The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Restored McCarran Ranch on the Truckee River © Spencer B. Gross, Inc./The Nature Conservancy

For three years, the Conservancy worked quietly to create and pass Question 1, a ballot initiative to benefit Nevada clean water, parks and wildlife.

Strategic Importance

The Conservancy guided Question 1 through the legislative process, ensuring it a place on the November 2002 ballot. Then the Conservancy took the lead on fundraising and strategy for the public campaign.

In a difficult economic year, Nevadans overwhelmingly voted in favor of the largest conservation bond measure in Nevada history, authorizing up to $200 million in support of natural and cultural resources across the state.

Conservation Results
Passage of Question 1 created a stable, long-term source of funding to protect Nevada's open space, rivers, lakes, wetlands and parks.

Plans
Funding from Question 1 has been allocated to the following entities for the purposes stated below:

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

• Contracts or agreements under which nonprofit conservation organization may acquire land and water for environmental protection
• Numerous grant programs

Department of Cultural Affairs

• To establish a museum at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve
• To create new exhibits and move exhibits from other locations to the new museum

Division of Wildlife

• To acquire real or personal property to enhance, protect and manage wildlife and habitat
• To develop and renovate facilities and habitats for fish and wildlife

Division of State Parks

• To acquire real or personal property for parks and recreation
• To support extraordinary capital improvements and renovations

Las Vegas Springs Preserve

• The preserve must match 50% of the cost of any project funded
• For planning, development, design and construction
• To provide wildlife habitat

Clark County

• To develop Clark County Wetlands Park
• The county must match 50% of the cost of any project funded
• To divert water, control erosion, and improve existing wetlands
• To create new wetlands
• To acquire land and water rights
• To provide recreational facilities
• To provide parking for access to park

Washoe County

• To restore and enhance the Truckee River Corridor
• The county must match 50% of the cost of any project funded
• Partners
  American Nevada Corporation
  Barrick Goldstrike Mines Inc.
  Carson City Parks and Recreation
  Cashman Equipment Co.
  Citizen Alert
  Dermody Properties Ltd.
  Ducks Unlimited
  Great Basin Mine Watch
  Historic Reno Preservation Society
  The Howard Hughes Corporation
  League of Women Voters of Nevada
  League to Save Lake Tahoe
  National Wildlife Federation
  Nevada Bighorns Unlimited
  Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners
  Nevada Conservation League
  Nevada Commission on Tourism
  Nevada Land Trust
  Nevada Mining Association
  Nevada Native Plant Society
  Outside Las Vegas Foundation
  Park Place Entertainment
  Patagonia
  PLAN (Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada)
  Preserve Nevada
  Red Rock Audubon Society
  Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
  Rogich Communications
  Sierra Club, Toiyabe Chapter
  Southern Nevada Homebuilders Association
  State of Nevada  Board of Museums and History
  The Conservation Fund
  The Nature Conservancy
  The Trust For Public Land
  Thomas & Mack
  Truckee River Yacht Club
  Washoe County Parks Commission
  Washoe-Storey Conservation District

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

Read our guidelines on posting comments