Schedule for Newlands Project water rights mapping request for revision workshops

As an element of ongoing efforts by the Nevada Division of Water Resources to record all water rights in the Newlands Federal Reclamation Project, through a mapping project funded by a grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the office of the state engineer will conduct a series of “request for revision workshops” in Fallon and Fernley. The goal for the workshops is to assist water rights holders in identifying their water rights. This can be accomplished, in part, by viewing map overlays created for parcels within the Newlands project. While in most instances the mapping project may not result in a need for revision, water right holders are encouraged to attend the workshops, especially for those that might have engaged in past water right transactions such as transfers.

The state’s mapping project was undertaken to create a digital tabular record of water right transactions and a geospatially accurate, digital polygon base map indicating water-righted lands within the Newlands Project. The primary goal was to produce one set of consistent maps depicting water righted lands that are accurate and capable of being updated, for the benefit of all Newlands Project stakeholders. Ultimately, the mapping project provides the state’s Division of Water Resources a valuable tool in its administration of water rights.

The mapping project also provides a valuable tool to the district in tracking water right transactions for all purposes, including administration of water rights pursuant to both the Orr and Alpine Decrees and compliance with federal regulation such as the Operational Criteria and Procedures for the Newlands Federal Reclamation Project.

The schedule for the workshops is as follows:

Fallon: Churchill County Commissioners Community Room, 155 N. Taylor St., suite 110

1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9

1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 10

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 11

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 12

For those water right holders that have identified a need for revision to the maps, requests for revision forms can be picked up at the Office of the State Engineer, in Carson City or found online at http://water.nv.gov/programshomes.aspx and click on the Newlands Water Rights Mapping tab. Also, contact Timber Weiss of the Office of the State Engineer at 775-684-2887.

The final day to submit a request for revision is Sept. 30. Each request must be accompanied by supporting documentation.

Water right holders also can contact the district at 775-423-2141 for information.