The Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 is an innovative law that is setting the standard for cooperative conservation in the United States. Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior Gale Norton hailed the act as “one of the best examples of an innovative solution benefiting conservation anywhere in the country.”
The act provides for the sale of certain federal lands in Clark County and the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands. The purpose of the act is two-fold: to promote the orderly development in the Las Vegas Valley and to lessen the impact of urban growth on Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
The proceeds from public land sales are specified for:
- Capital improvement projects at Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, and other federally managed recreational areas.
- Development of a multi-species habitat conservation plan in Clark County.
- Development of parks, trails, and natural areas in Clark County.
- Conservation and environmental education initiatives on federal land.
- Acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands.
- Restoration and conservation of Lake Tahoe.
As land is sold, the agencies nominate projects fitting these purposes for approval by the Secretary of the Interior. Many projects are being carried out in partnership with community stakeholders.
Contact: Steve Tyron
Assistant District Manager
Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act
(702) 515-5044