ContactsBob Williams, Nevada Fish & Wildlife Office, 775-861-6300
RENO, NEV.--The team lead for a federal partnership that manages waters in Stampede Reservoir for two federally listed fish species was transferred today from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (Tribe) in Nevada. The Tribe will lead a partnership of Department of Interior agencies that manage waters designated to protect and conserve the endangered cui-ui and threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout by selecting the annual flow regime, any subsequent flow modifications, and scheduling of the Stampede Reservoir releases, a responsibility formerly held by the Service.
"Transferring the lead for water management to the Tribe is a historic event for us," said Bob Williams, Supervisor of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office. "The Tribe will lead this important partnership that manages designated waters of the Truckee River in both California and Nevada."
In a Memorandum of Agreement signed in 1999, the Service, Tribe, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and Bureau of Indian Affairs agreed to transfer the lead to the Tribe after the Tribe completed a Conservation and Management Plan to protect and conserve Pyramid Lake fishes. The Tribe will work with an Interdisciplinary Team to develop an annual Water Management Plan based on snowpack conditions, runoff projections, reservoir levels, and potential for water exchanges. They will implement the Water Management Plan through Reclamation and work directly with the Federal Water Master to accomplish objectives of the Plan for the long-term viability of the cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout as well as the Truckee River ecosystem.
"The Service will continue working in partnership with the Tribe and our interagency partners to manage Truckee River flows for the benefit of native species and the ecosystems they depend upon," Williams said.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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