RED ROCK CANYON, Nev. – Today, Governor Joe Lombardo proudly stood alongside representatives from both Nevada’s State and Federal land and resource management agencies to reaffirm the State’s enduring commitment to the Nevada Shared Stewardship Agreement. This groundbreaking interagency initiative is primarily focused on safeguarding and revitalizing the state’s diverse landscapes, all while working to diminish the risk and devastating impacts of catastrophic wildfires. The ceremonial signing was held at the picturesque BLM Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, located within the stunning Spring Mountains-Pahrump Shared Stewardship priority landscape, an area celebrated for its abundant natural and cultural resources.
Through this strategic partnership, Nevada’s agencies are collaborating to ensure the protection of the State’s communities, vital economies, critical infrastructure, and native wildlife. The goal is to foster healthier ecosystems that are increasingly resilient against wildfire, drought, invasive species, and other pressing ecological threats. The renewal of this agreement comes with ambitious new objectives for restoring and treating a greater number of acres annually, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced cooperation across different landscapes while continuing to focus on areas most vulnerable to wildfire risks.
“Wildfires don’t stop at jurisdictional boundaries, and neither does Nevada’s shared effort to create fire-resilient landscapes and communities,” emphasized Governor Joe Lombardo. “The success of the Nevada Shared Stewardship Agreement is a testament to the belief that partnerships and collaboration are essential for devising solutions that promote the sustainable health of Nevada’s crucial resources. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our state and federal partners for their unwavering commitment to cooperative land stewardship.”
Background on the Nevada Shared Stewardship Agreement
Originally signed in 2019, the Nevada Shared Stewardship Agreement represents a collaborative effort by the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Nevada Department of Wildlife, USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This initiative focuses on identifying priorities for ecosystem restoration and effective wildfire risk reduction. Recognizing the significant role private landowners play in landscape-level strategies, the Natural Resources Conservation Service joined in 2020. The renewed commitment reflects the meaningful achievements made since the agreement’s inception and works to enhance a multi-agency strategy addressing Nevada’s most vulnerable landscapes. Collaborative projects facilitated under this agreement aim to implement sustainable, on-the-ground actions that protect communities, restore vital natural resources, and promote economic resilience across rural regions.
Significant Project Accomplishments Across Nevada
Significant accomplishments have been achieved by multi-agency teams across Nevada. For instance, in the Paradise priority landscape north of Winnemucca, an alliance of federal, state, local and tribal partners, alongside private landowners, are pooling their resources to eradicate invasive annual grasses that threaten wildlife habitat, reduce livestock forage, and fuel the relentless spread of wildfire. In the Elko priority landscape, Shared Stewardship partners are creating strategic fuel breaks designed to shield communities from fire, reseeding areas impacted by destructive wildfires, and collaborating with the Te Moak Tribe to integrate tribal knowledge and perspectives into land management practices. In the Sierra Front, close to the state capital, partners are dedicated to fostering healthier forests and protecting communities through expanded treatments that have proven effective following the recent Davis Fire.
AGENCY QUOTES
James Settelmeyer, Director, Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – “Renewing the Nevada Shared Stewardship Agreement reaffirms our dedication to protecting Nevada’s landscapes and communities from the growing threat of wildfire. Through united efforts and targeted actions, we’re cultivating a stronger, more resilient Nevada, while restoring vital ecosystems and supporting sustainable land management. I appreciate the commitment of our partners, whose collaboration is essential to preserving Nevada’s natural heritage for generations to come.”
Kacey KC, Nevada State Forester/Firewarden, Nevada Division of Forestry – “Nevada’s landscapes face increasing threats from wildfire, drought, and invasive species, and these challenges demand collaboration across all levels of government. By extending the Shared Stewardship Agreement, we’re reinforcing our commitment to science-based land management practices that protect our communities, natural resources, and wildlife habitats. I’m grateful for the dedication of our partners, who are helping build a safer, more resilient Nevada for future generations.”
J.J. Goicoechea, Director, Nevada Department of Agriculture – “The NDA is committed to reducing wildfire risks and mitigating the impacts of fire through noxious weed control, fire fuel reduction, and rangeland restoration efforts through the Nevada Native Seed Partnership. Through collaborative efforts like this, we’re helping safeguard Nevada’s natural resources and communities.”
