December 3, 2010

 Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid today announced the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service is providing $6.5 million to Nevada to continue efforts to preserve the sage-grouse species and assist farmers. Last year, Senator Reid wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack seeking assistance, and Nevada received funding for sage grouse preservation while also limiting regulations imposed on farmers.

“It is important that we prevent the sage-grouse species from becoming endangered and provide assistance to our farmers and ranchers who are playing an important role preserving Nevada wildlife,” Reid said. “Nevada producers are already have good projects underway as a result of the first round of funding and I welcome this continued funding so we can keep the sage grouse off the endangered species list.”

In recent years, the sage grouse population has dramatically declined and efforts to save the species were put forth by Senator Reid in 2009.  Reid secured $16 million from the USDA to be dispersed to eleven states where the species is found.  Reid’s letter to Vilsack emphasized the need to protect the species without adding an extra burden on farmers who have already played a significant role in protecting the environment. This year Nevada will receive $6.5 million, the most funding of any Western state, except for California.