Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

What Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does

The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR) is a state government agency established in 1957 and headquartered in Carson City, Nevada. It is one of Nevada's larger agencies, employing 900+ staff organized across 12 divisions that collectively manage environmental protection, water resources, state parks, forestry, state lands, natural heritage, outdoor recreation, historic preservation, conservation districts, the sagebrush ecosystem, off-highway vehicles, and the Conserve Nevada Program. The department's mandate covers regulatory oversight of natural resource use, administration of 27 state parks and 28 conservation districts, and coordination with 14 boards and commissions.

NDCNR is funded through a mix of state legislative appropriations, federal grants (including $100M in ARPA funds deployed through the Nevada Water and Climate Infrastructure Initiative), $217.5M in bond proceeds authorized through the Conserve Nevada Program, and specialty revenue streams such as the Lake Tahoe License Plate program. Its go-to-market is fundamentally non-commercial: the department distributes grants and technical assistance to tribal nations, local governments, nonprofits, conservation districts, and educational institutions, and delivers public-facing services (parks, trails, regulatory permitting, historic preservation) to Nevada residents and visitors. Digital channels include the Nevada Trail Finder platform and program-specific websites.

The agency operates in close coordination with federal partners (Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency), tribal nations, and local jurisdictions, particularly through initiatives such as the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program. Leadership transitioned significantly in 2025–2026, with new appointments to the Director, State Engineer, State Parks Administrator, and State Historic Preservation Officer roles, alongside continued buildout of capacity in water infrastructure and climate resilience.

Name

Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Legal name

Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Website

https://dcnr.nv.gov

Company type

Public

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

NDCNR is a Nevada state agency managing 12 divisions across environmental protection, water resources, parks, forestry, and conservation, serving residents, tribal nations, local governments, and nonprofits with 900+ employees and $317M+ in active program funding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

State Government Natural Resources Management

NAICS

Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (924), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Support Activities for Forestry (1153), Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (92411)

SIC

Forestry (800)

akta.pro primary industry

State/Provincial Environmental Protection & Natural Resources Administration (BPAIABAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Forestry & Public Lands Administration (State/National Forests) (BPAIAMAF), Climate Policy, Governance & NDC Support (BPADALAA), Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC), Forestry, Land Use & REDD+ Programs (BPADALAF)

Keywords

• Natural resource management
• Environmental protection services
• State parks management
• Water resources administration
• Conservation grant programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Carson City, NV

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. State Government Appropriations: NDCNR receives state government funding through annual appropriations to support its mission of protecting, managing, and enhancing Nevada's natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
2. Federal ARPA Infrastructure Funds: The Nevada Water Conservation and Infrastructure Initiative distributes $100 million in American Rescue Plan Act infrastructure funds allocated by the Nevada Legislature to NDCNR for water conservation projects.
3. Conservation Bond Program: Conserve Nevada Program leverages $217.5 million in bond proceeds including $77.5 million in grants to nonprofits and local governments, $50 million for Las Vegas Springs Preserve projects, $60 million for State Parks and Wildlife improvements, and $30 million for museum improvements.
4. Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plate Program: License plate sales and renewals generate funding for Lake Tahoe environmental projects, with over $14 million raised since inception and approximately $2 million available per grant cycle.
5. Outdoor Recreation Economy: Outdoor recreation generates $24 billion in economic activity supporting Nevada's economy, creating jobs and driving tourism across the state.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NDCNR is a state government department that protects, manages, and enhances Nevada's natural, cultural, and recreational resources through 12 divisions and pillar programs. It administers state parks, environmental protection, water rights, forestry and wildfire management, outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and conservation grant programs distributing hundreds of millions in state, federal, and bond proceeds to eligible applicants.

