Nevada Coalition advocates for AB 59 to protect wildlife from chronic wasting disease

During a recent meeting of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, significant discussions centered around Assembly Bill 59 (AB 59), which aims to enhance wildlife protection in Nevada. The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, highlighting its potential impact on the state's wildlife conservation efforts.

Kyle Davis, representing the Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife, emphasized the importance of including moose in the definition of trophy big game mammals. This addition is intended to strengthen protections against poaching, a concern that resonates with many residents who value Nevada's natural heritage. Davis also pointed out the critical provisions aimed at preventing chronic wasting disease, a serious threat to wildlife that has affected other states. He praised the bill's measures, which include restrictions on bodily fluids and the elimination of the alternative livestock program, as essential steps to safeguard Nevada's wildlife.

Community members also voiced their support. Karen Tayloe, a Washoe County resident, expressed her appreciation for law enforcement's role in wildlife protection, advocating for stronger support for game wardens who often assist individuals in crisis. James Mortimer, vice president of the Nevada Police Union, echoed this sentiment, urging the committee to back the bill as a show of support for state law enforcement.

The meeting also featured Andrew McKay from the Great Basin Wildlife Conservancy, who reiterated the importance of the bill's provisions against chronic wasting disease and the need for penalties related to poaching. The collective testimony underscored a community commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of Nevada's natural resources.

As the committee moves forward with deliberations on AB 59, the discussions reflect a growing awareness of the need for robust wildlife protection measures. The outcomes of this bill could have lasting implications for Nevada's wildlife and the communities that cherish it, reinforcing the state's commitment to preserving its natural environment for future generations.