Nevada Critically Endangered Native Plant Protection

Nevada legislature found that several native plant species have been extirpated and that Nevadans have a duty to conserve threatened flora. Under NRS 527.260 to 527.300, the State Forester Firewarden, after consultation with experts, may declare a species threatened with extinction and place it on the fully protected list. Once listed, no plant may be removed or destroyed by any means without a special permit from the Nevada Division of Forestry. The Nevada Division of Natural Heritage maintains companion records. The protection applies on private and public land statewide; municipal landscape rules cannot waive these protections.

Misdemeanor charges for unlawful removal, destruction, or possession of fully protected flora. Civil penalties and restoration costs may also apply, particularly for cactus theft and yucca harvesting.