Department of Interior Investment to Bolster Recreation and Conservation in Nevada and California’s Lake Tahoe Basin
Lake Tahoe – The Department of the Interior has announced a landmark $375 million investment for 36 projects across Nevada and the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. This funding, derived from land sales in the Las Vegas Valley through the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA), represents a significant effort to improve recreational spaces, conserve wildlife, and mitigate wildfire risks.
Since 1998, SNPLMA has generated over $4.5 billion, directly fueling environmental and recreational advancements across the region. “This program supports jobs and local economies, improves recreation in rural and underserved areas, and aligns with our commitment to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 under the America the Beautiful initiative,” said Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis.
This round of funding (Round 20) will support projects ranging from park and trail development to hazardous fuel reduction. Notable allocations include:
- Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas: $235 million will fund 14 projects, enhancing access to nature and recreational trails.
- Conservation and Habitat Protection: $23 million for conservation initiatives and $4 million for multi-species habitat conservation plans to protect diverse wildlife habitats.
- Wildfire Mitigation: $25 million allocated for hazardous fuels reduction to help prevent wildfires in high-risk areas, including the Spring Mountains and Carson Range.
This investment reflects the Interior Department’s commitment to sustainable development and conservation, balancing recreation access with environmental stewardship. By partnering with local and federal agencies, this funding will support long-term initiatives that strengthen the infrastructure of Nevada’s and California’s cherished outdoor spaces, including Lake Tahoe’s iconic landscapes.
The following is a list of funding approval by category in 2024:
Expenditure Category Projects Total Funding Environmentally Sensitive Land Acquisitions 1 $335,045 Capital Improvements 5 $32,376,753 Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan 3 $4,098,664 Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas 14 $235,255,466 Conservation Initiatives 5 $23,008,916 Eastern Nevada Landscape Restoration Project 2 $4,836,638 Hazardous Fuels Reduction and Wildfire Prevention 6 $25,701,259 Category Totals 36 $325,612,741 Special Account Reserve $50,000,000 Total Round 20 Funding $375,612,741
For a detailed list of individual projects and further information about the SNPLMA program, visit BLM’s SNPLMA page.