Product overview

The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (NDCNR) is a state government department, not a technology company. It operates through 12 divisions and programs that collectively work to protect, manage, and enhance Nevada's natural, cultural, and recreational resources. The department offers grant programs (Conserve Nevada, NWCII, NOER, YOGI), manages state parks and public lands, oversees water resources and environmental protection, and maintains digital platforms like Nevada Trail Finder for outdoor recreation information.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 900 employees managing 12 divisions and 14 boards and commissions for comprehensive natural resource management
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Douglas CountycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2025Partner in the Kahle Complete Street Project to improve public safety, expand multi-modal access, and protect Lake Tahoe clarity. Part of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP).
• U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management UnitcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2025Partner in Kahle Complete Street Project and various conservation initiatives in the Lake Tahoe Basin through the Environmental Improvement Program.
• U.S. Environmental Protection AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2025Funding partner for Kahle Complete Street Project as part of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program coalition.
• Nevada Tahoe Conservation DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2025Partner in Kahle Complete Street Project focused on building community corridors that support healthy lifestyles, clean water, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Central Nevada Water AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected as program grant recipient for the NWCII Ground Water Retirement Program. CNRWA will manage the acquisition of water rights through their Ground Water Retirement Program, focusing on over-appropriated groundwater basins in central Nevada.
• Humboldt River Basin Water AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected as program grant recipient for the NWCII Ground Water Retirement Program. HRBWA will manage the acquisition of water rights through their Ground Water Retirement Program for the Humboldt River Basin.
• Walker Basin ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected as program grant recipient for NWCII Water Right Retirement Program. The conservancy manages water rights retirement in the Walker Basin to restore Walker Lake and support sustainable water use.
• Southern Nevada Water AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelected as program grant recipient for NWCII Ground Water Retirement Program to support water conservation efforts in southern Nevada.
• Tahoe Yellow Cress Adaptive Management Working GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership including Nevada Division of Natural Heritage, Nevada Division of State Parks, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Tahoe Lakefront Owners' Association, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Washoe Tribe for annual surveys and conservation of Tahoe yellow cress.
• Cities, Counties, State and Federal Agencies, Nonprofit Organizations, and Tribal GovernmentscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEligible applicants for Nevada Lake Tahoe License Plate grants supporting environmental projects and programs in the Lake Tahoe Basin including water quality initiatives, state park improvements, research, invasive species removal, and public education.
• Washoe Tribe of Nevada & CaliforniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner in Tahoe Yellow Cress conservation efforts and broader cultural resource protection initiatives.
• Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural AffairsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting Carvers Arena and Recreation Area project through Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program funding.
• Tahoe Lakefront Owners' AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical partner in Tahoe Yellow Cress conservation, with private lakefront landowners playing a pivotal role in the plant's survival through habitat fencing and stewardship.
• Nevada Division of State ParkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Lake Tahoe License Plate grants for state park and recreation improvements in the Tahoe Basin.
• National Forest FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Lam Watah Boardwalk Project in Rabe Meadow, building 800 feet of elevated boardwalk as part of the larger Burke Creek Restoration project.
• Keep Tahoe BluecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for expanded Aquatic Invasive Species programs including training and outreach for non-motorized recreational users and focus on new threats such as the Golden mussel.
• Tahoe Resource Conservation DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Bourne Meadows Basin Biochar Effectiveness Project to test innovative ways to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff.
• Tahoe Regional Planning AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Lake Tahoe Recreation Threshold Update and funding for Tahoe in Depth publication to print and circulate 42,000 copies basin-wide.
• Nevada Department of WildlifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Chipmunk Genetic Analysis and Land Management Implications study in collaboration with University of Nevada, Reno.
• University of Nevada, RenocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Nevada Department of Wildlife for Chipmunk Genetic Analysis and Land Management Implications study to determine species distribution and habitat use.
• UC DaviscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for Guiding Whitebark Pine Restoration in the Lake Tahoe Basin, studying priority areas in the face of threats from blister rust, beetles, and changing habitat.
• Tahoe Rim Trail AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for US 50 Summit Wildlife and Trail Crossing Study using Trail Ambassadors to collect data for determining feasibility of Highway 50 pedestrian and animal crossing.
• Nevada Division of Environmental ProtectioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead agency for Nevada Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force providing public education and monitoring for water safety across Nevada's waterbodies.
• Nevada Department of Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Nevada HAB Task Force addressing public health risks from harmful algal blooms.
• Nevada Department of AgricultureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Nevada HAB Task Force addressing environmental impacts from harmful algal blooms.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Texas's state agency managing state parks, wildlife, and historic sites with extensive grant programs. Comparable to NDCNR's State Parks, Outdoor Recreation, and Historic Preservation divisions, and similarly large scope relative to other state agencies.
• Colorado Department of Natural Resources: Colorado's state natural resources department operating divisions for water resources, parks and wildlife, forestry, geological survey, and land. Comparable to NDCNR in structure and mission across western state parks, forestry, water administration, and conservation programs.
• Utah Division of Natural Resources: Utah's state natural resources umbrella agency managing wildlife, water rights, forestry, state parks, and outdoor recreation. Closely analogous to NDCNR's portfolio and especially relevant given similar Intermountain West context with shared forestry, water scarcity, and outdoor recreation challenges.
• Idaho Department of Lands: Idaho's state agency managing endowment trust lands, forestry, fire management, and water resources. Comparable to NDCNR's Forestry and State Lands divisions, with similar arid-state land management, forestry, and wildfire responsibilities.
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: Oregon's state agency managing fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation, including partnerships on Lake Tahoe basin restoration. Comparable to NDCNR's Natural Heritage and Sagebrush Ecosystem programs and Conservation Districts work.
• New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department: New Mexico's cabinet department overseeing state parks, forestry, conservation, and minerals. Closely comparable to NDCNR's structure, including the forestry, conservation, and state parks pillars, and similarly located in an arid western state with shared cultural resource stewardship obligations.
• California Natural Resources Agency: California's cabinet-level agency overseeing state parks, conservation, environmental protection, and natural resource management across multiple departments. Closely comparable to NDCNR as a state-level umbrella agency administering similar functions including parks, forestry, water, conservation districts, and tribal coordination.
• Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation: Montana's state agency overseeing state trust lands, forestry, water resources, and conservation districts. Comparable to NDCNR's combination of state lands, water rights administration, forestry, and conservation district support functions.
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources: Washington's state agency administering state trust lands, forests, natural areas, and aquatic resources, including wildfire response. Directly comparable to NDCNR's Division of Forestry, Division of State Lands, and natural heritage functions, with similar wildfire, conservation, and public-lands mandates.
• Arizona Game and Fish Department: Arizona's state agency managing wildlife, habitat conservation, and outdoor recreation, with overlapping mission on endangered species (sagebrush, aquatic invasive species). Comparable to NDCNR's Natural Heritage, Outdoor Recreation, and Sagebrush Ecosystem programs in a similar arid Southwest context.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/NevDCNR
• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PL4xVZBb-VQKkm89ziLyCE0EMauRcATePD
• Facebookfacebook.com/NevDCNR
• Instagraminstagram.com/nevdcnr
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nevada-department-of-conservation-and-natural-resources

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources