FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26, 2002

NEWS RELEASE

Date: Time: Place:

March 7, 2002 9 a.m. Reno City Council Chambers 490 South Center Street Reno, Nevada

Contact:

Scott Young, Committee Policy Analyst Legislative Committee on Public Lands’ Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas Subcommittee 401 South Carson Street Carson City, Nevada  89701-4747 (775) 684-6825

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC LANDS’ WILDERNESS AND WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS SUBCOMMITTEE TO MEET IN RENO

More than two decades ago, approximately 5.1 million acres of Nevada land were designated as Wilderness Study Areas pursuant to federal law. As such, the Bureau of Land Management administers these tracts as though they are Wilderness Areas. The original intent of the United States Congress was to have these lands evaluated for permanent status as Wilderness Areas or returned to more general use. However, in the ensuing years, the various groups interested in using these lands have been unable to reach a consensus regarding the final disposition of the Wilderness Study Areas.

Nevada State Senator Dean A. Rhoads (R-Tuscarora) now chairs a legislative subcommittee established to review the status of those areas. According to Senator Rhoads, “Input from Nevada’s counties, cities, and interest groups will be the focus of the upcoming meeting. This dialogue is an essential element in the attempt to develop a consensus regarding recommendations for the designation of Wilderness Areas.” The subcommittee will be provided with perspectives and recommendations on wilderness issues from various organizations including, the Nevada Association of Counties, the City of Fallon, the Nevada Wilderness Project, and Nevada Cattlemen’s Association.

The third meeting of the subcommittee will be held Thursday, March 7, 2002, in the Reno City Council Chambers, 490 South Center Street, Reno, Nevada, beginning at 9 a.m. Members of the public are invited to attend and address the subcommittee. Three additional meetings will be held around the state during the winter and spring to solicit input from interested parties. Other members of the subcommittee include Assemblyman P.M. “Roy” Neighbors, Vice Chairman (D‑Tonopah); Senator Mark E. Amodei (R‑Carson City); Senator Dina Titus (D-Las Vegas); Assemblyman David F. Brown (R‑Henderson); and Assemblyman Jerry D. Claborn (D-Las Vegas).