Organization: Nevada Rural Development Council
Contact Name: Carl Dahlen
Email: dahlenc@unce.unr.edu
Project Title: Mineral County Assessment
Project Location: Walker Lake
Project start date: 2010 Project end date: On going
Purpose for the project:
Walker Lake is a tremendous asset to the area. The loss of water from the lake as upstream users divert water for irrigation, community uses and recreation is a great concern. The lake not only provides its own intrinsic beauty, in the past it has been a location for recreational boating, fishing and swimming. With the loss of water the lake has also lost these opportunities. Local residents state the lake is fading away, it tastes bad and it smells bad. Preserving Walker Lake is of high importance to the area.
Communication channels with upstream residents need to be opened for the benefit of all the communities. Efforts are currently underway to help up stream farmers and ranchers become more water efficient. Low water crops are being introduced and the Nevada Small Business Development Center is working with local producers to determine the economic viability of those crops. Funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is supporting these efforts. There also needs to be an open dialog with the City of Yerington and Lyon County as water is a necessary requirement for growth in the Mason Valley. Upstream users need to become sensitive to the need for Walker Lake to have a steady and dependable in-flow of fresh water. In addition, the Walker River Tribe needs to recognize their interest in having the lake recharged with fresh water.
Partners and Funding Sources:
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
- Nevada Small Business Development Center
- Nevada Commission on Economic Development, Community Development Block Grant Program
- Mineral County Economic Development Authority
Benefits from the project:
Restoring and protecting Walker Lake will benefit the immediate area around the lake, Mineral County and surrounding counties.
Natural Resource/Environmental Issues Addressed by the Project:
- Watershed Improvement
- Water Use