What Public Lands Mean to Me, and Why I Deeply Care About Protecting Desert National Wildlife Refuge for Generations To Come

By Gabriela Colón-Muñoz, former volunteer at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. 

As a Las Vegas local, born and raised, the public lands in Southern Nevada have always held a special place in my heart. My earliest memories are filled with afternoon outings to local parks, and weekend trips to Lake Mead and Red Rock with family. These trips were not just about exploring the outdoors, but they were about connecting to nature and my roots. These experiences impacted me growing up. My community, my culture, and the land that shaped who I am. 

I have always had a strong interest and passion for nature and public lands. During my sophomore year of college, I was fortunate to discover the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, or DNWR through a volunteering opportunity with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This experience allowed me to learn not only about the stunning beauty of these precious places but also about everything they have to offer. As a local, I never heard about the refuge until that moment, and I was immediately captivated by this desert sanctuary.  

DNWR is the largest wildlife refuge outside of Alaska. These lands provide habitat and protect big horn sheep, other wildlife, and hundreds of plant species. Outside of its ecological importance, it also has cultural significance. It has been home to Native people for thousands of years, from Newe (Western Shoshone) and Nuwu/Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute/Chemehuevi). The rich history at DNWR is undeniable.  

My journey as a volunteer began in the visitor service center, where I greeted travelers, counted the trails, and assisted where needed. Later, I joined the paleontology and archaeology crew where my connection to the refuge grew even stronger. Throughout my time at DNWR, I was reminded of those who came before us and how the land we live and stand on is Indigenous land.  

This refuge, along with many other public lands, faces ongoing threats. For decades, the U.S. Air Force has sought to expand operations into DNWR, endangering the delicate ecosystems and rich cultural heritage. In 2020, the public outrage in Nevada resulted in an amendment to protect DNWR. Despite this progress, the threats continue to rise, regardless of the public’s desire to safeguard these lands.  

On April 4, 2023, at a public Nevada Test & Training Range Intergovernmental Executive Committee meeting, the U.S. Air Force outlined plans for new operations in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge's Joint Use Area. The proposed use of this land for the test and training range will permanently alter the delicate ecosystems. The Desert National Wildlife Refuge may still face a threat, and we must stand up for this land and the significance it holds. 

As a someone growing up exploring Nevada’s public lands, I have experienced firsthand the many benefits, including how these lands shape our communities and create deep bonds and lifelong memories. Our public lands mean more than just open spaces. They foster cultural connection, community gathering, and educational growth.  

The Desert National Wildlife Refuge is worth protecting for generations to come.