UNLV and PLI Highlighted in the Management of Southern Nevada’s Public Lands

UNLV and the Public Lands Institute’s partnership and accomplishments with federal agencies are being touted in two recently released reports. The Las Vegas Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management prepared the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act: 10-Year Report to Congress. The report states “Universities (such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas) have become key partners on a number of projects by providing expertise through agreements with Federal agencies.” The report also details the accomplishments of the conservation initiatives managed by PLI, including the Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada program. The full report is available here (link to pdf).

The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership (SNAP) produced the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership Overview of Accomplishments. SNAP, created in 1997, is a partnership of the four federal land management agencies – the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. The report credits PLI with becoming “an academic leader in creative land management practices.”

If you would like more information on any of the projects, we would be pleased to provide it to you. Contact us at publiclands@unlv.edu .

Walking Box Ranch Granted Listing on National Register of Historic Places

Walking Box Ranch Granted Listing on National Register of Historic Places

Dams Help Bald Eagles Extend Range in Nevada

"Dams Help Bald Eagles Extend Range in Nevada," The Heartland Institute.

PLI Executive Director Recognized on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives

Executive Director Peg Rees was honored today (March 17, 2009) by Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District when Titus spoke on the House floor in support of House Resolution 211, a bill supporting the goals and ideals of National Women’s History Month.  Titus cited Rees as one of the respected scientists in Nevada who play an important role in protecting the environment. 

“I am honored that Congresswoman Titus recognized me and my work in Southern Nevada’s Mojave Desert before her House colleagues,” said Rees. “It was unexpected, yet very much appreciated.” 

In her role as Executive Director of the Public Lands Institute, Rees is responsible for strategic planning and outreach within the state as well as nationally and internationally to guide and develop the institute. She is a geologist who has taught at both the community college and university levels, worked as an oil exploration geologist and conducted National Science Foundation-funded research primarily in Antarctica, China, and the western United States. In addition, she was an active member of the UNLV Women’s Studies faculty and funded by the National Science Foundation for interdisciplinary women’s studies, social science and geology projects in earth science education.



Below are Congresswoman Titus’ remarks as delivered.

  

“Today I rise in support of H.Res. 211 and National Women's History Month, which this year celebrates women who are taking the lead to save our planet.  Women have played a critical role in the fight to protect the earth, as activists, scientists and public servants.



“In Nevada, many of the early environmental activists, like Tina Nappe, were women inspired to act by their childhood experiences in the beautiful Silver State.  They have been joined by respected scientists such as Dr. Peg Rees, dedicated to finding new ways to protect the desert for future generations.



“As public servants, women have also made a significant contribution to saving our planet.  In the Nevada legislature, for example, our women members have been ahead of their time, championing issues from renewable energy development, like Shelia Leslie, to smart growth, like Chris Giunchigliani.



“These many accomplishments are being documented, analyzed and disseminated to the public by the Women’s Research Institute at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas under the able direction of Dr. Joanne Goodwin.



“But Women’s History Month is not only a month of remembrance of the important women of our past; it is an inspiration for the next generation of women and a call for them to continue the fight to leave this precious rock a better place for our children than we found it.



“So, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, especially, Ms. Woolsey, for offering this important resolution that commemorates the 22nd Anniversary of National Women’s History Month.”

Barrie Elected to Leadership Position

with National Association for Interpretation

March 10, 2009

Elizabeth Barrie has been elected vice chair of the College and University Academics Section (CUA) of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI).  Barrie is a research assistant professor in recreation with the Public Lands Institute, where she manages the Southern Nevada Interagency Volunteer and Take Pride in America programs.  She also is an associate professor for recreation and sport management in the Department of Recreation and Sport Management in the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. 

The 5,000 member-NAI is a professional association for individuals involved in interpretation of national and cultural heritage resources in such places as parks, museums, zoos, aquaria, nature centers, botanical gardens, and historical sites.  The organization is divided into sections so members can network with others in similar subject-matter areas.  The CUA section was the first section created by NAI in 2001 as a forum for college and university academics from around the world. 

Schools use adventure curriculum to inspire kids

"Schools use adventure curriculum to inspire kids," by Laura Carroll, Whitney View.

PLI Assistant to be Featured in National Park Service Lecture Series

PLI Assistant Mary Kirby can tell you a thing or two about many things, but it’s her knowledge of senior volunteer opportunities that has her taking center stage for the National Park Service in California. On February 21, Mary will present “Senior Volunteers in the Outdoors” and share “the many opportunities for seniors to volunteer for the outdoors in the Los Angeles area, from Santa Monica Mountains to Simi Valley and Ballona Creek.” She also will sign copies of her book following the presentation. Click here for more information.

Mary previously volunteered with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. She also is the author of Senior Volunteers Outdoors, focused on spreading the word about “seasoned” and retired folks volunteering for the outdoors. Mary joined PLI in 2008 and works as an assistant to the Interagency Volunteer Program and Limnology Assistance to Lake Mead.