Truckee River Tour
Date
Thursday, May 1st - Friday, May 2nd, 2014
Time
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., both days
About
12TH ANNUAL TRUCKEE RIVER FIELD STUDY COURSE
From Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River flows just over one hundred miles and is a microcosm of western water issues. Life blood of northwestern Nevada, the Truckee River is rich in history and controversy. Stakeholders on the river include cities, farmers, wildlife, endangered fish, Native Americans, two states and the federal government.
This two-day field course will cover:
- Hydrology and flow regulation under the Orr Ditch Decree and Truckee River Agreement
- Water quality deterioration and remediation, including aquatic invasive species
- Endangered & threatened fish
- Hydropower generation
- Riparian habitat restoration
- Flood control planning
- Legal issues and efforts to negotiate solutions
- Future of the Truckee River under the Truckee River Operation Agreement (TROA)
This is a full two-day field course by bus, covering the entire length of the Truckee River. Space permitting, there is flexibility for individuals to sign up for one day only. Seating is limited, and there is a moderate amount of walking involved.
TOPICS & SITES
DAY ONE--THURSDAY
On Thursday we will start early to drive from Sparks to Pyramid Lake via Pyramid Highway, discussing water rights and growth issues en route.
At Sutcliffe, we will meet Pyramid Tribe members who manage spawning cut-throat trout. Conditions permitting, we will have an unforgettable close-up view of the hands-on effort to help these fish survive and thrive. Be sure to bring your camera!
Later in the morning we will visit Marble Bluff fish facility, where a man-made lock helps fish travel from Pyramid Lake to the much higher channel of the River. Lunch will be provided in Fernley.
In the afternoon, we will drive upstream along the Truckee River to Sparks, visiting Derby Dam and its multi-million dollar fish ladder and touring river restoration projects at McCarran Ranch, 102 Ranch and/or Lockwood. Our last stop of the day is near the Vista Reefs to hear two guest speakers on flood control and water quality.
DAY TWO--FRIDAY
On Friday, we will travel over Mount Rose summit to Lake Tahoe, for a guided tour of the Tahoe Environmental Research Center at Incline Village.
Regulations governing Lake Tahoe and its unique hydrology and history will be described at Tahoe Dam before continuing on to Donner Lake for a discussion of municipal water supply and drought storage for Reno-Sparks. Lunch will be provided in Truckee, with a guest speaker on watershed protection.
In the afternoon we will visit Boca and Stampede Reservoirs, with extensive discussion of the Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA) and the Negotiated Settlement, as well as the history of the Truckee River. In Verdi, we have a rare opportunity to view the inside of a 100-year old hydroelectric plant.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Janet R. Phillips*, P.E., is tour leader and provides commentary during time spent on the bus. Janet has a Bachelor’s in economics from Stanford and a Master’s in Water Resources Engineering from UCLA. Her career has centered on the Truckee River, first as assistant Water Master and later as Water Policy Director for Sierra Pacific Power Company, the water purveyor for Reno-Sparks until 2001. Her passion for the Truckee River is expressed today in leading an effort to create a bike/ped trail along the entire length of the River.
*formerly Carson
Guest Speakers join us at nearly every stop, including experts from USGS, DRI, Washoe County, Pyramid Lake Tribe, TMWA, Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and The Nature Conservancy.
Participants often add to the discussion by sharing their knowledge and materials with the group, so bring your expertise!
In early years we were hampered by blizzards and bus breakdowns, but everyone still loved this trip. In recent years, the trip has been sold out—so don’t wait too long to sign up!
Registration: $240 NWRA Members, $280 Non Members
Registration for this event is open!
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