Initiative backers host water conference

A symposium concerning water issues in Douglas County, sponsored by the Sustainable Growth Initiative Committee, will be 9 a.m. Saturday at Douglas High School.

"Water makes our Valley what it is and it's important for people to understand who regulates our water and how much water we have," said committee spokeswoman Judy Sturgis. "This is one of the most important issues in our Valley."

A host of experts from a number of disciplines will speak, including Naomi Duerr, who will present an overview of water allocation in Carson Valley.

Duerr is director of the $350 million Truckee River Flood Project. The Army Corp of Engineers is co-sponsoring this project, which is designed to reduce flood damage and achieve ecosystem restoration and recreation goals along the Truckee River.

Dr. John Bredehoeft, who will discuss groundwater sustainability and the water budget myth, spent 32 years with the United States Geologic Survey in research. He holds a doctorate in geology from the University of Illinois with a minor in civil engineering and soil mechanics

"We want people to understand that this not SGI's position," Sturgis said. "This an opportunity to learn from experts who understand hydrology.

"We want people in Douglas County to come away with a deeper knowledge from the experts on how our water system works," Sturgis said.

For more information, the Sustainable Growth Committee has a Web site, www.sgc-now.org. They can also be contacted by email at sgc4dc@aol.com.

The following is a brief summary of topics and speakers for this Saturday morning symposium:

• 9:00 Ð 9:05 a.m. - Judy Sturgis, co-chair of The Sustainable Growth Committee will give the welcoming speech.

• 9:05 Ð 9:20 a.m. - Laura Crane, Carson River project manager for The Nature Conservancy will present a pictorial overview of the Carson River.

• 9:20 Ð 9:40 a.m. - Naomi Duerr, the symposium moderator and former director of the Nevada Division of Water Planning, will present an overview of water allocation in the Carson Basin.

• 9:40 Ð 10:05 a.m. - B.J. Vasey of Water Inc. will give a talk on the status of Carson Valley's ground water appropriations and the potential challenges.

• 10:05 - 10:30 a.m. - Ed James, General Manager of the Carson Water Subconservancy will discuss the regional water system.

• 10:30 Ð 10:50 a.m. - Break

• 10:50 Ð 11:15 a.m. - Doug Mauer, hydrologist with U.S. Geological Survey will discuss Douglas County water yield and modeling.

• 11:15 Ð 11:50 - Dr. John Bredehoeft of The HYDROdynamics Group LLC. will discuss groundwater sustainability and the water budget myth.

• 11:50 Ð 12:20 - Greg James, former Director of the Inyo County Water Department will discuss the history of water exports from the Owens Valley

• 12:20 Ð 1:00 - Panel question and answer session

Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

What: Sustainable Growth Water Symposium

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Douglas High School,1670 State Route 88 in Minden