The casinos and resorts of Las Vegas remain Nevada’s economic engine, but one area that’s growing faster than gaming is outdoor recreation. From 2022 to 2023, it added about $8 billion to the economy, ranking Nevada 10th in the country in that sector. It grew almost 13% from 2022 to 2023, while gaming increased just under 5%.
And tourists who gamble and enjoy the state’s outdoors are often one and the same. They might stay in a Las Vegas resort, then drive five hours north to Great Basin National Park. Or go just an hour from the Strip to visit Lake Mead or Red Rock Canyon. Public lands such as these are overseen by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and other divisions of the Interior Department.
How are those recreational areas faring — and what do they expect during the busy season — since the Trump Administration fired 1,000 Park Service workers?
Five of those were newly hired rangers at Great Basin — 20% of its staff. Thirteen were fired at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Red Rock National Conservation Area and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area haven't publicly announced cuts to their staffs, if any.
Guests: Aviva O’ Neil, executive director, Great Basin National Park Foundation; Mandi Elliott, executive director, Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition; Kaesee Bourne, former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee
