reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.105 - Operation and management of state nurseries by State Forester Firewarden; powers; fee schedule for plant materials distributed; regulations; penalty.

1. Any state nursery authorized by NRS 528.100 must be operated under management of the State Forester Firewarden and must propagate stock for uses as provided in this section.
2. The State Forester Firewarden may:
(a) Purchase nursery stock, seed and other conservation plant materials.
(b) Engage in seed, tree and plant development research.
(c) Demonstrate methods of conservation plant material planting, propagation and landscaping to public or private organizations or individuals.
(d) Distribute conservation plant materials for planting on public property for the purposes of soil erosion control, windbreaks, noise abatement, revegetation, greenbelts, greenstrips, reduction of fire hazards, xeriscaping, watershed protection, providing wildlife habitat, improving human health, sustaining local economies and beautification.
(e) Distribute conservation plant materials for planting on private property for the purposes of production of forest or wood-lot products, soil erosion control, windbreaks, noise abatement, revegetation, greenbelts, greenstrips, reduction of fire hazards, xeriscaping, water conservation and providing wildlife habitat.
(f) Charge and collect for all plant materials distributed under paragraphs (d) and (e) in accordance with a fee schedule developed by the State Forester Firewarden and approved by the Director.
3. Conservation plant materials distributed by the State Forester Firewarden under the provisions of paragraph (e) of subsection 2 must be used only for the purposes therein set forth. The State Forester Firewarden may set by regulation the criteria for eligibility for distribution of plants under paragraph (e) of subsection 2.
4. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Added to NRS by 1957, 322; A 1975, 529; 1977, 79; 1981, 223; 2021, 623)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.107 - Buildings, equipment and personnel for state nurseries.

The State Forester Firewarden may order the construction of such buildings, the purchase of such equipment and the employment of such personnel as shall be necessary to effectuate the provisions of NRS 528.100 and 528.105, and as shall be authorized by law.
(Added to NRS by 1957, 323)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.110 - Boards of county commissioners authorized to enter into cooperative agreements to establish cooperative nurseries.

The boards of county commissioners of the counties of the State of Nevada are likewise authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the representative of the State of Nevada appointed pursuant to the provisions of NRS 528.100 and with other counties, municipalities, organizations and individuals for the purpose of establishing a cooperative nursery or nurseries for production, arboretum and research purposes, and to appropriate and expend funds for all necessary expenses incurred in the planting and cultivation of conservation plant materials.
[2:87:1941; 1931 NCL § 3168.01]—(NRS A 1975, 530)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.115 - Cooperative agreements for research and dissemination of information.

1. The Division, subject to the approval of the Director, may:
(a) Enter into cooperative agreements with research organizations providing for the use of Division facilities for the development of needed information concerning the propagation, establishment, protection, maintenance and use of conservation plant materials; and
(b) Enter into contracts with established research organizations to obtain such information.
2. The Director and the Nevada System of Higher Education may enter into a cooperative agreement providing for the dissemination of information obtained by the Division pursuant to subsection 1.
(Added to NRS by 1975, 528; A 1977, 1169; 1993, 412)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.120 - Land suitable for program of conservation: Negotiation for acceptance; revegetation, protection and management on behalf of State.

The Division may, subject to the approval of the Director and the State Land Registrar, and pursuant to NRS 321.001 and 321.003:
1. Negotiate for the acceptance of any land suitable for a program of conservation; and
2. Revegetate, protect and manage that land on behalf of the State.
(Added to NRS by 1971, 755; A 1977, 1170; 1985, 695)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.131 - Definitions.

As used in NRS 528.131 to 528.138, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined in NRS 528.132, 528.133 and 528.134 have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.
(Added to NRS by 2023, 383)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.133 - Urban and community forest" defined.

"Urban and community forest" means native or introduced trees and related plant materials in or near urban or community areas, including, without limitation, urban and community watersheds, soils, natural riparian habitats, street trees, park trees and residential trees.
(Added to NRS by 2023, 384)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.134 - Urban and community forestry" defined.

