The high, lush basins of the Granite Range in Washoe County. Photo credit: Mike McCurry
In January, the United Nations' Convention on Biological Diversity released a policy framework calling for action at the local, regional, national and global levels to protect 30% of the planet's lands and oceans to stem the loss of species, stop climate change, and prevent ecosystem collapse.
Nevada's wilderness areas, state parks, national wildlife refuges, national monuments and national conservation areas total roughly 9.5 million acres, comprising roughly 13% of Nevada's 70 million acres. Of course, these are only state and federal protections. We need to protect native living landscapes at every level, from wilderness areas and national parks, down to county, regional and neighborhoods as well.
And while this conversation focuses on Nevada, we also have protected and deserving lands along the Eastern Sierra in California (also part of our chapter).
This means we have a lot of work to do.
The Toiyabe Chapter is building a team and a plan to identify the landscapes most important to this region and the people we need to help see them protected. We will be working with indigenous tribes, wildlife experts, ecosystem specialists, and people who care throughout the region.
Sign up today to join the team. Sierra Club needs volunteers on every front to address our many challenges.
Tell members in Congress to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030.
Tell your governor you want to see 30% of our state lands and waters protected by 2030.