The Southern Nevada Agency Partnership of federal land management agencies has rolled out a new campaign entitled Don't Trash Nevada to combat litter and desert dumping on public lands.

The U.S. Forest Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management have coordinated with the Public Lands Institute to initiate a publicity and action plan to educate the public about the effects of trash on our fragile desert ecosystem.

Nevada has sometimes been referred to as a "dumping ground," and the campaign is aiming to change that image.

The Don't Trash Nevada Campaign reminds people that Nevada is a unique and beautiful place where littering and dumping are not acceptable.

Media tag lines include "Don't trash the neighborhood," "Watch your step," and "Enjoy the wild west, don't waste it."

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is an affiliate of the Public Lands Institute, and works to protect wildlife habitat and wildlife recreation on all lands.

Trash can pose a danger during recreation in the outdoors, as well as to the wildlife that lives there. Broken bottles, chemicals, and medical waste pose a serious threat to people and animals.

The desert is a sensitive environment, which can take many years to recover from disturbance.

The campaign aims to establish respect for the state's natural environment. Nevada has the largest percentage of public lands out of all of the states and trash on our lands is everyone's problem. There are several things you can do to help: Take the Don't Trash Nevada Pledge:

I pledge to never knowingly litter or dump.

I promise to use only approved receptacles and/or waste disposal sites.

I promise to tell others that littering and dumping are not acceptable.

If I see litter on the ground, I will pick it up and place it in the appropriate container.

I will volunteer my time, whenever possible, to help with clean-up events.

I will recycle whenever possible.

I promise to be a good example to others.

Educate others on the detrimental effects of litter and dumping on the environment.

Volunteer for clean-up projects around your community.

Participate in local recycling projects. Make use of trash and recycling receptacles.

Report illegal dumping. On public lands, report the incident to the appropriate land manager.

On private or county lands, call Southern Nevada Health District at 702-759-0600.