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Nevada Water Quality Initiative

06/04/2012

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Nevada Water Quality Initiative Fact Sheet (PDF; 375KB)
 

$394,000 Targeted for Water Quality Improvement Projects in Four Nevada Watersheds         Nevada Water Quality Watershed map

RENO, May 9, 2012— Four Nevada watersheds are being targeted for water quality improvement funds following yesterday's announcement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack of the National Water Quality Initiative.  Bruce Petersen, state conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, said $394,000 will be invested to improve water quality in the high priority watersheds known as Twin Bridges in Elko County. 

The Twin Bridges area contains an important tributary of the Humboldt River that feeds the South Fork Reservoir, a state park and popular recreational area.  The South Fork of the Humboldt River was listed by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection as an impaired water body due to elevated temperature, amount of sediment  and dissolved solids, high levels of phosphorus, and low levels of dissolved oxygen which is harmful for fish and aquatic life.  

“We are encouraging farmers and ranchers in this watershed area to apply for these additional funds,” said Petersen.  “Competition for these funds is reduced since we have a smaller pool of applicants.”

Eligible practices such as grazing management, irrigation water use and riparian area plantings will keep agricultural land healthy and productive as well as address issues related to Clean Water Act compliance.   

“These conservation practices will improve water quality, increase water quantity and enhance the fisheries,” said Jaime Jasmine, district conservationist for the NRCS in Elko.  “We also hope to see improvements in the quality of drinking water for residents.”

The South Fork Indian Reservation and the community of Lee are located with the watershed area. 

NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who voluntarily install conservation practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  Applications will be ranked on May 18 and again on June 15.  Applications received by the earlier date will have a higher chance of being funded.

The selected watersheds identified under the water quality initiative are Stoddard Creek, Rattlesnake Creek, Red Spring No. 10 and South Fork Reservoir.  The watersheds were chosen with help from NDEP and other conservation partners. 

Farmers and ranchers in the watershed area should contact their local NRCS office (www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov/contact) for additional information and to submit an application.

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For More Information
State WQI Contact:
Bill Elder

Assistant State Conservationist, Operations
Phone (775) 857-8500 x 104
Email:  william.elder@nv.usda.gov


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