D. PROJECT HISTORICAL ACCOUNT

This project will provide an overview of the political and historical context in which the acquisition of land and associated water rights for ecosystem restoration in the Walker River system occurs. Key components include arid land agriculture, multi-state involvement and urban/rural interface issues.

Researchers:

From UNR: Leah Wilds (PI), Department of Political Science

Updates:

January 2008:

Continuing to collect and digest information on the history of the Walker Lake Tribe. Analyzed appropriations pattern in the federal FY08 Omnibus Appropriations Act, including assessing appropriations of the remaining $65+ M Desert Terminal Lakes Fund. Monitored reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which contains the Desert Terminal Lakes Fund and scheduling in February 2008 of the final conference report on this legislation. Continued monitoring the Lyon County Land bill. Continued collecting and monitoring press reports of outreach efforts as well as local governmental reactions to changes in land use and emergency preparedness as a result of the breach of the Fernley to Fallon Newlands Project canal.

February 2008:

Continuing to conduct research on various natural resource policy initiatives that address or will address Walker River issues. These include the forthcoming "Lyon County lands" bill which may upon introduction affect Mineral and Carson Counties as well as Lyon County. Engaged in conversations with individuals involved in related Truckee-Carson water settlements as background for Walker River negotiations. Continued review of federal FY 2008 appropriations of the remaining $65+ M Desert Terminal Lakes Fund. Continued monitoring progress toward reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which contains the Desert Terminal Lakes Fund with a view to whether conference negotiations impact the Fund. Continued collecting and monitoring regulatory agency reactions to the breach of the Fernley to Fallon Newlands Project canal as well as the disaster relief programs initiated by state and federal agencies.

March 2008:

Engaged in conversations with individuals involved in related Truckee-Carson water settlements as background for Walker River negotiations and engaged in conversations with individuals in Mason Valley.

April 2008:

Continued to engage in conversations with interested individuals in Smith and Mason Valleys, and to conduct background research. Wrote and presented a paper at the 2008 Western Social Science Association, Denver, Colorado, April 24, 2008: Water, People and Politics in the American West: Strategies for Resolving Water Resource Conflicts.

May 2008:

First draft of chapter on local, regional and national context nearly completed. Legislative history completed. Began work on Chapter Two (history of Mason and Smith Valley areas).

June 2008:

Continued to work on chapter two (history of Mason and Smith Valley areas) and began to collect information on the history of the Walker River Paiute Tribe. A draft of chapter one, the historical background including legislative history, was completed.

July 2008:

The legislative history and a first draft of the chapter on local, regional and national context have been completed. Work continued on the history of the Walker River Basin.

August 2008:

There are no updates this month.

September 2008:

The first draft of the chapter on local, regional and national context has been completed; this chapter includes a legislative history of Section 208, P.L. 109-103. Work continues on the development the Walker River Basin, with a special focus on Mason and Smith Valleys, and the Walker River Paiute Indians.

October 2008:

Chapter one has been completed, although minor revisions will be made over the next month. This chapter explores the context of the Walker Basin Project, provides an overview of western water policy in general and water policy in Nevada in particular. Chapter three, which describes the project itself, is nearly complete. Research on chapter two, the history of Mason and Smith Valleys, including the Walker River Paiute Tribe, is continuing.

November 2008:

Four more books on the history of Walker Basin and two more on the Walker River Paiute Tribe have been located and information from them is being incorporated into the manuscript. Agricultural data are being compiled.

Coming up