EXPLANATION – Matter in bolded italics is new; matter between brackets [omitted material] is material to be omitted. Green numbers along left margin indicate location on the printed bill (e.g., 5-15 indicates page 5, line 15).

1-1 Whereas, NRS 407.013 directs the Division of State Parks of the State

1-2 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to "acquire, protect,

1-3 develop and interpret a well-balanced system of areas of outstanding

1-4 scenic, recreational, scientific and historical importance for the inspiration,

1-5 use and enjoyment of the people of the State of Nevada" and provides that

1-6 such areas must be "held in trust as irreplaceable portions of Nevada’s

1-7 natural and historical heritage"; and

1-8 Whereas, State parks are recognized nationally as playing a vital role

1-9 in attracting tourists, supporting local economies, fostering environmental

1-10 stewardship and historic preservation and enhancing the quality of life for

1-11 residents and visitors; and

1-12 Whereas, The Nevada state park system hosts nearly 3 million visitors

1-13 annually at its 24 state parks, placing significant and increasing demands

1-14 on each park’s finite and fragile resources, limited facilities and aging

1-15 infrastructure; and

1-16 Whereas, Nevada continues to be the fastest growing state in the union

1-17 with an average annual growth rate of 5.2 percent during the period of

2-1 1991 to 1997, and is projected to experience an annual population increase

2-2 of 3.3 percent over the next decade; now, therefore, be it

2-3 Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate

2-4 Concurring, That the Legislative Commission is hereby directed to

2-5 appoint a committee to conduct an interim study on the current funding for

2-6 the maintenance of state parks and the projected needs of Nevada’s state

2-7 parks; and be it further

2-8 Resolved, That the study must include an evaluation of:

2-9 1. The new demands and expectations on recreational facilities as a

2-10 result of demographic changes that did not exist when the current facilities

2-11 were built;

2-12 2. The evolution of new recreational equipment including jet skis,

2-13 mountain bikes and off-road vehicles and the impact they have on existing

2-14 facilities;

2-15 3. The need for new and expanded facilities to accommodate greater

2-16 numbers of people, as well as larger and more sophisticated recreational

2-17 equipment including larger boats that require enlarged boat launching

2-18 facilities or motor homes that require larger campsites and wider park

2-19 roads; and

2-20 4. The proposed unfunded improvements and major maintenance

2-21 projects for state parks identified by the Division of State Parks of the State

2-22 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as necessary to

2-23 adequately serve the visiting public and carry out the declaration of

2-24 legislative intent set forth in NRS 407.013; and be it further

2-25 Resolved, That any recommended legislation proposed by the

2-26 committee must be approved by a majority of the members of the

2-27 Assembly appointed to the committee and a majority of the members of

2-28 the Senate appointed to the committee; and be it further

2-29 Resolved, That the Legislative Commission submit a report of the

2-30 results of the study and any recommended legislation to the 71st session of

2-31 the Nevada Legislature.