The allure of Southern Nevada is well known and celebrated. Home to the fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation, its population is expected to reach nearly 2.5 million people by 2018. Each month, more than 5,000 new people move to the area. In addition to that, Las Vegas remains a top tourist destination drawing 37 million visitors or more each year. Millions of these residents and visitors go to Southern Nevada’s public lands to enjoy their beauty and recreational opportunities. However, the tremendous growth has had a negative impact on public lands, with littering and illegal dumping occurring more often.
The Problem
One person's trash may be another person's treasure. But when it comes to littering and dumping on our public lands, one person's trash becomes everyone's problem.
The Issues
- Littering and illegal dumping affect environmental health and safety:
- areas become more susceptible to flooding when waste blocks washes, channels, and other flood control devices;
- burning of waste causes wildfires and contributes pollutants to the land;
- dumped appliances are an eyesore and may release chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to the environment; and
- runoff from dump sites containing toxic chemicals can contaminate ground and surface water.
- Nearly 7 million acres of public lands is difficult to patrol and monitor.
The Solution
Funding from the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act led to the creation of the Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada Program in 2005 by the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership (SNAP). SNAP is comprised of the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. SNAP has formed the Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada Team to lead a comprehensive and coordinated campaign to encourage clean-up efforts and discourage litter and illegal dumping in Southern Nevada. Its objectives include:
- Design and implement an anti-litter desert dumping strategic plan and messaging campaign.
- Organize annual clean-up events on public lands in Southern Nevada and establish ongoing clean-up efforts that utilize alternative workforce options.
- Help strengthen law enforcement and judicial system support for anti-litter regulations and laws.
- Increase dumpsters, trash receptacles, and collection on Southern Nevada public lands.
- Provide information related to litter and desert dumping on Southern Nevada public lands.
- Develop an interagency recycling program strategic plan.
In 2008 we expanded the website to include information about the greater Reno/Sparks area.
