WHEREAS, the State of Nevada loses hundreds of thousands of acres to wildland fires each year; and

WHEREAS, wildland fires have negatively impacted Nevada’s natural resources, environmental quality, wildlife, tourism, economy, and social well-being throughout the State; and

WHEREAS, wildland fires rapidly spread invasive plant species that further impacts our agricultural resources and increases the potential for wildfire; and

WHEREAS, wildland fires pose a significant risk to the lives and property of Nevada residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the urban growth and development of our State has resulted in more Nevadans living, working and recreating in high fire hazards areas than ever before; and

WHEREAS, many of these wildland fires’ impacts and hazards could be mitigated if Nevadans were more aware, educated and proactive; and

WHEREAS, Nevada’s fire service and cooperating agencies strongly support proactive wildfire education, prevention, fuel reduction, and training to reduce the impacts of wildland fire;

NOW, THEREFORE I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim May 17-24, 2008, as