Key stakeholders in water management and conservation in Nevada and Truckee Carson Irrigation District (TCID) board members and staff discussed various topics at the December 5 meeting, including ongoing projects, challenges they currently face, and plans for future projects.
Weather and Water Levels: TCID General Manager Ben Shawcroft reported that they are keeping a close eye on weather forecasts to assess if some of the major weather patterns in the western US that are dropping significant levels of rain and snow would extend to our area. In the event that the region experiences a winter similar to the last and water levels threaten to rise too quickly, TCID has begun discussions with the city and county, explained Shawcroft. “We want to make sure things are ready if we have to push water and begin precautionary drawdowns.”
Presently, however, TCID is not releasing excess water from Lahontan. “We're starting off with a pretty dry winter,” Shawcroft said. “So, we're not ready to start moving water out of the reservoir yet.” The district plans to wait a little longer and see what it looks like in January.
Planning: TCID has also begun work on its Five-Year Strategic Plan, although the current one has not yet expired. “We want to make sure it aligns with the interests and goals of the district,” stated Shawcroft. “The Five-Year Plan we are using right now is not working.” More information on the strategic plan will be forthcoming.
Conservation: Shawcroft reported that TCID has signed on to a letter with the Family Farm Alliance that addresses the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to list the Southwestern Farm Turtle as a threatened species, which could potentially impact district operations.
City of Fernley Update: According to Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Lahontan Basin Area Manager Jack Worsley, they poured concrete around Pour Point 8 last week. Construction crews will take a break to let the water go down and get the mud out of the canal, then begin on the next 300 feet of the canal.
Worsley reported some issues with the contractor regarding the irrigation gate and stop-lock equipment placement issues at the manufacturer. They are working to resolve them so the project can remain on schedule.
An area of concern for the BOR is the increase in new housing developments along the canal road near Sage Lane in Fernley. Worsley stated that 679 homes are to be built in that area, which is prone to flooding. Work will continue on that part of the project to channel the water to avoid damage to the surrounding properties. Several factors must be addressed before major decisions regarding potential solutions, including costs to remedy the situation.
Infrastructure: Effective brush management to prevent further complications is one of the district’s priorities. TCID Maintenance and Construction Manager Cody Biggs reported that crews are beginning to work on cleaning stretches of the Carson River, starting at Lahontan Dam. According to Biggs, they are also removing several of the trees that are down from last year to help make sure the river flow is good when the district starts releasing water from the reservoir.
Winter maintenance projects, including concrete work and the reservation's structure replacement, are underway. Other repair and maintenance projects are due to begin shortly, which includes work on the V-5 ditch, with several other projects on the calendar over the next several months.
Grazing: The board also touched upon various aspects of land management, including fencing and grazing practices, the importance of cross-fencing in grazing plans, and its tie-in with prescribed grazing for effective land utilization. The discussion also touched upon the challenges faced in managing land leases, like the need for collaboration with local authorities.
Cattle management and grassland conditions were also addressed, with reports on cattle conditions post-flood showing positive outcomes, with well-muscled cattle observed. Concerns were raised about the unequal water distribution and the impact on grasslands, prompting a call to make water distribution fair and beneficial.
Appointments: The meeting included discussions about board appointments and recommendations, with Ernie Schank appointed to the Carson-Truckee Water Conservancy District's Board of Directors. The session also highlighted the need for thorough evaluations and considerations for the appointment process in the future.
Power: The meeting concluded with updates on power contracts and committee reports. The renewal of power contracts was discussed, with a scheduled meeting to review and negotiate terms. The Employee Relations Committee's report touched on various aspects, including payment schedules for ongoing projects and upcoming committee meetings. Mention was made of Nevada Department of Wildlife's plan to move their local office to a new location on the Reno Highway, promising increased space and opportunities for the growing agency. The move was attributed to the need for more extensive office space to accommodate the expanding team.
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