Secretary Haaland Meets with Tribal, Local Leaders Regarding Conservation Efforts in Southern Nevada

09/07/2022
Last edited 06/03/2025

Date: Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

LAUGHLIN, Nev. — Today Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited public lands in southern Nevada to meet with Tribal and local community leaders and to experience the landscape that is considered sacred by several Tribal nations, including the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe.

Secretary Haaland, Congresswoman Susie Lee, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Laura Daniel-Davis, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada State Director Jon Raby met with members of the Fort Mojave Tribal Council to tour an area in the Mojave Desert known as Avi Kwa Ame, or Spirit Mountain. The area is the place of origin for the ten Yuman speaking Tribes.

Today, the mountain and the surrounding landscape continue to serve as a place for the Tribes to practice their religion and culture. Spirit Mountain was designated a Traditional Cultural Property on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 in recognition of its religious and cultural importance.

During the visit, the group witnessed the rich biological diversity from the region, including some of the largest Joshua Trees in Nevada. The public lands also provide a wide variety of recreational experiences to the public, including hiking and birding.

Secretary Haaland also visited the BLM-managed Walking Box Ranch, the former home of silent movie stars Clara Bow and Rex Bell, where she met with local Tribal leaders, elected officials and interested stakeholders to hear about their shared vision to conserve the ecological, cultural, historical and natural integrity of the landscape for present and future generations.

###

 

  • Press Release
    Aerial view of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska
    10/23/2025

    Interior Takes Bold Steps to Expand Energy, Local Control and Land Access in Alaska

    During an event with Alaska’s congressional delegation and Alaska’s governor, the Department of the Interior announced a sweeping package of actions to boost energy development, modernize land and resource management across Alaska, and improve public health and safety for Alaskans. These steps include reopening the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas leasing, completing right-of-way permits for the Ambler Road, moving forward with the King Cove–Cold Bay Road corridor through a land exchange, and providing land allotments for eligible Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans. Together, these actions reduce regulatory barriers, support local communities, and strengthen Alaska’s role in national energy security and economic growth.

    Read more

Was this page helpful?

Please provide a comment