Volunteers have a long history of donating time and resources to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). With current budget cuts, never before have these volunteers been so valued and so extensively used. Not only are volunteers an invaluable resource in completing many projects, their donated time is matched by federal grants, multiplying the benefit to NDOW. Hundreds of volunteers are working to restore of some of our state’s magnificent wildlife resources to historic populations.

Since 2000 volunteers have contributed more than 36,000 hours of their valuable time. That works out to 6 people working 8 hours per day, 365 days per year. They’ve also driven almost 350,000 miles to participate in the management of the state’s wildlife resources. This incredible contribution has a combined value of more than $1,000,000 for NDOW.

In addition to time and miles, volunteers have contributed tools, equipment, and cash for the agency. All volunteer contributions are used to match federal grant programs under the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration program, among others.

Volunteers can now participate in a much broader range of projects than they have ever had the opportunity to before. Activities cover a broad range, such as sagebrush seed collection, bighorn sheep relocation, fish stocking, hunter and angler education, and construction of guzzlers (water sources for wildlife).

Some volunteers, like Tom Beard, like to focus their efforts on a particular project. Over the past five years Tom had contributed almost 500 hours of his time to sage grouse lek surveys. Tom who has driven more than 7,000 miles in pursuit of these birds, loves watching the males strut and show off on the lek. Tom developed a love of bird watching when duck hunting in California some 30 years ago. Tom says its “like hunting, only you don’t have to shoot anythng”. Additionally Tom, who is near 70 years old, loves “seeing the country” and often spends the long spring nights sleeping in his truck with his dog. Tom also feels he has made a significant contribution toward keeping the sage grouse off the threatened species list.

Only 3% of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s budget comes from the state general fund. The remainder is derived from user fees (hunting and fishing licenses and tags and boat registration), federal funds and grants, and various miscellaneous sources. Without the loyal support of a strong corps of volunteers, much of the work of the department couldn’t be accomplished.

For more information on becoming a volunteer for the Department of Wildlife please visit us at our web site at ndow.org or call us at 775.688.1500.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for the restoration, protection and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Nevada’s waters. Wildlife offices are located in Las Vegas, Henderson, Winnemucca, Fallon, Elko, and Reno. For more information, contact the agency web site at www.ndow.org.

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