Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Walker Basin Project?
The purpose is to deliver additional water to Walker Lake in a manner that sustains the economy and the ecosystem of the Walker River basin.
Who are the project partners?
The Walker Basin Project is a collaborative project of the University of Nevada, Reno; Desert Research Institute (DRI); and the Nevada System of Higher Education. DRI and the University bring environmental, agricultural and economic expertise to the project. NSHE coordinates the project through the Office of the Chancellor.
How was the project funded?
The project is authorized and funded by Congress through Public Law 109-103, Section 208. The project funding of $70 million was awarded to the Nevada System of Higher Education through the Department of Interior, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Up to $14 million will go toward research in the Walker Basin, and this research is being conducted collaboratively by the University and DRI.Up to $56 million has been allocated for acquisitions. All activities within the scope of the project are subject to final approval by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Why is it necessary to save Walker Lake?
Walker Lake is undergoing a great amount of stress due to rapidly declining lake levels (145 feet since 1882) with resulting increased salinity. This impacts the lake’s ecosystem.
Walker Lake is one of only three desert terminal lakes in North America with a fresh water fishery. The lake is a major stopover for migrating birds on the Pacific flyway. The environmental health of the basin, of the river and of the lake is interdependent and linked to the economic health of the basin.
What is the significance of the project?
The role of the two research institutions – as collaborators and project leaders – coupled with the project’s scope and complexity, make this a unique and historic undertaking. The research will have application to other arid and high desert regions. Because of this and because of the project scope, it is anticipated to have local, state, national and international implications.
The project partners recognize there are deeply held and occasionally conflicting views about water issues. This contributes to the project’s significance as well.
Will the project include acquisition of water and/or water rights?
Delivering water to Walker Lake will include acquisition of water and/or water rights from willing sellers at fair market value. All acquisitions are subject to final approval by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The acquisition program will be reviewed in an Environmental Impact analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act. The research will allow for a more informed process to guide effective delivery of water to the lake, while maintaining the functionality of the existing distribution system.
What is the role of research?
The research is exploring the best means by which to get water to Walker Lake while maintaining a strong economy and improving the ecosystem of the Walker Lake watershed. These efforts involve developing a watershed and decision support model and evaluating economic impacts of water purchases, low-water use drought-resistant crops, water conservation, in-stream health of the Walker River, and sediment and salt delivery to the Lake. This research will have application to other arid and high desert regions.
How can the process of entering into options for water rights options begin before the research is concluded?
These two project elements — entering into options for water rights and conducting research — are happening simultaneously, on parallel tracks. There has been a mistaken perception that the research objective is to determine ifadditional water should be delivered to the lake. However, prior research has already shown that declining water levels has resulted in worsening water quality and corresponding environmental impacts. In keeping with the Congressional authorization, the research objective is to determine howbest to deliver water to the lake while sustaining the basin’s economy and ecosystem.
Is the project related to any other water importation projects, including projects related to Clark, Washoe or White Pine Counties?
No. Through the Walker Basin Project, water rights purchased within the Walker Basin will remain in the Basin and support increased delivery of water to Walker Lake.
What is the Stakeholders Group?
The NSHE Walker Basin Working Group, which consists of representatives of the project partners, chose to create the Stakeholders Group to provide for stakeholder input and involvement, and to become better informed about the interests and concerns that stakeholder groups may have in the project. Creation of the Stakeholders Group was not required, but was intended to provide a way for interested Walker Basin residents to keep up-to-date on the project.
How were the Stakeholders Group members selected?
In developing the Stakeholders Group, the NSHE Walker Basin Working Group outlined a list of stakeholder organizations, agencies and interests. The organizations and agencies were invited to appoint a stakeholder representative of their choosing. As an example, the representatives of Lyon, Mineral and Mono Counties were appointed by each County’s commissioners or supervisors. Governmental agencies, the Walker River Irrigation District and the Walker Lake Working Group appointed their representatives as well.
Areas of interest, such as agriculture and hunting and fishing, are represented as well as representatives selected by U.S. Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign.
With 16 members, the Stakeholders Group is intended to be large enough to provide broad-based representation, and small enough to allow for discussion and interaction among members.