"Urban and community forestry" means the science of developing, caring for, cultivating, managing and maintaining native and introduced trees and related plant materials in an urban or community environment to enhance air and water quality, provide shade protection, stabilize soils, promote water conservation, reduce noise levels, reduce fire hazards, improve human health, provide wildlife habitat, sustain local economies and improve esthetics.
(Added to NRS by 2023, 384)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.135 - Creation; requirements; duties of State Forester Firewarden.

1. The Urban and Community Forestry Program is hereby created within the Division. The State Forester Firewarden shall administer the Program.
2. The Urban and Community Forestry Program must, without limitation, promote, create, improve and maintain urban and community forests in this State and advance and promote improvements that include, without limitation:
(a) Carbon sequestration and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions;
(b) Energy conservation;
(c) Air and water quality;
(d) Urban and community parks;
(e) Riparian corridors;
(f) River parkways;
(g) School greening or sun-safe schoolyards;
(h) Urban and community revitalization;
(i) Green infrastructure and sustainable landscapes;
(j) Food forests that provide access to healthy and nutritious foods in urban areas and communities that have been designated as food deserts; and
(k) Solid waste prevention.
3. In carrying out the requirements of subsection 2, the State Forester Firewarden shall:
(a) Develop local and regional targets for urban and community tree canopies and prioritize the development of such targets in historically underserved communities and areas that are particularly vulnerable to heat island effects. The targets must include, without limitation, local or regional targets for:
(1) Urban and community forest diversity;
(2) The resistance of urban and community forests to future climate conditions;
(3) The resistance of urban and community forests to insects, pests and diseases; and
(4) Any other target determined to be relevant by the State Forester Firewarden.
(b) Cooperate with state and regional urban and community forestry organizations or associations, arboricultural organizations or associations and any other relevant federal, state or local agency, district, board or other entity or public or private organization or persons in the advancement and promotion of urban and community forests.
(c) Develop and disseminate best practices for maintaining the health of urban and community forests, which may include, without limitation, the control of forest pests, insects and diseases.
(Added to NRS by 2023, 384)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.136 - Technical assistance to political subdivisions of State.

1. As part of the Urban and Community Forestry Program created pursuant to NRS 528.135, the Division shall provide technical assistance to state and local agencies, governing bodies of cities and counties and other political subdivisions of this State in the following areas relating to urban and community forests:
(a) Local and regional planning and land use;
(b) The development and coordination of training programs for planting and maintaining neighborhood and local trees;
(c) Urban and community forest health, including, without limitation, tree disease, insect problems, planting and maintaining trees and best practices for forest health;
(d) The role of forest ecology in planning for the future of urban and community areas, including, without limitation, climate change, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, air quality, proper watershed functions and energy conservation;
(e) The retention of native trees and riparian habitats;
(f) The role of urban and community forests as food forests in urban and community areas that have been designated as food deserts; and
(g) Any other matter the State Forester Firewarden deems relevant.
2. The Division may provide technical assistance to state and local agencies, governing bodies of cities and counties and other political subdivisions of this State relating to the utilization and composting of organic waste.
(Added to NRS by 2023, 385)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.137 - Authority of State Forester Firewarden to establish program to distribute grants; regulations.

1. As part of the Urban and Community Forestry Program, the State Forester Firewarden may establish a program to distribute grants to political subdivisions of this State, Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations to support and advance urban and community forestry in this State, which may include, without limitation:
(a) Urban and community forestry planning, including, without limitation, programs to promote community involvement in urban and community forestry planning, the coordination of local agencies or across multiple jurisdictions in urban and community forestry planning, and urban and community forestry planning for historically underserved communities;
(b) The planting of urban and community forests and the purchasing of seeds and nursery stock;
(c) The development and dissemination of training and educational materials on the benefits of urban and community forestry and best practices in maintaining the health of urban and community forests;
(d) Programs for the maintenance of urban and community forests, including, without limitation, programs in response to infestations and certain disruptive weather events such as droughts and storms;
(e) Projects that demonstrate methods of urban and community forestry, prioritizing those that promote achievement of the objectives of the Program set forth in subsection 2 of NRS 528.135;
(f) Partnerships between local agencies and nonprofit organizations that utilize urban and community forests to conserve energy, improve air quality or water management or mitigate greenhouse gases or heat island effects; or
(g) Other projects that promote achievement of the objectives of the Program set forth in subsection 2 of NRS 528.135, as determined by the State Forester Firewarden.
2. If a grant program is established pursuant to subsection 1, the State Forester Firewarden shall adopt regulations to carry out the program.
(Added to NRS by 2023, 385)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.138 - Cooperative agreements; authority of State Forester Firewarden to apply for and receive gifts, grants, services and donations; regulations.

