Nevada NRCS Sponsors Agricultural Water Summit

About 150 cattlemen, conservationists, and water users recently gathered in Winnemucca for the Nevada Agricultural Water Summit sponsored by Nevada NRCS, Nevada Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Nevada Cattlemen's Association, Ag Council of Nevada, and Nevada Ag Foundation.  "It was obvious that many people are very concerned about the potential ramifications of water transfers," said Tony Lesperance, director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture.

Dr. James Young told the group about life in Nevada before ranchers and farmers arrived.  "When Peter Skene Ogden visited Nevada from 1820-1829, it was easy to find forage for 150-250 horses but professional hunters nearly starved for lack of big game," he said.

Allen Biaggi, director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, reviewed State water policy.  He said, "several questions are asked when approving an application for a water right including, is there unappropriated water available; will it conflict with existing rights; will it threaten to prove detrimental to the public interest; and does the use conflict with existing domestic wells?"

John Entsminger and Zane Marshall from the Southern Nevada Water Authority discussed plans to safeguard Nevada's water resources and described the environmental impact statement process for evaluating alternatives and identifying impacts before any water can come to Southern Nevada.  According to Entsminger, federal regulations and Nevada water law contain strong safeguards to protect rural groundwater users and the environment from harm. 

Dr. Mariah Evans, professor with the University of Nevada Reno and Cooperative Extension asked agricultural producers who are considering selling their water rights to consider, “how much stress do you have in your current way of life; what kinds of problems if neighbors sell; how much you value your current way of life; is there a next generation; how much do they value your ranching farming way of life; how much do you want/need the money; and do you want/need a lot or would a partial sale meet your goals?”

More information can be found on the Nevada NRCS Web site.
Your contact is NRCS public affairs specialist Liz Warner at 775-857-8500, ext. 105.