Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 | 2 a.m.
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The debate over public lands is nothing new; economies, as well as the identities of many Americans, are historically defined by, and linked to, issues surrounding public lands.
When we talk about public lands, too often we forget that we’re talking not only about conserving critical wildlife and iconic natural sites, but also about maintaining a resource that helps power our economy and creates jobs. Because public lands are owned by every American, we have a responsibility to preserve the benefits that all Americans reap from these protected places that help grow local businesses and provide outdoor access and opportunities for hunters, fishermen, climbers, hikers, bikers and explorers — the reasons so many Americans call Nevada home and that so many others are relocating their families and businesses to our state.
In Nevada, 86 percent of land is public land. This means families throughout Nevada and from across the country can access our state’s natural treasures — from the vermillion cliffs of Red Rock Canyon to the world’s longest-living trees at Great Basin National Park to the glistening shores of Lake Tahoe — now and for years to come.
These natural treasures form and inform our livelihoods and our quality of life. In Nevada, the Outdoor Industry Association estimates that our outdoor recreation economy generates 87,000 direct jobs, $4 billion in wages and salaries, $12.6 billion in consumer spending, and $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenue.
This vibrant industry reflects the perspective of residents and visitors alike. A 2018 survey of Western state residents’ views of public lands showed that more than two-thirds (71 percent) of Nevadans polled consider themselves “outdoor recreation enthusiasts,” with 68 percent saying they identify as conservationists. Assessments also found that Nevadans are more likely to participate in day hiking and backpacking than the average American, making public lands all the more valuable to residents of the Silver State.
Yet we are in danger of losing important conservation funds that help us protect and manage public lands. One funding source very much in danger is the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF is not funded through taxpayer dollars, but through revenue paid to the federal government from offshore oil and gas drilling leases, capped at $900 million annually. Through its state matching grant programs, the LWCF funds local parks, playgrounds and sports fields that help grow state economies and provide families with additional recreation opportunities.
For every $1 invested through the LWCF, there is an estimated return of $4 in local economic activity. This is not only good for our nation, environment and people; it’s also a good return on investment.
Over the past 53 years, Nevada has received over $102 million in LWCF funding to protect and upgrade special places like the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Moapa National Wildlife Refuge, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Walker River State Park, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin. Of this LWCF funding, $40 million was provided through its State and Local Assistance Program. This grant matching program has supported 325 projects in Nevada, including Floyd Lamb State Park, Sunset Park, Lorenzi Park, Springs Preserve, Wetlands Park, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and Searchlight Park, with many more funds allocated for bike paths, ball fields, swimming pools and other facilities.
Unfortunately, the LWCF faces a major and immediate challenge. President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposed cutting the fund by nearly 85 percent. Moreover, while Congress decided to keep the fund in the annual budget, it has not reauthorized it. If Congress does not act, the fund will expire Sunday.
The LWCF enjoys bipartisan support in Nevada. A survey of business owners conducted in Colorado, Montana, Nevada and New Mexico (from July 26-Aug. 20) showed that 79 percent of Nevadans think public lands have a positive impact on the economy; 84 percent support Congress’ reauthorization of full and long-term funding of the LWCF and 81 percent affirm the fund’s positive impact on the economy. What’s more, 75 percent of Nevadans agreed that access to public lands helps their business in recruiting and retaining high-level employees.
If we let the LWCF expire, we remove our ability to finance new conservation projects and invest in Nevada’s outdoor recreation economy. Thousands of jobs and millions in revenue could be lost, in addition to the possibility that Nevada families would see favorite outdoor areas and recreation projects remain unfinished or lost to development.
Full and long-term reauthorizing of the LWCF would reassure the 66 percent of Nevadans who are worried about lacking the resources to properly maintain and take care of national parks, forests and other public lands because of potential rollbacks of laws that protect our land, water and wildlife.
It is time for Congress to set aside politics and stand up for the vast majority of Americans who agree that the LWCF is essential to protecting the places we love.
Peter Guzman is president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce and Jill Lagan is CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce.
