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Nevada trail survey will guide statewide plan through Nov. 30
State agencies are asking residents and visitors how they use trails and where improvements are needed as Nevada develops its first statewide trails plan. Responses will help shape decisions on trail access, new connections and natural-resource protection.
Nevada residents and visitors have until Nov. 30 to weigh in on the state’s first statewide trails plan, which is intended to guide how trails are built, accessed and managed.
The Nevada Division of State Parks and Division of Outdoor Recreation opened an online survey Wednesday, Oct. 14. It asks people about their trail use and invites suggestions for upgrades, new connections and recreation opportunities. The plan will cover trails for activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-highway vehicle use.
The agencies say public feedback will help identify community connections, improvements to existing trails and ways to protect natural resources. The survey is available in [English](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NVTrailsPlan) and [Spanish](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NVTrailsPlanEspanol), and through the [Nevada Division of State Parks website](https://parks.nv.gov/news/first-ever-statewide-trails-plan).
“Trails connect communities, create opportunities for people to explore Nevada’s public lands, and provide access to the outdoors for people of all abilities and interests,” said Janice Keillor, deputy administrator of the Division of State Parks.
The effort comes as outdoor recreation contributes substantially to the region’s economy. A state report estimated that outdoor recreation generated $24 billion in combined market and nonmarket benefits in Nevada and the Tahoe Basin in 2023, including the basin’s California side, and supported more than 75,000 jobs.
Separately, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis figures put outdoor recreation’s contribution to Nevada’s gross domestic product at $8.1 billion in 2023. That ranked 10th among states and represented 12.8% growth from 2022, the fourth-fastest rate among states.
Denise Beronio, administrator of the Division of Outdoor Recreation, said the plan is intended to give state officials a clearer understanding of trail users’ needs and help maintain outdoor recreation opportunities.
Questions about the plan can be directed to Tyler Kerver, the State Parks Division’s education and information officer, at tkerver@parks.nv.gov or 775-684-2745.