February 1, 2019
For Immediate Release
Contact: Pam Harrington, Trout Unlimited
775-870-0015, Pam.Harrington@tu.org
Bill introduced to protect Nevada’s Ruby Mountains
Oil and gas leasing poses threat to important fish and wildlife populations
ELKO — Senator Cortez Masto introduced a bill this week that would halt potential oil and gas leasing in Nevada’s famous Ruby Mountains, protecting the state’s largest mule deer herd and threatened Lahontan Cutthroat trout.
“Our sportsmen groups had a powerful, unified voice when she came out and listened to us in Spring Creek last October and we enthusiastically thank her for acting and protecting Nevada and our natural resources,” said Pam Harrington, Nevada field coordinator for Trout Unlimited. “We want to support her to fight frivolous and ingenuine ‘expressions of interest’ and fracking in sensitive wildlife rich areas in the future. These potential threats should be stopped in their tracks in Nevada.”
While most sportsmen and women support resource extraction, they also recognize that there must be a balance and protecting Nevada’s outdoor heritage and future is equally important.
“We hope other members of Congress can join her in protecting what the overwhelming majority of Nevadans feel is too special of an area to disturb,” said Marc Selph of Elko Bighorns United.
Sportsmen’s groups plan to keep a close eye on this bill to see it through. The Ruby Mountains help bolster an outdoor recreation economy in Elko County and harbors many sacred places to the Western Shoshone Te-Moak Tribe.
“Thank you Senator Cortez Masto for taking this step to conserve one of Nevada’s most iconic landscapes,” said Carl Erquiaga, Nevada Field Representative with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The Ruby Mountains hold some of the most important wildlife habitat in the state. As one of the West’s legendary big game hunting destinations, they are truly too special to drill.”
The legislation is supported by Trout Unlimited, Elko Big Horns United, Chukar Chasers, Ruby Mountain Fly Fishers, Nevada Muleys, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.
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