument, the event emphasized the importance of protecting Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage, particularly how BIPOC communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Through speeches, hands-on activities, and a press conference, participants highlighted the need for policies that prioritize environmental justice and land conservation for future generations.
Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressional District 1, issued the following statement:
“As we recommit to protecting our natural wonders on Nevada Public Lands Day, we also must focus our attention on the effects of climate change which is making parts of our state less habitable, particularly for people living in areas of extreme heat. Schoolchildren in those areas have a more difficult time learning and workers are suffering heat strokes on the job. That is why I have introduced the Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act to give the Federal Emergency Management Agency more tools to help communities cope with extreme heat such as cooling centers. Black, indigenous and other people of color are disproportionately affected by extreme heat. We must take all steps necessary to protect them.”
Assemblyman Max Carter, Nevada State Assembly District 12, issued the following statement:
“This Nevada Public Lands Day was an important reminder of our community’s connection to and responsibility in preserving the beauty of the Silver State’s diverse public lands. I encourage my constituents to swim in the cool waters of Lake Mead or hike in the crisp mountain air of Mt. Charleston to take advantage of resources that belong to all of us. It is not only our right to enjoy public lands but also our responsibility to take action so future generations continue to have these safe spaces for recreation and connection. From my experience spending countless days exploring these areas, I know how essential they are to our community’s well-being. Within my own district in East Las Vegas are historic geological formations and unique biodiversity that our community is fighting to permanently protect. As someone deeply invested in East Las Vegas, I am proud of their work to safeguard these invaluable lands for current and future generations of East Las Vegas residents. We look to the future with excitement as we work together to preserve public lands for everyone.”
Commissioner Tick Segerblom, Clark County District E, issued the following statement:
“Nevada Public Lands Day allows us to celebrate all our beautiful spaces right here in Southern Nevada.”
Taylor Patterson, Executive Director of Indigenous Voices of Nevada, issued the following statement:
“Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have been the ancestral stewards of this land, maintaining a sacred and unbreakable bond with these landscapes. Our connection is not just historical but a living testament to our enduring traditions and wisdom. Protecting public lands and sacred spaces is essential not only for environmental conservation but also as an act of justice, respect, and recognition of our sovereign rights. It honors our ancestors, preserves our cultural legacy, and ensures that the balance of life and natural harmony we have upheld for millennia continues for future generations. Our voices and traditional ecological knowledge are crucial to truly safeguarding these irreplaceable treasures.”
Jackie Spicer, Policy Fellow of the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition, issued the following statement:
“We are proud to celebrate the way Nevada’s 48 million acres of public lands provide clean air, clean water, and homes to countless species. By protecting public lands from development and extractive industries, we can limit pollution and emissions that will worsen the climate crisis. These lands must be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Today’s celebration must also acknowledge the historical legacy of racism and colonialism on public lands. Throughout U.S. history, white settlers peddled the idea of public lands as wild, neutral places that had been untouched by humans. This false claim dismisses the centuries of genocide and displacement that took place there. It is an act of violence and erasure of Indigenous life, as well as Indigenous stewardship on the land for millennia before colonization. Data from 2020 showed that 77 percent of the visitors to national parks were white. To change this narrative, public lands must become safe, accessible, and inclusive spaces for communities of color. We must ensure that everyone, no matter their background or zip code, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and the outdoors.”
Mason Voehl, Executive Director of the Amargosa Conservancy, issued the following statement:
“Nevada Public Lands Day is a celebration of those places we as Americans and Nevadans hold and cherish in common, places like the rugged and wild Amargosa River watershed. Our public lands are treasures, nurtured and loved by generations before us, with legacies that outlive us. Today we celebrate these lands, and renew our commitment to defending their beauty and wild character into the deep future.”
Mandi Elliott, Executive Director of the Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition, issued the following statement:
“As a representative of Nevada’s outdoor industry, I believe it’s our responsibility to protect and sustain the public lands we depend on for our livelihoods. Those of us who benefit from these lands have an obligation to ensure their long-term health and vitality. Equally important, we must prioritize Indigenous voices in public land management, recognizing their deep-rooted knowledge and connection to these landscapes.”
Kristee Watson, Executive Director of the Nevada Conservation League, issued the following statement:
“With national parks, monuments, wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, over two dozen state parks, and nearly 50 million acres of accessible public lands, Nevada offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities. Nevada is rich in public lands and natural beauty, but not everyone has equal access. Low-income communities and communities of color often face significant barriers to accessing public lands, open spaces, and parks. Held at Hollywood Park near the proposed East Las Vegas National Monument — this Public Lands Day celebrates our beauty and the efforts underway to make these lands accessible to all.”
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ABOUT NEVADA PUBLIC LANDS DAY: Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer event dedicated to public lands. Our 8th annual Nevada Public Lands Day will be held at Hollywood Park, near the proposed East Las Vegas National Monument. This year, we’ll spotlight how BIPOC communities are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis and share actionable steps for making a difference. We’ll also provide important information about ongoing climate initiatives and efforts to protect Nevada’s public lands and cultural heritage. Join us for a day of community, advocacy, and monumental impact.