Our Story
The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation (NDOR) was created during the 2019 legislative session, capitalizing on the growing outdoor recreation (OREC) economy. The formation of NDOR followed in the footsteps of several other western states like Utah, Colorado, Washington and Wyoming. As of December 2024, there are now 24 state offices of Outdoor Recreation nationwide. While making conservation and stewardship our focused priorities, NDOR continues to help develop and benefit from the exponential growth of the outdoor recreation economy. In 2023, Nevada ranked first in the lower 48 states for the largest increase (5.8%) in Outdoor Recreation Employment. Nevada also ranked 10th in the U.S. for the percentage of the state’s GDP that comes from OREC, at 3.3% or $8.1 million! In the U.S., OREC is a $1.2 trillion economy and Nevada is making its mark.
It is no surprise that OREC is on the rise in the state. Access to public lands for recreation is important to Nevadans, not only for physical and mental health, but also for local economic development and tourism. Nevada offers a breadth of outdoor recreation opportunities in all corners of the state and everything in between. Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of Lake Tahoe, backcountry skiing in one of Nevada’s many mountain ranges, hiking the 72-mile Toiyabe Crest Trail, stargazing under Tonopah’s dark skies, exploring off-highway vehicle routes in Mesquite, or marveling at the vibrant landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada offers endless outdoor recreation opportunities and adventures.
NDOR helps Nevada communities, both urban and rural, to manage and develop these OREC opportunities. By acting as liaison between projects, and providing funding, resources, and planning expertise, we strive to assist communities and organizations with outdoor recreation development efforts. Our goal is to highlight some of the most diverse outdoor recreation in the nation, while simultaneously supporting outdoor recreation businesses and industry. Residents live here because of that unsurpassed quality of life - from mountain biking in White Pine County, to hunting elk in the rugged Ruby Mountains, to boating on beautiful Lake Mead… the possibilities are practically endless!
Advisory Board on Outdoor Recreation
The 11-member Advisory Board on Outdoor Recreation brings together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the state to support and advise the Division on important outdoor recreation matters like funding, projects, and other opportunities that benefit the state. Seven of the seats are named by statute while four are appointed by the Governor.
Seven Seats Named by Statute:
| Lieutenant Governor (Chair) | Stavros Anthony, Lieutenant Governor (Chair) |
|
Director of the Nevada Department of Conservation & Natural Resources | James Settelmeyer, Director, Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Director of the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development | Alex Bacchus, Northern Regional Director of GOED |
| Director of the Nevada Department of Tourism | Rafael Villanueva, CEO of Travel Nevada |
| Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife | Alan Jenne, Director, Nevada Department of Wildlife |
| Administrator of the Nevada Division of State Parks | Robert Mergell, Administrator, Nevada Division of State Parks |
| The Chair of the Nevada Indian Commission | Vacant |
Five Gubernatorial Appointments, Representing:
| Outdoor Recreation Industry | Chad Taylor, Director of Marketing and Guest Experience, Lake Mead Mohave Adventures |
| Conservation Interests | Amy Berry, Executive Director of the Tahoe Fund |
| Education | Mauricia Baca, The Nature Conservancy |
| Public Health | Greg Juhl, Western Emergency Physicians |
| Nevada Association of Counties | Debra Strickland Commissioner, Nye County |
Ex Officio Members:
| Cheva Gabor, The U.S. Forest Service |
| Tammy Boyd, The Bureau of Land Management |