CARSON CITY—Nevada’s recreation and public lands managers are encouraging those seeking the outdoors this Memorial Day weekend and beyond to recreate responsibly to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Steve Sisolak’s “Stay Safe to Stay Open” initiative encourages public lands users to follow common-sense rules and courtesies when heading outdoors. That includes staying within small household groups, using good hand hygiene and wearing a mask.
The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided this list of seven rules for Nevadans looking to get outside:
- Protecting the health of you and your fellow Nevadans should always be your top priority. Bring a mask whenever you recreate and put it on when approaching other groups. Practice social distancing and maintain at least six feet of space.
- Prevent wildfires by following Nevada-wide fire restrictions. Check this site for details on fire bans before you venture outdoors. Avoid target shooting in non-designated areas and other high fire-risk activities. Keep a shovel, fire extinguisher, and at least five gallons of water readily available in the event of an unintentional fire start. Our firefighters and first responders thank you for using extra precaution during these trying times.
- Avoid crowded trailheads and parking lots. Have a back-up plan if your favorite spot is too crowded. Remember, those State Parks and federal recreation areas that are open are operating under limited staffing and capacity, including day-use only limitations at most sites.
- Know before you go. Check land management agency websites before venturing out to recreate. Many of these places are closed right now to protect public health. Nevada State Parks are open for day-use only, and on-site museums, visitor centers, and gift shops are closed until further notice.
- Practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack it in, pack it out. Protect your fellow outdoor recreationists. Protect our shared natural resources.
- Be prepared. Many facilities, including restrooms, remain closed. Be self-sufficient by bringing in your own food, water, and trash bags.
- Public gatherings, events, and camping in developed sites are still banned. Group-use areas, both day use and overnight camping, remain closed at all Nevada State Parks and at many local and federal recreation sites.
For all State of Nevada recreation sites, please remember to visit the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website and follow @NevDCNR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates on public lands closures, re-openings, and other pertinent information. Join the conversation using #RecreateResponsibly. Additionally, please visit parks.nv.gov and follow @NVStateParks on Facebook for the latest information on Nevada State Parks.
