Authorizes the management of designated invertebrates. (BDR 45-229)

Existing law establishes certain provisions governing the management of wildlife in this State by the Board of Wildlife Commissioners, commonly known as the “Commission,” and the Department of Wildlife. (Chapter 501 of NRS) This bill expands the wildlife managed by the Commission and Department to include designated invertebrates. As a result of the inclusion of designated invertebrates, certain fees and penalties that apply to violations of certain provisions of existing law relating to wildlife will also apply to violations related to designated invertebrates. (See, e.g., NRS 501.385, 502.240, 504.295) Section 2 of this bill defines “designated invertebrate” to mean any species of invertebrate designated as a species of greatest conservation need in the State Wildlife Action Plan, not including pests, as defined in section 2.5 of this bill. Section 3 of this bill defines “State Wildlife Action Plan.” Section 5 of this bill revises the definition of “wildlife” to include designated invertebrates. Section 3.5 of this bill requires the Department, in preparing the State Wildlife Action Plan, to coordinate with the State Department of Agriculture and consider the Nevada Managed Pollinator Protection Plan prepared by the State Department of Agriculture. Section 4 of this bill applies the definitions in sections 2, 2.5 and 3 to the provisions of existing law that govern wildlife. Existing law requires: (1) wildlife to be classified into certain categories; and (2) the Commission to place each species of wildlife in a classification by regulation. (NRS 501.110) Section 6 of this bill establishes a classification for designated invertebrates. Existing law provides that if the Commission determines that the existence of a species or subspecies of native fish, wildlife and other fauna is endangered and its survival requires assistance, the Commission must place the animal on the list of fully protected species and the animal may not be captured, removed or destroyed except by means of a special permit issued by the Department. (NRS 503.585) Sections 7 and 8 of this bill provide for the placement of designated invertebrates on the list of fully protected species. Existing law: (1) requires the Commission and Director of the Department to carry out a program for conserving, protecting, restoring and propagating selected species of native fish, wildlife and other vertebrates and their habitats which are threatened with extinction and destruction; and (2) authorizes the Director to cooperate and enter into agreements with other states, counties and legal entities in carrying out the program. (NRS 503.587, 503.589) Sections 9 and 10 of this bill require the Commission and Director to include designated invertebrates in the program.