Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Cooperative Conservation: Increasing Capacity Through Community Partnerships -- Interagency Volunteer Program & Cooperative Conservation Program: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Get Outdoors Nevada

• Database now contains 1,807 records, a 15% increase over the last quarter.
• Website activity increased, recording an average of 38,399 hits per month, with an average of 3,537 pages viewed per month.
• Inaugural interagency volunteer recognition event held October 28, 2005.
• Interagency training program (phase 1) scheduled for February 2006 (four sessions).
• Alternative Workforce Survey completed and delivered to National Park Service.

Take Pride In America In Southern Nevada: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Anti-littering Programs

• Messaging campaign proposal approved by the federal Land Managers.
• Invitations sent to potential Community Steering Committee members.
• Project Manager Doug Joslin appointed to new county-wide Southern Nevada Recycling Advisory Committee.
• Four public service announcements produced by UNLV students.
• Contract with the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) in progress for prison crew site clean-ups.
• Plan for agency requests for additional dumpsters and/or roll-offs approved by team.

College Of Engineering Senior Design Competition Fall 2005, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

Fred and Harriet Cox Senior Design Competition Projects

Part of every UNLV engineering student’s academic experience, the senior design project stimulates engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. Each student in their senior year chooses, plans, designs and prototypes a product in this required element of the curriculum. A capstone to the student’s educational career, the senior design project encourages the student to use everything learned in the engineering program to create a practical, real world solution to an engineering challenge.

The senior design competition helps to focus the senior students in increasing the quality and potential for commercial application for their design projects. Judges from local industry evaluate the projects …

Cooperative Conservation: Increasing Capacity Through Community Partnerships -- Interagency Volunteer Program & Cooperative Conservation Program: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending September 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Get Outdoors Nevada

• 1,573 total volunteer records now loaded into database
• 230 new volunteers recruited through website: www.getoutdoorsnevada.org
• Website recorded an average of 35,000 hits per month for the quarter, with an average of 3,350 pages viewed per month
• Three major interagency volunteer events completed this quarter, at which more than 300 volunteers picked up a total of 128 cubic yards of litter at three separate National Public Lands Day clean-up events: September 17, 2005 - Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area September 24, 2005 - Red Rock National Conservation Area September 24, 2005 - Lake Mead National Recreation Area
• Interagency Volunteer Team selected …

Take Pride In America In Southern Nevada: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending September 30, 2005, Take Pride In America In Southern Nevada

Anti-littering Programs

• Interagency Anti-Litter Team met on August 22 and September 14, 2005.
• Community Anti-Litter Steering Committee participants have been identified.
• Project Manager Doug Joslin has been recommended for appointment to the new county-wide Southern Nevada Recycling Advisory Committee.
• Five Take Pride in America public service announcements were produced and delivered to television stations in southern Nevada.
• A messaging campaign proposal will be shared with the federal land managers on October 27, 2005.
• An initial review of progress on the Spring Mountains anti-litter pilot project has been conducted.
• Three Take Pride in America clean-up events were supported by the Anti-Litter Team. The …

Interagency Science And Research: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending September 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Interagency Science and Research Strategy

• Search for project manager was successfully completed in September 2005
• Project manager Debra Dandridge will start half-time (telecommuting) on November 1, 2005, and begins in Las Vegas full-time on January 1, 2006

Congressional Staff Update August 17, 2005, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

The Public Lands Institute is dedicated to strengthening the national fabric that is essential for the protection, conservation, and management of public lands.

In collaboration with federal, state, and non-profit partners, the institute is creating new knowledge, advancing technology, improving education, and engaging the public to enhance public lands stewardship.

Cooperative Conservation: Increasing Capacity Through Community Partnerships -- Interagency Volunteer Program & Cooperative Conservation Program: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending June 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Get Outdoors Nevada

• 1,289+ records are now loaded into volunteer database.
• 150 volunteers registered for events on the interagency website.
• Three interagency events were successfully completed: April 2 – Red Rock Day at Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area; April 15 – Stewardship Saturday at Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge; June 4 – National Trails Day at Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
• 25 interagency volunteer events are identified for year-two.
• Volunteer recognition program is underway.
• Volunteer training program syllabus is under development.
• Potential funding sources are identified (grants).