1. The State Forester Firewarden, subject to the approval of the Director, may act for the State of Nevada in negotiating for and entering into cooperative agreements with the United States of America, with political subdivisions of this State, with Indian tribes and with organizations and natural persons to carry out the duties and functions of the Urban and Community Forestry Program in accordance with the provisions of NRS 528.131 to 528.138, inclusive.
2. The State Forester Firewarden may:
(a) Apply for and accept gifts, grants, services and donations from any source for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of NRS 528.131 to 528.138, inclusive; and
(b) Adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of NRS 528.131 to 528.138, inclusive.
(Added to NRS by 2023, 386)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 528 - Forest Practice and Reforestation › NRS 528.150 - Report concerning fire prevention and forest health in Lake Tahoe Basin; contents of report.

1. On or before January 1 of each year, the State Forester Firewarden shall, in coordination and cooperation with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the fire chiefs within the Lake Tahoe Basin, submit a report concerning fire prevention and forest health in the Nevada portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin to:
(a) The Legislative Committee for the Review and Oversight of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Marlette Lake Water System created by NRS 218E.555 and to the Director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau for transmittal to the Legislature;
(b) The Governor;
(c) The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency; and
(d) Each United States Senator and Representative in Congress who is elected to represent the State of Nevada.
2. The report submitted by the State Forester Firewarden pursuant to subsection 1 must address, without limitation:
(a) The status of:
(1) The implementation of plans for the prevention of fires in the Nevada portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin, including, without limitation, plans relating to the reduction of fuel for fires;
(2) Efforts concerning forest restoration in the Nevada portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin; and
(3) Efforts concerning rehabilitation of vegetation, if any, as a result of a fire or other event which significantly disturbs the vegetation in the Nevada portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
(b) Compliance with:
(1) The goals and policies for fire prevention and forest health in the Nevada portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin; and
(2) Any recommendations concerning fire prevention or public safety made by any fire department or fire protection district in the Nevada portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
(c) Any efforts to:
(1) Increase public awareness in the Nevada portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin regarding fire prevention and public safety; and
(2) Coordinate with other federal, state, local and private entities with regard to projects to reduce fire hazards in the Nevada portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
(Added to NRS by 2009, 513; A 2011, 3736; 2013, 2367; 2019, 740)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.020 - Appointment.

The State Engineer is appointed by and responsible to the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
[Part 1:108:1919; A 1949, 450; 1943 NCL § 7390]—(NRS A 1957, 652; 1987, 1311)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.030 - Qualifications.

No person may be appointed as State Engineer who is not a licensed professional engineer pursuant to the provisions of chapter 625 of NRS and who does not have such training in hydraulic and general engineering and such practical skill and experience as shall fit that person for the position.
[Part 1:108:1919; A 1949, 450; 1943 NCL § 7390]—(NRS A 1997, 1069)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.040 - Oath.

Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, the State Engineer shall take and subscribe to an official oath, such as is provided by law for state officers, before a person authorized by the law of this State to administer oaths.
[12:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3227; NCL § 7900]—(NRS A 1959, 552; 1975, 347)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.060 - Classification; restrictions on other employment.

1. The State Engineer is in the unclassified service of the State.
2. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 284.143, the State Engineer shall devote his or her entire time and attention to the business of the Office of the State Engineer and shall not pursue any other business or occupation or hold any other office of profit.
[31:295:1953; A 1955, 525]—(NRS A 1959, 552; 1960, 396; 1964, 2; 1965, 706; 1967, 1501; 1971, 1440; 1981, 1283; 1995, 2316)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.070 - Location of office.