Alan Jenne, Director, Nevada Department of Wildlife – “As a proud Nevada Shared Stewardship partner, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) collaborates with state, federal, and local partners to implement crucial land management actions for our wildlife and their habitats. Through this collaboration, NDOW has helped to reduce the wildfire risk, restore healthy ecosystems for wildlife, and ensure that Nevadans can enjoy wildlife for future generations. By extending this agreement, we look forward to continuing these important efforts with our partners.”
Jon Raby, Bureau of Land Management – “In the face of increasingly severe and frequent wildfires, cross-jurisdictional cooperation for vegetation management is not just beneficial, it’s essential.”
Mary Farnsworth, USDA Forest Service Intermountain Regional Forester – “It’s often been said that wildfires know no boundaries. Solutions shouldn’t either, and in that spirit, we’re honored to have been joined by the BLM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and now the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in renewing our commitment with the State of Nevada for the next five years. In signing this new Nevada Shared Stewardship agreement, I look forward to taking the next steps in our growing collaboration and protecting the state’s cherished landscapes and unique communities.”
Paul Souza, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – “We are delighted to unite our strengths and dedication as part of the Shared Stewardship agreement. Natural Resources Conservation Services in Nevada has been part of Shared Stewardship in the past, but this will be the first time we joined as a signatory. We are grateful to be part of the agreement’s success as the number of partners expands.”
Heidi Ramsey, U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – “We are delighted to unite our strengths and dedication as part of the Shared Stewardship agreement. NRCS has been part of Shared Stewardship in the past, but this will be the first time we have joined as a signatory. We are grateful to be a part of this agreement’s success as the number of partners expands.”
What are the main benefits of the Nevada Shared Stewardship Agreement for local communities and ecosystems?
**Interview with Governor Joe Lombardo on the Renewal of the Nevada Shared Stewardship Agreement**
**Editor**: Governor Lombardo, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us why the renewal of the Nevada Shared Stewardship Agreement is so significant for the state?
**Governor Lombardo**: Thank you for having me. The renewal of the Nevada Shared Stewardship Agreement is important because it exemplifies our commitment to a collaborative approach to land management. Wildfires don’t respect boundaries—be they state or jurisdictional. By working together with federal, state, and local partners, we can create fire-resilient landscapes that protect our communities, ecosystems, and the rich natural heritage of Nevada.
**Editor**: You mentioned collaboration. What are some of the new objectives that this agreement aims to achieve?
**Governor Lombardo**: One of our ambitious goals is to restore and treat a greater number of acres annually. We’re also looking to enhance cooperation across different landscapes, particularly in areas most vulnerable to wildfires. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can implement targeted actions that address the pressing ecological threats we face, such as invasive species and drought.
**Editor**: Could you highlight any specific projects that have arisen from this partnership, particularly those you think have had a notable impact?
**Governor Lombardo**: Certainly! One impactful project is occurring in the Paradise priority landscape, where teams are working to eradicate invasive annual grasses that threaten our wildlife habitat and natural resources. In Elko, we are developing strategic fuel breaks to protect communities from wildfire. These partnerships, which also include tribal involvement, enable us to integrate traditional knowledge into modern land management practices, ensuring a more holistic approach to stewardship.
**Editor**: How can the public contribute to these efforts or participate in the initiatives outlined in the Shared Stewardship Agreement?
**Governor Lombardo**: Community involvement is crucial. We encourage Nevadans to engage with local land management agencies, participate in community fire prevention programs, and support conservation efforts. Every small action counts and contributes to a larger goal of protecting our precious environment and resources.
**Editor**: Thank you, Governor Lombardo. Any final thoughts on the future of our state’s natural landscapes?
**Governor Lombardo**: Our landscapes are our legacy, and through shared stewardship, we are ensuring that future generations can enjoy Nevada’s diverse ecosystems. Together, we can foster healthier, more resilient landscapes that thrive amid the challenges we face. Thank you for your time.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Governor. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this initiative.