BOULDER CITY, Nev.–Lake Mead National Recreation Area representatives joined fellow area stakeholders from the local community today to address shared interests and challenges, best practices, and innovative ideas to support the future of outdoor recreation on public lands in the Las Vegas area.

The summit held panels specific to recreation, conservation, and business. Representatives from Get Outdoors Nevada, local conservation and business groups, Tribes, and interagency representatives were represented on the panels.

“Public lands throughout the Southwest are increasingly vulnerable to a changing climate and adverse human use impacts. The event today provided outdoor recreation stewards opportunities to discuss proactive and informed decisions that protect and sustain outdoor recreation as we prepare for continued environmental changes in the region,” said Christa Johnston, Lake Mead National Recreation Area Chief of Staff

These types of dialogues are important, because they bring stakeholders together to share ideas and challenges on area recreation. They also give attendees a chance to develop mutual understanding and unity of efforts moving forward from a range of perspectives on outdoor recreation needs, services, and objectives.

“A major theme today focused on the need to expand stakeholder communication. When communities, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and businesses come together to address shared challenges early and often, we can help create and manage decisions that intersect social, environmental, and economic benefits for public land recreation,” said Johnston.

Moving forward, attendees expressed a goal to continue these discussions to ensure robust, sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities continue for the millions of people taking advantage of them in the area each year.