by Lisa Kane and Therese Ure The 2017 Nevada Legislative Session is currently in motion; the 79th legislative session began on February 6th and will continue through June of 2017. Meetings are being held daily by the senate and assembly committees as they review proposed changes to Nevada legislation. There are several already-proposed bills on […]
More Proposed Water Law Changes in Nevada Legislation Read More »
During the month of January, the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association is hosting a series of workshops around the state regarding grazing permits on federal lands. The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service agencies (and other agency representatives) will be giving presentations on their plans to implement land use changes that have been established for
Federal Land Grazing Permit Workshops in Nevada Read More »
The upcoming 2017 Nevada Legislative Session includes proposed water law changes that could affect water rights users across the state. The 79th legislative session, which starts on February 6, 2017 and ends on June 5, 2017, contains a number of proposed water law changes. It appears there will be four senate bills submitted by the
Proposed Water Law Changes in 2017 Read More »
As an update to the previous blog posted regarding the Fallon Range Training Complex Modernization and Public Comments, https://www.water-law.com/deadline-approaching-submit-nepa-scoping-comments-nevadas-fallon-range-training-complex/, the deadline to submit comments has been extended. The new deadline is December 12, 2016. If you are interested in submitting comments there are several ways to submit comments including online or by mail. Submit Comments
Fallon Range Training Complex Modernization EIS Public Comment Period Extended Read More »
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (“NDEP”) has been evaluating nonpoint source water pollution, occurring when rain, snowmelt and irrigated water flowing over developed land carries contaminants into Nevada waterways. Accordingly, NDEP implemented a Nonpoint Source Grant Program to provide funding to qualifying state, regional and county agencies, as well as conservation districts and nonprofit
New Grants Awarded to Improve Surface Waters in Nevada Read More »
Washoe County is hosting a public forum to discuss the Public Lands Bill on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm at the Reno Sparks Convention Center. A few of the main priorities of the bill include: Make certain federal lands available for future economic development opportunities Expand recreational opportunities to include
Public Forum Scheduled to Address the Washoe County Public Lands Bill Read More »
NEPA is the acronym for the National Environmental Policy Act. NEPA’s purposes included setting national policy to encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between humans and their environment; promoting efforts that will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment; and, enriching the understanding of the ecological systems and important natural resources. See 42 U.S. C. 4321
Due to recent crackdowns by the State Engineer in Nevada regarding both forfeitures and cancellations of groundwater rights not in full use, it is important to keep records of your water use. One method to show use is by recording your meter readings. This is important both for permitted wells and certificated wells respectively, to
Showing Diligence in Water Use by Tracking Water Use Meters Read More »
On October 13, 2016, the Nevada Division of Water Resources (“NDWR”) provided notice that a new Application for Extension of Time form must be used when requesting an extension of time for the submission of a Proof of Completion of Work, Proof of Beneficial Use or Cultural Map. It appears that NDWR is placing more
New Request for Extension of Time Form Issued by Nevada Read More »
The Lander County Commission (“LCCD”) is funding a program for sage grouse enhancement projects and is currently looking for land owners that reside in Lander County (not just ranchers) to participate in a sage grouse project. LCCD first received funding for the project in 2014 when they were granted $50,000 to begin projects benefitting the
Sage Grouse Project Funding Available in Lander County, Nevada Read More »
The Department of Defense Plans to Expand the Fallon Nevada Navy Training Complex. Now is the Time to Participate and Comment in the NEPA process! The Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) is planning expansion of its Fallon Nevada facilities and announced in the Federal Register its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS). The
Fallon Nevada Navy Training Complex Expansion & NEPA Process Read More »
On, Thursday, September 1, 2016, the State Bar of Nevada’s Environmental and Natural Resource Section hosted a successful Meet & Greet mixer event for the section members with invited special guests. The special guests consisted of agency leaders from both state and federal environmental and natural resource agencies. The special guests in attendance included: Name
New studies have shown that a large number of older farmers are concerned with their ability to find a successor who is able to afford to buy their land, thus putting their plans for retirement at risk. Currently, the average age of the American farmer is 58 years old. Only less than 6% of American
Next Generation Farmers Need Our Help Read More »
The Bureau of Land Management has scheduled a workshop to explore the ideas of strategic targeted grazing. Targeted grazing is a natural approach using controlled livestock to accomplish vegetation management. More specific examples of vegetation management include: weed control, reducing the fuels of wildland fires, aiding in restoration projects as well as landscape enhancement. One of
Participate in Targeted Grazing Discussions Read More »
New laws and legislation may affect you, stay tuned for tomorrow’s work session on topics of adaptive management, domestic use, cloud seeding, basin management, and mine dewatering! Nevada’s Legislative Commission’s Subcommittee to Study Water will be holding a meeting on Friday morning, August 26, 2016 at 9:00AM at the Legislative Building, Room 4100, at 401
Forecasting 2017 Water Legislation in Nevada Read More »
Rights-of Way on Public Lands and Administrative Avoidance Century old rights-of-way uses of public lands can only be confirmed through a long, expensive federal court process. Because the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) cannot determine the validity of water delivery and road rights-of-way on public lands, farmers, ranchers, and local
Rights-of Way on Public Lands and Administrative Avoidance Read More »
The July 2016 Nevada Lawyer Magazine focuses on drought conditions and features Schroeder Law Offices’ Attorney Therese Ure’s article, “Use It or Lose It:” for Nevada’s Water in Times of Drought. The article discusses Nevada Revised Statute 534.090, which has become known as the “Use It or Lose It Doctrine” in reference to
“Use it or Lose it” Nevada’s Water in Times of Drought Read More »
Forfeiture We’ve all heard “Use it or Lose it” referring to the Prior Appropriation System. The use it or lose it concept is the term we use for legal forfeiture which will apply to your water rights of use depending on your jurisdiction and type of water right. Generally, this concept requires beneficial use of
101 on Forfeiture vs. Abandonment Under Prior Appropriation Doctrine Read More »
The debate continues on the prior appropriation system. During the 2016 Family Farm Alliance Annual Conference, the Alliance’s 2015 report on the prior appropriation doctrine raised some debate. This debate, now focusing on Nevada’s prior appropriation system, was again raised in equal vigor during the 2016 Nevada Water Resources Association annual conference. While many argue
The End of the Prior Appropriation Doctrine? Read More »
The Nevada Cattlemen’s Association posted a news release on May 16, 2016 regarding the Permittee Outreach Workshop. This workshop is geared towards Nevada Cattlemen and Cattlewomen who graze cattle on BLM permits. With the listing of the Sage Grouse as “Not warranted” now more than ever it is imperative to establish with state and Federal
Nevada Public Land Grazing Workshop on Sage Grouse Plan Implementation Read More »
