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Nevada bill would double capacity of wildlife ‘guzzlers’ to help animals during drought
Summary
A bill sponsored in the Nevada Assembly proposes increasing allowed storage and pipeline reach for artificial wildlife water developments known as guzzlers. Proponents said the change would help wildlife survive prolonged dry periods; the committee heard support and no opposition at a March hearing.
Assembly Bill 132, aimed at expanding the capacity of artificial wildlife water developments called “guzzlers,” was heard March 10 before the Nevada Senate Committee on Natural Resources in Carson City. Assemblyman Toby Urich (R.), sponsor of AB132, told the committee the bill passed the Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support and was introduced to respond to drought pressure on wildlife habitat.
The bill would raise the allowed storage capacity for guzzlers from 20,000 gallons to 40,000 gallons and extend the maximum allowed pipeline length from a quarter mile to a half mile. Proponents said those changes would let water managers capture and store more runoff during the episodic storms Nevada receives, and stretch limited resources during extended dry periods.
“We have many mountain ranges in dire straits for water resources and forage,” said Larry Johnson, president of the Nevada Coalition for Wildlife, who described guzzlers as impervious aprons and collection systems that feed storage tanks and drinkers used by everything “from bugs to birds to big game.” Johnson said the features allow wildlife to use areas that might otherwise be dry because of human encroachment. He said sportsmen’s groups and the Nevada Department of Wildlife build and maintain many of the units.
Bridal Bauman, a Wildlife Staff Specialist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, told the committee the department supports the bill. Bauman said the department oversees about 1,790 water developments statewide, that roughly 489 of those would be eligible for increased capacity under AB132, and that three already have capacities near the current 20,000-gallon limit. Bauman described routine maintenance and monitoring, including helicopter support, and noted a recent incident in the Muddy Mountains where a monitored unit filled during storms; she said capturing the overflow could have conserved additional gallons for wildlife.
Other conservation groups also testified in support. Kristy Cabrera Georgeson, deputy director of the Nevada Conservation League, and Olivia Tanager (representing the CR Club Toiyabe chapter) both urged the committee to advance the bill, saying guzzlers are a low-impact, cost-effective tool to sustain wildlife and reduce pressure on natural springs.
Committee members asked about ownership and maintenance. Bauman and Johnson said most guzzlers sit on Bureau of Land Management lands but are typically constructed, inspected or maintained under the Department of Wildlife’s program with substantial volunteer support from sportsmen’s groups; private volunteers frequently perform hands-on maintenance while NDOW provides oversight and inspection.
The committee accepted public support testimony and heard no opposition. The hearing record shows no committee vote on AB132 during the session; the committee closed the hearing and proceeded to other business.
If enacted, AB132 would allow larger storage at existing and new wildlife water developments and longer pipelines to reach remote drinkers. Supporters said the change would reduce emergency water-lift costs and help wildlife survive in a drier climate, while department witnesses described existing inspection and maintenance practices.
No formal action or floor vote on the bill was recorded during the hearing.
