One of the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations’ projects includes the Truckee Carson Irrigation District.
The Nevada Native Seed Partnership will host the sixth annual Nevada Native Seed Forum on March 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fallon Convention Center and includes an option to attend virtually.
The forum brings together growers, technical experts and land management agencies to discuss and develop strategies to increase the availability and use of native seed to support land restoration efforts.
Sessions will include a variety of native seed topics including permits, collection, production, testing, certification, storage, marketing and restoration. The forum is free to attend and interested individuals can register for the forum by emailing skielius@agri.nv.gov by March 22.
“The goal of the forum is to bring growers and stakeholders together to discuss cultivation and native seed availability to help facilitate the success and expansion of native seed suppliers in Nevada,” said Meghan Brown, deputy administrator for the Division of Plant Health and Compliance at the Nevada Department of Agriculture, a member of the NNSP.
Herds & Harvest program
The University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Herds & Harvest Program is hosting a Farm to Fork Certification Program, 6-8 p.m., on Wednesdays. The courses in this program will offer information for beginning farmers and ranchers on the process of livestock and poultry production, from raising livestock to selling the products on the market.
The program’s courses will be conducted via Zoom and will draw upon the knowledge and experience of established Nevada livestock and poultry producers and University experts. There will also be an in-person field trip touring local farms and ranches. Participants who complete the course will receive their Farm to Fork Level 1 Certification.
March 23: Defining grow local and developing marketing plans: focusing on developing a grow local product, creating a marketing plan and how to sell a local product.
The cost for the program is $60 per person, and registration can be completed online at https://nevada.formstack.com/forms/btr_2022. For information, contact Staci Emm, Extension educator for Mineral County, at emms@unr.edu or 775-475-4227.
Infrastructure act investing in local projects
U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing more than $166.5 million in 108 infrastructure projects as part of implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with local communities in 23 states to invest in new dam and flood prevention projects and in repairs on existing watershed infrastructure, which are all part of USDA’s broader national infrastructure investment.
Through this first round of projects that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is funding, NRCS prioritized projects in communities heavily impacted by drought and other natural disasters as well as historically underserved and limited resource communities.
“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to building back better, and this starts with our infrastructure,” said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Protecting our watersheds and saving lives is paramount. These investments in our watershed programs will provide much needed support for communities to build resilience in the face of climate change. We can extend financial assistance to underserved communities that live in constant fear of flooding, help with the effects of severe weather events, and put systems in place that will ensure a climate resilient future to help communities thrive in the years to come.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed in November by President Biden, is providing $918 million for NRCS watershed programs, which includes the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program, Watershed Rehabilitation Program and Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Through NRCS watershed programs, NRCS works with local, eligible sponsors, including state government entities, local municipalities, conservation districts and federally recognized tribal organizations.
The three WFPO projects in Nevada focus on new infrastructure, and they include the following:
Truckee Carson Irrigation District - V Line Ditch
A preliminary investigation feasibility report will be prepared to determine if WFPO can be used to assist with agricultural water management related The Truckee Carson Irrigation District.
This infrastructure is aging, which is why the district is seeking to modernize the system. Modernization generally includes, without limitation, such measures as facility automation, lining of delivery features, replacement of aging or temporary control features – such as takeouts to be replaced by new features, and the addition of additional measuring devices equipped with satellite telemetry.
Walker River Irrigation District
East Walker Diversions
A preliminary investigation feasibility report will be prepared to determine if WFPO can be used to assist with agricultural water management related Walker River Irrigation District. The Walker River has a high sediment load, which is causing sediment continually accumulating at rock diversions.
The district looks to address sedimentation issues with physical removal, structures and operational methods, and additional alternatives. Structures need to consider debris transported by the river as well. Ultimately, reducing sediment load in the river will allow for improved water quality.
Walker River Paiute Reservation
Irrigation System Restoration
A preliminary investigation feasibility report will be prepared to determine if WFPO can be used to assist with agricultural water management related to Walker River Paiute Tribe irrigation system. Field evaluation completed in 2011 showed locations of concrete lining that was bulging or buckled, missing or inadequate catwalks and handrails, and unlined sections known to have significant seepage. Further features desired would better measure water in the system.
IIJA also provided EWP funds and those funds are available for communities to respond to natural disasters. NRCS will continue to assist communities as it receives disaster requests.
A full list of projects is available on NRCS’ Landscape Planning and Watershed Programs webpage.
Implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Since the bill was signed into law, NRCS has hosted training webinars focused on educating potential sponsors and historically underserved communities about the funding opportunities provided by the new legislation.
NRCS conducted an assessment of current needs for watershed protection and flood prevention work. This assessment supported the establishment of priorities that focused funding on the most critical and highest priority projects for improving the Nation’s land and water resources.
NRCS encourages local sponsors to submit requests for funding through their local NRCS Watershed Program Manager. For Nevada projects, contact Jose Rosado, State Conservation Engineer, at jose.rosado@usda.gov or (775) 834-0911. On March 31, NRCS will compile any additional requests received and develop a second list of projects to fund. After March 31, NRCS will continue to review and fund requests as funds are available.
