Senate Joint Resolution No. 12–Senator Jacobsen (by request)

FILE NUMBER........

Whereas, The livestock industry comprises a significant portion of the

rural economy of the State of Nevada; and

Whereas, Recent declines in the authorization of the grazing of

livestock on public lands in this state and throughout the West have had

measurable negative impacts on the economic viability of ranchers and

rural communities; and

Whereas, Studies by federal agencies have revealed that public lands

have improved or are improving through the use of controlled grazing of

livestock on public lands; and

Whereas, Recent management policies and directives established by

federal agencies including the Bureau of Land Management of the United

States Department of the Interior and the Forest Service of the United

States Department of Agriculture have resulted in significant and costly

reductions in the number of livestock allowed to graze on public lands in

this state; and

Whereas, These reductions are having a negative effect on the value of

ranches and the economic viability of ranchers who depend on the use of

public land for the successful production of livestock, resulting in an

adverse effect on the economic condition of the State of Nevada; and

Whereas, Continuation of these federal policies will have adverse

effects that are far reaching and costly, including an increase in wildfires, a

diminished tax base, loss of wildlife habitat and a decrease in economic

activity; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and Assembly of the State of Nevada,

Jointly, That the members of the Nevada Legislature do hereby

encourage the United States Congress to support all efforts for the

establishment of a working partnership between federal land management

agencies, local governments and other interested parties on issues relating

to the use of public lands; and be it further

Resolved, That this legislative body supports all efforts to review the

methodologies and practices that have been employed by public land

management agencies which have resulted in the unnecessary reduction in

the use of public lands by ranchers for the grazing of livestock; and be it

further

Resolved, That the Division of Agriculture of the Department of

Business and Industry is hereby encouraged to develop a statewide

database to further demonstrate the cumulative losses to this state and its

counties because of the reduction in the use of public land for the grazing

of livestock; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy

of this resolution to the Vice President of the United States as presiding

officer of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the

Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, each member of the

Nevada Congressional Delegation and the Executive Director of the

Nevada Association of Counties; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution becomes effective upon passage and

approval.

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