Nevada Statewide Rule

Nevada Critically Endangered Native Plant Protection

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nevada (2026)

Key Facts

Statutes: NRS 527.260 to 527.300
Regulator: State Forester Firewarden
Permit Required: Before removal
Applies On: Private and public land

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Nevada Legislature

Summary

NRS 527.260 through 527.300 establishes a statewide program to protect, conserve, and restore native flora threatened with extinction, requiring permits from the State Forester Firewarden before any listed species can be removed or destroyed.

List of fully protected species declared to be threatened with extinction; special permit required for removal or destruction. A species or subspecies of native flora shall be regarded as threatened with extinction when the State Forester Firewarden, after consultation with competent authorities, determines that its existence is endangered and its survival requires assistance because of overexploitation, disease or other factors or because its habitat is threatened with destruction, drastic modification or severe curtailment. Any species declared to be threatened with extinction shall be placed on the list of fully protected species, and no member of its kind may be removed or destroyed at any time by any means except under special permit issued by the State Forester Firewarden.

Source: Nevada LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Penalties

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dig up a yucca or cactus on my Nevada property?

Only if the species is not on the fully protected list, or if you have a special permit from the State Forester Firewarden. Many Nevada cacti and yuccas are protected statewide.

Do these protections apply inside Las Vegas or Reno city limits?

Yes. NRS 527.260 to 527.300 applies statewide on both private and public land. Local landscape rules may add requirements but cannot weaken state protection of listed species.

Sources

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