Three members of the Nevada congressional delegation, according to a press release from one, have united to support legislation to resolve water rights and land issues within the Walker River Basin.

Senators Harry Reid (D-Searchlight) and John Ensign (R-Las Vegas) and Congressman Dean Heller (R-Carson City) announced earlier this summer that they are working together to develop legislation to address water rights and land issues in Mineral and Lyon Counties. This was announced through a press release from Sen. Harry Reid's Office.

Prior efforts by the Mason Valley News to obtain more specifics about the legislation Sen. Reid had mentioned earlier this year have been unsuccessful.

"The Nevada congressional delegation understands the critical issues facing county, municipal and tribal leaders, and residents of Mineral and Lyon Counties. We are prepared to find immediate and long-term solutions to problems caused by drought, uncertain water rights, and the counties' changing demographics," said Reid.

"After years of settlement negotiations, the resumption of litigation, and declining levels in Walker Lake, it's time for Nevada's congressional delegation to work together to finally resolve many of the issues in the Walker River Basin," he continued. "As we have with other comprehensive, county-wide legislation, we hope to meet the goals of our constituents, knowing that many compromises will need to be made along the way."

While the legislation will address many land issues in the counties, a primary goal of the legislation will be to resolve the federal water rights litigation in the Walker Basin area.

The release said officials expect to meet with the interested parties to discuss solutions that will resolve tribal and federal water claims in the Basin, preserve and enhance Walker Lake and its fish and wildlife habitat, and help farmers in Smith and Mason Valleys.

"Ending the litigation in the Walker River Basin is very important for our state's future," said Ensign. "The time has come to reach a fair settlement with a bill written by elected representatives, not judges.

"We also have a tremendous opportunity to help Mineral and Lyon Counties with lands bills that will protect natural resources and enhance economic opportunities," he continued, helping those counties obtain current federal public lands.

"The livelihoods of ranchers and farmers in the Smith and Mason Valleys and the area's rich agricultural heritage that spans generations will be protected. I also believe there are a number of common-sense measures we can take to move more water to Walker Lake by making the system more efficient. I am convinced this process and the result will be a win-win for everyone," Ensign concluded.

"There are many complex issues facing Mineral and Lyon Counties and the Walker River Tribe," said Heller. "Growth, drought and water claims litigation have added to the already difficult circumstances facing all the stakeholders involved.

"I am committed to protecting not only the health of Walker Lake and the (Walker River Paiute Tribe in Schurz), but also the farmers and ranchers in Smith and Mason Valleys. I am pleased to work with Senators Reid and Ensign to find a solution that is mutually beneficial all parties involved," he concluded.

The federal legislation involves the United State and the Walker River Paiute Tribe filing petition against the Walkerl River Irrigation District, mainly seeking ore water for the tribe and water rights for Weber Reservoir, as part of the C-125 litigation that began in federal court in the early 1900s.

The latest effort outside of court was a mediated settlement process involving the parties involved with the Walker River and its water.

However, that effort halted last year after several years of meetings after the WRPT and the Walker Lake Working Group (with Mineral County) dropped out of the mediation, citing lack of progress and efforts to better resolve the situation outside of the collaborative mediation/settlement process.