Utah legislators visit Snake Valley
Ranchers oppose Nevada plan to pump groundwater
Meanwhile, in Salt Lake City, Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, neither confirmed nor denied a report heard by ranchers that Nevada's senior senator would hold a Washington County land bill hostage if Utah were to thwart the pumping project.
When Bennett visited with Deseret Morning News editors and reporters Monday, he was asked about a report the Snake Valley ranchers heard. The story was that Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., the most powerful Democrat in the Senate, was threatening to prevent passage of the Washington County land bill that Bennett and Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, are sponsoring, if Utah were to thwart the pumping project.
"We're having a conversation with Harry about both issues simultaneously," Bennett said.
Does that mean there is a connection?
"There's a connection that both issues are being talked about at the same time," Bennett replied, "but I don't know if it would be accurate to say something would not happen if the other didn't happen."
Ranchers and conservationists fear that taking water from the valley could cause a disastrous depletion of water in the region.
Cecil Garland, a rancher from Callao, Juab County, and others who live in the region showed Utah lawmakers around the area on Monday.
"We had a really good bunch," Garland said in a telephone interview.
Those legislators also met with a resident of a California county where water was taken from Owens Valley for use in Los Angeles, he said.
"He gave us an excellent description of what happened," Garland added.
The Californian said that at the beginning of the project involving Owens Valley, people were assured only a little water would be removed and it wouldn't cause any disturbance.
"They took everything they could get their hands on," he said.
Garland showed legislators what could happen when vegetation is removed from the dry valley in Utah. Residents are worried that if the water table drops, plants will die.
"I showed them some springs that have been affected by the drought and by our own pumping," he added. "They were impressed. They're really an excellent bunch."
The legislators may meet with their counterparts from Nevada on Tuesday, he said.
Concerning the question about Reid's involvement in the groundwater and land bill issues, Bennett said, "Obviously Harry would be happier if both things got resolved at the same time."
E-mail: bau@desnews.com
Comments
- More school-money than expected 11:24 a.m.
- Virginia 'Freedman's' project done 11:12 a.m.
- Teen relive Mormon trek 11:12 a.m.
- Oldest American to scale Mount Everest 11:07 a.m.
- Knicks sign first-round pick 10:59 a.m.
- Armstrong third, Leipheimer fourthe 10:58 a.m.
- 6.0 quake in China 10:43 a.m.
- Big Ben celebrates 150 years 10:42 a.m.
- North Korean cyberattacks? 10:39 a.m.
- China raises death toll from riots 10:37 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Man spots his stolen car
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- LDS seminary principal arrested
235 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
151 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
138 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
106 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
95 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
76 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
It's hilarious to compare today's comments about the Mormon seminary teacher...
I love all the non-mormon comments. They just seem thrilled with the...
I NEVER picked Perez Hilton. He is bottom feeder and a poor excuse for a...
Damn man still can't believe you're still gone and its been almost a couple...
This is a wonderful article. Faiths all over the world can do so much good...
If government can't help, which seemingly it can't, they should just leave us...
For all of you who asked what the difference between a straight couple...
While reading most of the comments by the fans of BYU and Utah, one could say...
It's going to be funny in 20 years when all this seems stupid, and you are on...
When I can finally establish in every moment of my life peace, forgiveness,...


You can be the first to comment on this story.