Take Pride In America In Southern Nevada: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending June 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Anti-littering Programs

• Search for project manager commenced in January 2005, with initial review of applications occurring in February 2005
• Comprehensive review of qualified candidates conducted March 2005
• Interviews with four candidates were conducted in early April 2005
• Douglas Joslin, Jr., approved by federal managers in May 2005 and hired as program manager, effective July 11, 2005
• Regional Take Pride in America public service announcements taped May 24, 2005
• Meeting held June 29, 2005, to discuss national and regional roll-out of new Take Pride PSAs

Interagency Science And Research: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending June 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Interagency Science and Research Strategy

• Search for project manager commenced in late March 2005, with initial review of applications occurring in April 2005
• Reference checks of qualified candidates commenced in May 2005
• Interviews with two candidates were conducted in early June 2005
• The preferred candidate declined the position
• An additional interview is now scheduled for 7/06/05

Analyzing The Effects Of Various Sign Types Used By The Bureau Of Land Management For Desert Cleanup And Restoration Projects, Christopher Linehan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

What is the effectiveness of attempts to curb illegal dumping with prompts on signs posted in the area? Do positive friendly language prompts such as “Restoration in Progress Please Do Not Disturb” generate more positive attitudes and intentions towards illegal dumping problems, than less friendly prompts such as “No Dumping Allowed”?

Results, although inconclusive, did however show a slight trend towards the negative language signs.

Study Examining A Doe Proposal To Dispose Of Mixed Low Level Waste At The Nevada Test Site Using An Alternative Landfill Design, Deborah Hart

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Department of Energy has set forth a proposal to use an Alternative Landfill Design (ALD) for the Mixed Low Level Waste disposal facility, in Area 5 of the Nevada Test Site in place of a traditional engineered liner for the facility. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the impasse between the DOE and the State of Nevada regarding the proposal of placing a traditional liner versus the alternative landfill design, using a case study method to provide recommendations to policy makers and the NTS CAB. This project used secondary data to evaluate, and determine the effectiveness of …

Using A Systems Dynamics Approach To Determine What Can Be Done To Minimize Ozone Production, Jusdi Mcdonald

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Ground level ozone is an air pollutant that affects people of all ages and origins in many urban areas including the Las Vegas Valley. The purpose of this study is to examine the best strategy to minimize tropospheric ozone generation through using a system dynamics approach via LUTAQ is used to formulate a solution to the reduction of ozone in the Clark County non-attainment area. By increasing housing density, decreasing average distance per trip, and decrease average number of trips per person per day is the most effective strategies to improving ozone levels in Las Vegas Valley.

Streamlining The National Environmental Policy Act Reporting Requirements: A Hard Look At The Healthy Forests Initiative, Jeffrey Alan Geller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has implemented the Healthy Forests Initiative (HFI) (2002), which streamlines the NEPA process for proposed forest fuel reduction projects. A key question is whether the USFS’s streamlined NEPA process produces an adequate environmental document and fulfills regulatory requirements. This thesis evaluates whether the streamlined approach practiced by the USFS under the HFI satisfies the NEPA requirements. A review of four streamlined documents assesses whether these requirements are met. The following NEPA requirements in particular are explored for each project to determine whether the NEPA requirements are met: consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives to …

Converting Turfgrass To Xeriscape: Evaluating Southern Nevada Water Authority’S “Water Smart Program”, Tom Hudak

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study evaluated the use and effectiveness of the Xeriscape Conversion program, dubbed the “Water Smart Program,” administered by the Southern Nevada Water Authority. The Conversion program is used by five water purveyors throughout Southern Nevada. Because of phenomenal growth in the area, water has become one of the most valuable resources. With its limited availability, conservation has become the logical solution to ever increasing demand. Using empirical data, effectiveness of the program was evaluated in areas such as: water savings after xeriscape conversion; maintenance savings after conversion; the influence of system design on water consumption; and the long term …

Cooperative Conservation: Increasing Capacity Through Community Partnerships -- Interagency Volunteer Program & Cooperative Conservation Program: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending March 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Get Outdoors Nevada

• 800+ records now loaded into volunteer database

• Website launched – getoutdoorsnevada.org

• 50 new volunteers already recruited through website

• Program logo developed

• First interagency event held March 5 – Great American Clean-Up

• First event featured on national Take Pride In America website

• Program marketing, public relations, and promotion underway

• Additional 2005 interagency events identified: April 2 – Red Rock Day at Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area April 15 – Stewardship Saturday at Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge June 4 – National

Presentation To Friends Of Red Rock Canyon February 8, 2005, Nancy Flagg

Presentations (PLI)

University engages in selected SNPLMA projects as determined by the four federal agencies, which are:

• Compatible with UNLV’s mission.
• Enhance education and research.
• Draw upon expertise of faculty, staff, and students.

