Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2025

This bill changes how some federal land in Nevada is used to balance growth and conservation. It lets the federal government transfer or sell selected parcels to counties, cities, tribes, and local districts for public needs like flood control, parks, trails, wildfire safety, and cemeteries, including projects along the Truckee River, the Tahoe Rim Trail, and lands for Incline Village’s fire management and new local parks and a cemetery. It also protects natural areas by adding new wilderness and limiting new water projects there, while keeping current water rights unchanged. Sale money is shared with state schools and counties, with most placed in local special funds to cover costs and buy open space or other sensitive lands.

Examples include economic‑development land sales in Douglas County (up to 10,000 acres, subject to local zoning), a 1,084‑acre open space recreation area, and a cooperative plan to improve access on the Tahoe Rim Trail. It transfers flood‑control land along the Truckee River to the regional flood authority, adjusts several Carson City land issues, and lets the City of Elko, Elko County, and the City of Fernley buy certain federal parcels at fair market value. It also tackles long‑standing “checkerboard” land problems in Pershing County by allowing sales or swaps to consolidate lands.

• Who is affected

  • Local governments and districts in Douglas County and Carson City; the Truckee River Flood Management Authority.
  • The Elko area and the City of Fernley.
  • Incline Village General Improvement District.
  • Tribal communities, with certain land held in trust and right‑of‑way terms set on tribal land.

• What changes

  • Some land is transferred at no cost for public uses like flood control, parks, and trails; if used differently, it can go back to the federal government.
  • Other land is sold at fair market value for economic development and must follow local planning and zoning.
  • New wilderness areas are created; new water projects are limited there; fish and wildlife work can continue; existing water rights stay the same.
  • In Pershing County’s “checkerboard,” the bill allows sales and exchanges to simplify management and support the local tax base.
  • For many sales, money is split 5% to state schools, 10% to counties, and the rest into special local funds for conservation and costs.

• When

  • Certain lands must be offered for sale within two years of the bill becoming law.
  • The 1,084‑acre Douglas County recreation area must be transferred within 180 days after the county asks.
  • Pershing County’s special account requires reports every five years.