Excerpts from Southwest Hodrolgy September/October 2008, with some Commentary!
Early in U.S. history, public policy was fashioned to encourage settlement of the West. Laws such as the Homestead Act of 1862 and the Desert Lands Act of 1877 were framed to transfer government land to settlers. In 1902 the Reclamation Act provided funding for construction and maintenance of western irrigation projects. In its first annual report (1903), Reclamation had this to say " so that the remaining public lands will furnish the greatest possible number of homes, is an object worthy of the sustained effort of enlightened and patriotic citizens". The public works that followed included such things as Hoover Dam, Shasta Dam, Newlands project, Yuma Project, Klamath project, Hetchy Aqueduct, and many more. With the 1902 Reclamation act the face of the West was changed forever. It must be pointed out and understood, these efforts and projects were directed at irrigation needs, based on a population that farmed for a living. Nothing like the urban shifts projected today!
Not many of the retiring Baby Boomer generation are moving west to farm. Demographers say that the West is now, today, the most ubanized region of the nation (based on the percentage of the population living in cities), as well as the region experiencing the greatest population growth. Regional planners can not find growth models in history to compare to what they beleive is coming to Lincoln County over the next few years.
Eight BIG water projects are currently proposed in four states. The one most relevant to Lincoln County Nevada, is the ground water transfer project to build a 327 mile long pipe from East Central Nevada to Las Vegas. They propose to transfer 164,000 acre feet per year of groundwater from six basins, at an estimated cost of $3.5 billion to build. The project actually entails 200,000 afy with 36,000 afy being left in Lincoln County. The EIS study is intended to insure and protect existing water users and enviromental resources from unreasonable effects. Nevertheless, many rural Nevadans object to the project, believeing it may impact their region despite these precautions.
Then came the drought---at a magintude that had no probability of occurring, according to U.S. Bureau of Reclamation models based on a century of historical data. Turns out, in the big picture, a century of data, barely counts as a data base. In the blink of an eye, half a decades work to manage the Colorado River and meet the supply requirement and commitments has faded, as have the water levels in the Colorado River's two prime reservoirs. Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
Climate change and global warming predictions aside, demographic shift projections are clear, 8000 Americans turn 60 years old per day today and the migration West will continue for around twenty more years. The peak birth year was 1960, they are currently 49 years old! Many are looking to The Silver State of Nevada as their future home, for many reasons, weather, taxes, etc. The shift has already begun and Las Vegas, Mesquite, Coyote Springs, Toquop may be just the beginning. Water as everyone knows is vitial to sustain life. Water may be more valuable than oil one day soon!
Those looking for safe haven, preservation and growth for their investment dollars are realizing that food and water, the basics to sustaining life have a big future. It is estimated that the worlds population will grow by another three billion hungry people over the next twenty five short years. There are two things that will not change, the world is not adding any more land and the planet is not adding any more water. Those who own and control these limited resources have little long term risk, the future growth in demand is virtually guaranteed.
The opportunity to own water rights in this arid region, especially at today's prices will soon go by the way side. This offering price is currently subject to change without notice.
Lincoln County Nevada Real Estate For Sale; Flatnose Ranch is the largest parcel we currently have listed, however we do have other smaller opportunities as well. Many are as small as a few acres.
U.S Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Robert Johnson, recently said "He foresees future changes in operations particularly in response to two needs, managing the impacts of climate change, and incorporating new sources of water into existing water transfer systems".
Our goal is to provide you with current Lincoln County Land Market information you can use to make good buying and selling decisions. Market knowledge is your key to buying, selling, and investing right. Whether you are looking for the dream retirement site or a large ranch with water rights, Lincoln County Land Market will help you understand the market.
Lincoln County, Nevada is an Old Western Wonderland. Since less than three percent of the land is privately owned and ninety seven percent is public lands, the supply is very limited. Located less than two hundred miles north east of Las Vegas, Nevada and at elevations from 3000 to above 8000 feet above sea level, this cooler mountain climate is extremely desirable as a get away. Only one third of Coyote Springs is located in Clark County the other two thirds are in Lincoln County, the number of people who will make Lincoln County their primary home is expected to grow dramatically in the future.
The access to, and availablity of, recreational opportunities in and around Lincoln County are nearly endless. From Lake Mead to Zion and Escalante Grand Stair Case National Parks to The Las Vegas Strip and none of them are even in Lincoln County. With over ten thousand square miles of mostly public land and five Nevada State Parks, you could spend a life time exploring. Lincoln County borders Southern Utah, and is not far from the Arzona Strip (North Rim of The Grand Canyon), some of the most Beautiful and unpopulated land in America. Join us for Lincoln County National Trails Day
Water in Lincoln County, as in many parts of the world today, is one of the most valuable resources. Water laws and water rights can become very complicated, caution and facts are recommended here. It is our most valuable resource.
Due to the projected demographic shifts in the future including the baby boomer generation retiring, growth in Lincoln County on a percentage basis is expected to exceed any planning model available anywhere. Doing Business in Lincoln County. This will create unpresidented challenges and opportunities.
Chris W. Miller ABR, CRS, GRI Cell 435-862-5951 or Office 702-346-7200
The information contained on Lincoln County Land Market. com has been secured from sources we believe to be reliable, but we make no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy of the information. Buyer must verify the information and bears all risk for any inaccuracies.
Due to the nature of the real estate business, market conditions are always changing. This is and always will be a work in progress, and subject to change.
Valuable Resources and Complicated Issues Deserve Professional Representation. Contact Chris W. Miller to discuss purchasing Nevada land or Listing your Farm or Ranch. About Chris W. Miller