Southern Nevada Interagency Partnership & Interagency Volunteer Program, Public Lands Institute

Get Outdoors Nevada

The Interagency Volunteer Program – with the coordination of a full-time project manager – expects to work collectively in recruiting, training, managing, supporting, recognizing, and promoting the long-term involvement of volunteers in Southern Nevada, which will result in increased conservation stewardship on these unique public lands.

Presentation To Outside Las Vegas Foundation January 31, 2005, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

The Public Lands Institute is dedicated to strengthening the national fabric that is essential for the protection, conservation, and management of public lands.

Science In The Community: A Look At Informal Science Organizations In Clark County, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI Education)

UNLV’s Public Lands Institute is partnering with area-wide Informal Science Organizations to provide experiences that can have significant and lasting impacts on student learning.

Education About The Environment Discover Mojave Programs, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI Education)

Increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action” (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978)

Southern Nevada Interagency Volunteer Program, Public Lands Institute

Get Outdoors Nevada

To encourage, support, and build volunteerism to conserve, protect, enhance, and foster an appreciation of the diverse natural, cultural, and recreational areas in Southern Nevada.

Campus Community And Their Responsibility To Our Public Lands, Mark Valentin

Presentations (PLI)

• To heighten awareness of UNLV’s community on the laws governing the uses of public lands and the personal liabilities associated with such use.
• To provide the campus community with the most efficient permitting service possible.
• To provide accurate, concise permit information to the appropriate agency.

Inventing The Future 2005 Planning Retreat, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

• Foster an integrated, holistic approach to managing and stewarding public lands.
• Focus initially on externally funded cooperative conservation projects, research initiatives, and capital improvement projects.
• Attract projects that are local, regional, and national in scope.

Connecting Hearts, Minds, & Hands To Public Lands, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

The Public Lands Institute is dedicated to strengthening the national fabric that is essential for the protection, conservation, and management of public lands.

Regional Open Space & Trails Workgroup Presentation, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

The Public Lands Institute is dedicated to strengthening the national fabric that is essential for the protection, conservation, and management of public lands.

Best Practices In Multi-Agency Volunteer Programs, Lanelda Rolley, Donna Grady, Chuck Williams

Interagency Science and Research Strategy

• Strengthen the national fabric in support of public lands.

• Provide people of all ages with opportunities to participate in the enjoyment, protection, and responsible use of our public lands.

Southern Nevada Guide: Tree Selection And Care, City Of Las Vegas, Nevada

Publications (SD)

Trees for Tomorrow was created to educate Southern Nevada residents on the benefits of trees and to help homeowners choose the right trees for their landscape setting. The goal of this booklet is to help homeowners successfully select and establish trees. This Centennial edition recognizes the 100-year celebration of the founding of the City of Las Vegas.

Planting trees is a necessary adaptation to human settlement in arid environments. A strong, healthy community forest is built tree by tree, home by home. Tree canopies help to reduce energy demands, reduce water demands, reduce local air temperatures, reduce air pollution, provide …

Conservation Element Of The Las Vegas 2020 Master Plan, City Of Las Vegas, Nevada

Publications (SD)

There is a dual purpose to the Las Vegas 2020 Master Plan Conservation Element. The first purpose is to address the requirements of state law, as provided in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 278.150(4). This section of the NRS requires that governing bodies in Nevada counties with a population of 400,000 or more ensure that their master plans address a stipulated list of subjects, including a conservation plan.

Technical Risk Information: Decision Tool Or Rhetorical Ammunition? Undisputed Facts In The Yucca Mountain Debate, David M. Hassenzahl, Denise Tillery, Paulette Laidler

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Publications

This paper examines how both opponents and proponents of the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca mountain Nevada claim that uncontroversial information supports their conflicting positions. Four pieces of information in particular are claimed by both sides: the distance of the proposed site from Las Vegas, the volume of waste that has been produced, the threat of terrorism since 9/11/01, and the occurrence of an earthquake in early 2002. Possible explanations for the difference include naive positivism, social constructionism, persistent beliefs and implicit warrants. The latter two models better explain observed knowledge/preference states. If so, more or better information …