Featured image: A pika is a small, mountain-dwelling mammal. With short limbs, very round body, an even coat of fur, and no external tail, they resemble their close relative, the rabbit, but with short, rounded ears. – Wikipedia
The most rigorously objective scientists have been heard to call them cute.
Therese Campbell was appointed to the Clark County CAB in 2019. She is retired from a career in allied healthcare and has lived most of her life in Nevada. What is a CAB? Here she explains.
“ Think globally; act locally.” — Unknown Wise Person
One of the most effective ways that we can help wildlife here in Nevada is to get involved with our County Citizens’ Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife—CAB for short. Each county in Nevada has its own CAB, numbering from five to seven members depending on the population of the particular county. CAB members are appointed by their county board of commissioners and serve a three-year term.
Nevada’s CABs act as liaisons between citizens and the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (NBWC): the CABs’ main purpose is to take public input on various issues regarding wildlife, conservation, habitat, etc., and then in turn advise NBWC on possible rules, regulations, and actions in response to those issues.
I am currently starting my third year on the Clark County CAB in the capacity of advocate for the interests of the general public, and I can truly say that serving on this CAB has been a great honor and one of the most enlightening, interesting, and educational experiences of my life.
How do we get involved with our CABs and with NBWC? We start by attending CAB meetings and NBWC meetings whenever possible. Go to your county government’s website and find the Citizens’ Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife’s email address. Send an email asking to be added to their email list and do the same for NBWC.
NBWC routinely broadcasts many of its meetings live on YouTube and keeps an archive of recorded meetings. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBWC has also been offering remote participation in their meetings through ZOOM, and some of the CABs (such as Clark County CAB) have been doing the same.
The CABs and NBWC always have a segment or several segments of time allotted for public comment and they also receive input through emails, letters, and calls. All of these communications from citizens are entered into the public record. Even if we are unable to attend meetings in person, we still have the power to voice our concerns.
Some suggestions for effectively communicating with your CAB, the NBWC, and fellow members of the public:
A) If you are giving comments, whether in writing or in person, be brief and polite.
B) Focus on the issue and practice self-control. Sometimes people get emotional which may cause a similar reaction in others. Stay cool, calm, and courteous.
I believe that Nevada’s CABs have excellent potential as agents of positive change leading to improved conditions for wildlife populations and habitat, thus enhancing the quality of outdoor recreation for Nevada residents.