Community briefs

Carson City

Library closed for holiday, Family Day

The Carson City Library will close Thursday and Friday, in recognition of Thanksgiving Day and Family Day. The library will reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday.

For information, call 887-2244.

Funds to help farmers, ranchers better conserve

Nevada has received $9.2 million in cost share assistance and land preservation funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Program sign ups may be made at local Natural Resources Conservation Service offices through Jan. 13.

Funds help farmers and ranchers implement conservation practices to improve resource concerns. Sagebrush habitats for sage grouse, erosion, water quantity through improved irrigation systems, noxious and invasive weeds, grazing land health issues and wildlife habitat are some of the concerns targeted for improvement.

To participate in NRCS cost share programs, all producers, landowners or entities must meet all program eligibility requirements. Persons wishing to make application to any of these programs are encouraged to do so now. Various levels of cost share assistance and a number of conservation practices are available in each program.

Program applicants must compete for the funds according to individual program requirements.

For information or to apply for program assistance, contact your local NRCS office, go to http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov or call (775) 857-8500, ext. 103.

Artisans hold Holiday Open House sale

The Artisans' Store at the Brewery Arts Center welcomes the public to its eighth Holiday Open House 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Enjoy free refreshments, shop for gifts, and meet the artists as they demonstrate their crafts. The Artisans' Store features poetry, pottery, basketry, art glass, sculpture, beadwork, painting, woodwork, handspuns, ties, soaps, and more. There will be a free drawing for a $25 gift certificate and other prizes. The store is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Call 883-1976.

Reno

BLM seeks input on North Valleys projects

The Bureau of Land Management Carson City Field Office has copies of the North Valleys Rights-of-Way Projects Final Environmental Impact Statement.

The EIS analyzes separate water supply and transmission rights-of-way applications received in 2003 from the Fish Springs Ranch LLC and Intermountain Water Supply LTD, two independent water companies, proposing projects in Washoe County.

Each company is proposing to construct and operate water supply and transmission projects to meet present and future water demands of the Stead/Silver Lake/Lemmon Valley areas in Washoe County. The proposed projects consist of groundwater production wells, pump station(s), transmission pipeline(s), electrical substation(s), overhead power line(s), and terminal water storage tank(s).

As a result of analysis in the EIS and concerns regarding monitoring and mitigation of water resources, the cooperating agencies facilitated development of a recommended monitoring and management plan for groundwater to be submitted to the Nevada State Engineer. The plan is included in the Final EIS.

The document is available at BLM's Morgan Mill Road office. The deadline for public comment is Dec. 9. Comments may be sent by mail, e-mail, or fax to: BLM Carson City Field Office, Attn: Terri Knutson, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701. E-mail: nvalleyswater_eis@blm.gov. Fax: 885-6147.

For information, contact Terri Knutson at 885-6156.