The State Engineer shall keep his or her office at the State Capital.
[17:140:1913; A 1949, 102; 1943 NCL § 7904] + [Part 1:108:1919; A 1949, 450; 1943 NCL § 7390]—(NRS A 2003, 1452; 2011, 324)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.080 - Seal.

1. The State Engineer is empowered and directed to procure for the Office of the State Engineer a seal upon which shall appear his or her official title and such other suitable inscription as the State Engineer may deem proper.
2. The seal shall be affixed to all official permits, certificates and other documents issued by the State Engineer under the provisions of law.
[74:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3244; NCL § 7960]
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.090 - Appointment of technical, clerical and operational staff; persons appointed to conduct snow surveys exempted from state human resources system.

1. The State Engineer may, with the consent of the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, appoint such technical, clerical and operational staff as the execution of the duties of the State Engineer and the operation of the Division may require.
2. Snow survey personnel appointed for the purposes of NRS 532.170 are exempt from the provisions of chapter 284 of NRS.
[Part 2:108:1919; A 1929, 143; 1949, 450; 1943 NCL § 7391]—(NRS A 1957, 653; 1959, 552; 1963, 71; 1985, 434)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.100 - Expenses.

The State Engineer may purchase such material and incur such expenses for traveling and other purposes as may be necessary for the proper conduct and maintenance of the Office of the State Engineer, to be paid from the moneys which may be appropriated for such purposes from time to time, as other state claims are paid.
[Part 2:108:1919; A 1929, 143; 1949, 450; 1943 NCL § 7391]
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.110 - General duties.

The State Engineer shall perform such duties as are or may be prescribed by law and the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
[Part 2:108:1919; A 1929, 143; 1949, 450; 1943 NCL § 7391]—(NRS A 1957, 653)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.120 - Rules and regulations; regulations governing contests.

1. The State Engineer may make such reasonable rules and regulations as may be necessary for the proper and orderly execution of the powers conferred by law.
2. The State Engineer may adopt regulations, not in conflict with law, governing the practice and procedure in all contests before the Office of the State Engineer, to ensure the proper and orderly exercise of the powers granted by law, and the speedy accomplishment of the purposes of chapters 533, 534, 535 and 536 of NRS. Such rules of practice and procedure must be furnished to any person upon application therefor.
[31:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3232; NCL § 7918] + [86:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3248; NCL § 7972]—(NRS A 2007, 2014)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.140 - Reports.

The State Engineer shall prepare and deliver to the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at such times as may be required by the Director, a full report of the work of the Office of the State Engineer, including a detailed statement of the expenditures thereof, with such recommendations as the State Engineer may deem advisable.
[14:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3227; NCL § 7901]—(NRS A 1959, 552)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.150 - Records: Public inspection; certified copies as evidence.

1. The records of the Office of the State Engineer are public records and shall remain on file in the Office of the State Engineer and be open to the inspection of the public at all times during business hours.
2. Such records shall show in full all maps, profiles and engineering data relating to the use of water.
3. Certified copies thereof shall be admissible as evidence in all cases where the original would be admissible as evidence.
[15:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3227; NCL § 7902]
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.160 - Duties of Attorney General and district attorneys.

The Attorney General and the district attorney of the county in which legal questions arise shall be the legal advisers of the State Engineer and shall perform any and all legal duties necessary in connection with their work without any further compensation than their salaries fixed by law.
[78:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3246; NCL § 7964]
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.165 - Duties: Studies and inventories; review of governmental proposals for flood control and water development projects; program to map water rights.

The State Engineer shall:
1. Conduct necessary studies and inventories.
2. Review and evaluate proposals by federal, state and local agencies for flood control and water development projects to ensure that such proposals are compatible with the state water resource plan and are in compliance with Nevada water laws.
3. Within the limits of legislative appropriations, implement a program to map water rights statewide on a geographic information system.
(Added to NRS by 1969, 239; A 1977, 1171; 1995, 2685)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.167 - Duties: Water budget and inventory.

For each basin located in whole or in part in the State, the State Engineer shall prepare a water budget and calculate and maintain an inventory of water which includes, without limitation:
1. The total amount of groundwater appropriated in the basin in accordance with decreed, certified and permitted rights regardless of whether the water appropriations are temporary in nature;
2. An estimate of the amount of groundwater used by domestic wells in the basin; and
3. An estimate of the amount of all groundwater that is available for appropriation in the basin.
(Added to NRS by 2017, 3497)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.170 - Agreements concerning use and development of water resources.

