In Southern Nevada, we are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful landscapes and we understand how important the outdoor recreation industry is for our local economies. As a local elected official in the West, I know that many of our communities are close to lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These lands are not only the traditional homelands of Indigenous populations but also provide vital watersheds for our communities, as well as habitats for fish and wildlife. Additionally, these lands offer great opportunities for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, paddling, hunting, and fishing, while also playing a crucial role in addressing climate change.
Clark County, where more than 2 million residents reside, is home to these public lands that we all enjoy. I am thrilled to hear about the recent announcement from the Bureau of Land Management regarding the final Public Lands Rule, which focuses on prioritizing recreation and conservation of our public lands and cultural resources. As the largest land manager in the nation, the BLM’s role in managing lands that are essential for water conservation, wildlife preservation, and providing access to the outdoors cannot be overstated.
The new rule emphasizes the importance of collaborating with local communities to protect land, water, and wildlife, as well as ensuring that communities can safeguard access to federal public lands for future generations while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Many stakeholders, including elected officials at the local and federal levels, businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, and the general public, have been advocating for greater protections from the BLM, and they welcome this final rule. The overwhelming support for the draft policy, with 92 percent of public comments submitted during the open comment period last year backing it, is a testament to the significance of these changes.
Through initiatives like the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA), we have seen how proceeds from BLM land sales can be used to support local conservation efforts. The new Public Lands Rule builds on this by providing communities with additional tools and guidance to ensure the sustainable management of our public lands.
The final rule by the Bureau of Land Management will help strike a better balance and uphold its mission of multiple-use. The comprehensive framework put forth by the Biden administration places equal importance on climate change mitigation, outdoor recreation, protection of cultural lands, and conservation, alongside industrial development in Nevada and the wider Western region. It is crucial that our state’s congressional leaders continue to advocate for public lands and support this rule.
I stand with small business owners, outdoor recreation leaders, sportsmen, community members, and fellow local elected officials in Nevada and the West who are celebrating this significant opportunity. It is now more important than ever for local collaboration with the agency to address the escalating challenges of drought, wildfires, and other threats to our public lands and waters.
Tick Segerblom is the Clark County commissioner representing District E.
The Nevada Independent encourages well-informed and thoughtful responses to opinion pieces like this. If you have a rebuttal, please send it to [email protected].
