Federal data is complete from 1998-2017. State and local data is complete from 1998-2017. In the tables and charts below, acres are allocated to each program proportionate to the size of the contributions to each acquisition. For example, if an acquisition had two contributions, and each program contributed equal dollar amounts, each program receives 50% of the acres. If you have questions or want to provide updated information, please contact Jessica Welch at jessica.welch@tpl.org.
Profile of State Program(s)
Nevada Division of State Lands: The Division of State Lands provides land use planning services within the state and administers four programs, including the Question 1 Program. In 2002, voters approved Question 1, a $200 million general obligation bond for water quality protection, wildlife habitat protection, and land conservation. Following approval, the Division of State Lands received $65.5 million in Question 1 funds.
Nevada Division of State Parks: The Division of State Parks manages and maintains 23 parks for an estimated 3.3 million visitors annually. Lack of a stable funding source in the past meant that many acquisitions for Nevada State Parks occurred as donations and land exchanges. The department received $27 million as a result of approval of Question 1 funds by voters in 2002.
Nevada Department of Wildlife: The Nevada Department of Wildlife manages and restores fish and wildlife resources and habitat in the state through a system of wildlife management areas. These areas serve to maintain and enhance fish and wildlife populations, protect diverse wetland and upland habitat, and ensure wildlife-related outdoor recreation uses and facilities in the state. The Department used $27.5 million from Question 1 funds to add to its system of wildlife management areas.
Nevada Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program: The Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) is a 20-year capital improvement plan that identifies over $1.5 billion in projects and programs to improve the environment at Lake Tahoe. A unique partnership exists to implement the EIP. Funds are appropriated between the federal government, the states of Nevada and California, local governments, and private property owners. Nevada’s commitment was $82 million from two Tahoe Bond Acts (1986 and 1996), a license plate program, and mitigation fees. The Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, an inter-agency team coordinated by the Department of State Lands, leads Nevada’s efforts as part of the EIP.
Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act: The Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) became law in 1998 and authorizes the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to dispose of (sell) public land within a specific area of the Las Vegas Valley. Of the revenue generated by the disposals, 15 percent goes to local governments and the remaining 85 percent is deposited into a special account for acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands, capital improvements on BLM lands, and development of a habitat conservation, parks, trails and natural areas. Acquisitions made using SNPLMA funds are categorized as federal in the Conservation Almanac.
Substantial State Investment
In 2019, the state legislature passed Assembly Bill 84, which authorized $217 million in bonds over 10 years to protect, preserve, and obtain the benefits of the property and natural and cultural resources of the state.
By approving Question 1 in 2002, Nevada voters authorized up to $200 million in dedicated funding for land conservation across the state. Question 1, formerly known as The Conservation and Resource Protection Grant Program, financed the preservation of water quality; the protection of lakes, rivers, wetlands, open space and wildlife habitat; and the restoration and improvement of parks, recreational areas and historic and cultural resources throughout Nevada. Bond funds were allocated to various state agencies, the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, and to Clark and Washoe Counties. Question 1 included provisions for matching grants to encourage state agencies, local governments and non-profit conservation groups to identify matching funds.
In 1990, Nevada voters approved the Nevada Parks and Wildlife Bond (Question 5). This bond authorized $47.2 million in funds for a range of land conservation and capital improvement projects. The Division of Wildlife and the Division of State Parks received $28.9 million for the acquisition of wildlife habitat, open space acquisition and facility improvements. Clark and Washoe Counties received $13 million and $6 million, respectively, for open space and land acquisition. Most of the bond funds approved in 1990 were expended by 1994.
State Incentive for Local Conservation Funding
A primary component of Question 1 was the allocation of $65.5 million to the Division of State Lands to disburse as grants to local governments and nonprofit groups (as well as state agencies) for recreational trails, urban parks, habitat conservation, open space and protection of other natural resources. These matching grants permitted local governments to become active partners in acquiring open space resources by encouraging them to develop programs and create financing mechanisms to leverage the state funds. Recipients were required to match almost half of the bond funds.
Local Financing Enabled
Local governments in Nevada can seek approval of a bond measure, sales and use tax, as well as a property tax for land conservation. Since 1994, very few local governments have sought approval of a land conservation measure.
Local Programs Included
Local conservation programs include:
- Carson City, NV
- Washoe County, NV
Visit www.landvote.org for detailed information on these programs.
Federal Partnerships
Federal agencies and programs that have conserved land in Nevada include:
- U.S. Bureau of Land Management
- U.S. Bureau of Land Management – Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act
- U.S. Bureau of Land Management – Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act
- U.S. Department of Defense – Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Migratory Bird Conservation Fund (MBCF)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Section 6 Grant
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S. Forest Service – Forest Legacy Program (FLP)
- U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP)
- U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)