Political Quotes

“I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn in Southern Nevada. The Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn was established in 1964, and in partnering with local, State, and Federal wildlife organizations and agencies, they have played a vital role in the restoration of the iconic desert bighorn sheep in Nevada. These incredible animals are a symbol of our State's unique wildlife habitat, geography, and climate. In the Sloan Canyon and Gold Butte areas of Southern Nevada, ancient petroglyphs and rock art dating back thousands of years depict the bighorn sheep and tell the story of its important contributions to our State's history and culture. The desert bighorn is a noteworthy part of Nevada's mountainous landscapes and was officially named the State animal in 1973. Following westward expansion in the 1800s, bighorn sheep populations struggled to survive against the spread of disease from domestic livestock and the loss of water resources and habitat. By the 1960s, desert bighorn sheep populations, once in the tens of thousands in the United States, dropped to an estimated 6,700 to 8,100. However, the commitment of organizations like the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn to species restoration has helped to more than double the bighorn sheep population throughout the United States. The fraternity has worked hard to promote responsible management of the desert bighorn and its habitat.…”