1. Subject to the provisions of subsection 2 and with the approval of the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the State Engineer, for and on behalf of the State of Nevada, is authorized to enter into agreements with the United States Geological Survey, the United States Soil Conservation Service, and any state agency, subdivision or institution having jurisdiction in such matters, for cooperation in making stream measurements, underground water studies, snow surveys, or any investigations related to the development and use of the water resources of Nevada.
2. The expenses of such investigations and surveys shall be divided between the parties upon an equitable basis.
[1:117:1945; 1943 NCL § 8259]—(NRS A 1959, 553)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.175 - Agreements concerning cooperative management of groundwater basins shared between states.

The State Engineer, after a public hearing on the issue and with the approval of the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, for and on behalf of the State of Nevada, is authorized to enter into agreements with neighboring states or their political subdivisions concerning cooperative management of groundwater basins shared between the states.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 108)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.180 - Cooperation with United States and California relative to waters of Lake Tahoe and adjacent areas.

With the approval of the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the State Engineer, for and on behalf of the State of Nevada, is authorized to cooperate with the United States Government and the State of California in making a study of the various problems pertaining to the future needs and uses of the waters of Lake Tahoe in the area adjacent thereto, and, if it appears that at some future period there may be a shortage of water, to study ways and means of developing a supplemental water supply so that the development of the area will not be impeded and existing water rights not jeopardized.
[1:173:1947; 1943 NCL § 7392.04]—(NRS A 1959, 553)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.200 - Adjudication Emergency Account.

1. For the purpose of advancing and paying for stenographic work and transcripts required by law or order of court, or for the costs, witness fees or expenses incurred by or upon the authority of the Attorney General and the State Engineer in any litigation affecting any order of determination adjudicating the waters of any system of streams in this state, there is hereby created the Adjudication Emergency Account in the State General Fund. All money returned pursuant to subsection 3 and NRS 533.190 until those returns total an amount determined by the State Board of Examiners must be deposited in this Account, and thereafter the Account must be maintained for the purposes designated in this section. If the balance in the Adjudication Emergency Account exceeds the amount determined by the State Board of Examiners, that portion of the balance in the Account which exceeds the amount determined by the State Board of Examiners must be deposited in the State General Fund. If the balance in the Adjudication Emergency Account is below the amount determined by the State Board of Examiners, the State Engineer may request an allocation from the Contingency Account pursuant to NRS 353.266, 353.268 and 353.269.
2. No part of the Adjudication Emergency Account may be used in the payment of attorney’s fees.
3. The State of Nevada shall recover all costs paid or advanced pursuant to the provisions of this section, and the money recovered must be placed in the Adjudication Emergency Account.
4. All expenditures from the Adjudication Emergency Account must be paid as other claims against the State are paid.
[1:136:1927; NCL § 8251] + [2:136:1927; NCL § 8252] + [3:136:1927; NCL § 8253]—(NRS A 1979, 114; 1985, 720; 1991, 1781; 2001, 2774)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.210 - Water Distribution Revolving Account.

1. The fund created pursuant to the provisions of chapter 232, Statutes of Nevada 1931, and chapter 23, Statutes of Nevada 1943, is hereby continued as a revolving account within the State General Fund, for the purposes set forth in NRS 533.270 to 533.295, inclusive, and for the purposes set forth in the provisions of chapters 534, 535 and 536 of NRS pertaining to the conservation and distribution of waters.
2. The money in the Water Distribution Revolving Account may be used for:
(a) The payment of state water commissioners’ and assistant state water commissioners’ salaries and expenses.
(b) The payment of salaries and expenses of other employees engaged in the work of the distribution of waters or streams that are directly under the supervision of the State Engineer.
(c) The payment of expenses necessarily incurred by the state water commissioners in the distribution of water.
3. The money in the Water Distribution Revolving Account, or so much thereof as is necessary, may be used by the State Engineer for the uses and purposes of, and in the administration of the provisions of, chapter 534 of NRS pertaining to the conservation and distribution of underground waters.
[1:232:1931; A 1943, 34; 1943 NCL § 8255] + [2:232:1931; A 1943, 34; 1943 NCL § 8255.01]—(NRS A 1979, 666; 1991, 1781)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 532 - State Engineer › NRS 532.230 - Account for the Channel Clearance, Maintenance, Restoration, Surveying and Monumenting Program.

