Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Letter to the editor:

State’s outdoor space is precious

Nevada is an amazing place, and its outdoor beauty and recreation opportunities are what brought me to the Silver State a decade ago. 

Preserving our open spaces is critical, not just for families to experience but for our economy. The state’s outdoor industry generates over $12 billion a year in consumer spending and 87,000 direct jobs.

This past legislative session, lawmakers passed Assembly Bill 84, which reauthorized bond funding that supports funding for museums and historic properties to preserve our cultural heritage and make it accessible for Nevadans and tourists.

In 2002, voters approved Question 1, which authorized $200 million, over 10 years, to go to public parks, hiking trails and open space across the state. Though it took longer than 10 years, the funding was mostly exhausted, and this new law will ensure that the state has the necessary funds to support and maintain recreational trails, museums, parks and projects.

It is more important than ever to have places where children and families can safely run, play and experience nature, which is why this reinvestment is so critical.

 

The writer is general manager of Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon and a member of the board of directors for Lower Colorado Water Trail Alliance, Best Vegas Attractions, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition.