Senator Rosen introduces her largest conservation proposal while advancing key economic priorities for Washoe County
RENO (Jan. 16, 2024) — Today, Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen announced the introduction of the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act, advancing much needed land protection in Northern Nevada, preserving wildlife habitat, safeguarding access to public lands for outdoor recreation including hunting and fishing, protecting dark skies, and conveying lands of significance to Indigenous communities. The legislation permanently protects nearly 1 million acres, preserves quality of life and addresses challenges Northern Nevadans are facing including climate change, rapid growth and lack of affordable housing. Following the announcement, Nevada groups released a collection of statements applauding Senator Rosen’s introduction of the legislation.
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of this legislation for Washoe County and the entire state,” said Shaaron Netherton, Friends of Nevada Wilderness’ Executive Director. “The conservation, recreation and cultural values of our public lands are increasingly under stress by climate change and the growing demand for public access to our open spaces. The conservation designations in this Act will help ensure these lands are managed for the enjoyment of future generations and the protection of valuable wildlife habitat and sacred Indigenous lands. We are so grateful for Senator Rosen and her hardworking staff for introducing this critically important legislation.”
“The Nevada Wildlife Federation thanks Senator Rosen for bringing all stakeholders together to create the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act,” said Russell Kuhlman, Nevada Wildlife Federation’s Executive Director. “This legislation provides the county with the opportunity to balance our increasing human population while safeguarding our access to public lands, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation which includes hunting and fishing.”
“As the climate crisis becomes more urgent, this is the type of legislation we need to pass,” said Meghan Wolf, Senior Manager of Environmental Campaigns at Patagonia. “This bill would strengthen Nevada’s commitment to preserving land for the protection of wildlife, water resources, sacred cultural sites and outdoor recreation. Patagonia has long supported conservation across the West as a tool for saving our planet, and we urge Congress to pass the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act.”
“The Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition celebrates Senator Rosen and her historic proposal.” said Mandi Elliott, Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition Executive Director. Public lands are not just a facet of Nevada’s economy, they are the heart of our quality of life. This proposed legislation will hugely benefit our communities, our economy, and our state’s legacy.”
“We applaud Senator Rosen’s leadership in advancing the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act to harmonize sustainable growth, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship in Northern Nevada,” said Christi Cabrera-Georgeson, Nevada Conservation League’s Deputy Director. “This is a step forward in safeguarding our public lands while also fostering collaboration with local Tribal communities. It is also a testament to the Senator’s dedication to the well-being of Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage, creating a legacy of responsible land management, and inclusive development for generations to come.”
“The Conservation Lands Foundation applauds Senator Rosen’s leadership in crafting legislation with community members and Tribal Nations that advances significant land protections,” said Jocelyn Torres, Conservation Lands Foundation’s Chief Conservation Officer based in Nevada. “The Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act protects wildlife habitat, access to outdoor recreation and Nevada’s unique dark skies and conveys lands of significant importance to Indigenous communities. We celebrate the proposed designation of five new National Conservation Areas including the Massacre Rim Dark Sky, Smoke Creek and the Pah Rah, and we are committed to supporting Senator Rosen in passing this key legislation through Congress.”
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