1. The Account for the Channel Clearance, Maintenance, Restoration, Surveying and Monumenting Program is hereby created in the State General Fund.
2. The money in the Account must be administered by the State Engineer and must be expended only to aid local governments or tribal governments in the manner provided in NRS 532.220.
3. If the balance in the Account is below $250,000, the State Engineer may request an allocation from the Contingency Account pursuant to NRS 353.266, 353.268 and 353.269.
4. If the balance in the Account is not sufficient to provide a grant of money to an incorporated city, a county, a political subdivision of this State or a tribal government in this State, the State Engineer shall request an allocation from the Contingency Account pursuant to NRS 353.266, 353.268 and 353.269.
(Added to NRS by 1995, 865; A 1997, 2222; 1999, 1241; 2023, 59)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.005 - Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 533.007 to 533.023, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in those sections.
(Added to NRS by 2009, 595)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.007 - "Interbasin transfer of groundwater" defined.

"Interbasin transfer of groundwater" means a transfer of groundwater for which the proposed point of diversion is in a different basin than the proposed place of beneficial use.
(Added to NRS by 2009, 595)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.010 - "Person" defined.

"Person" includes the United States, this State and any political subdivision of this State.
[48:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3235; NCL § 7933]—(NRS A 1985, 522; 2009, 596)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.015 - "State Engineer" defined.

"State Engineer" means the State Engineer or any duly authorized assistant.
[49:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3235; NCL § 7934]—(NRS A 2009, 596)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.020 - "Stream system" defined.

"Stream system" includes any stream, together with its tributaries and all streams or bodies of water to which the same may be tributary.
[47:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3235; NCL § 7932]—(NRS A 2009, 596)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.024 - Legislative declaration.

The Legislature declares that:
1. It is the policy of this State:
(a) To encourage and promote the use of effluent, where that use is not contrary to the public health, safety or welfare, and where that use does not interfere with federal obligations to deliver water of the Colorado River.
(b) To recognize the importance of domestic wells as appurtenances to private homes, to create a protectable interest in such wells and to protect their supply of water from unreasonable adverse effects which are caused by municipal, quasi-municipal or industrial uses and which cannot reasonably be mitigated.
(c) To encourage the State Engineer to consider the best available science in rendering decisions concerning the available surface and underground sources of water in Nevada.
(d) To encourage and promote the use of water to prevent or reduce the spread of wildfire or to rehabilitate areas burned by wildfire, including, without limitation, through the establishment of vegetative cover that is resistant to fire.
(e) To manage conjunctively the appropriation, use and administration of all waters of this State, regardless of the source of the water.
2. The procedures in this chapter for changing the place of diversion, manner of use or place of use of water, and for confirming a report of conveyance, are not intended to have the effect of quieting title to or changing ownership of a water right and that only a court of competent jurisdiction has the power to determine conflicting claims to ownership of a water right.
(Added to NRS by 1991, 296; A 1993, 2640; 2001, 551; 2005, 2560; 2009, 469; 2011, 1564; 2017, 3497)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.0241 - Duty of State Engineer to reserve certain amount of groundwater.

1. For each basin in which there is groundwater that has not been committed for use, including, without limitation, pursuant to a permit, certificate or by any other water user in the basin, as of June 5, 2019, the State Engineer shall reserve 10 percent of the total remaining groundwater that has not been committed for use in the basin.
2. The groundwater in the basin from the reserve created pursuant to subsection 1 is not available for any use.
(Added to NRS by 2019, 2515)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.0243 - Temporary conversion of agricultural water for certain purposes: Legislative declaration; requirements; duration.

1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares that it is the policy of this State to allow the temporary conversion of agricultural water rights for wildlife purposes or to improve the quality or flow of water.
2. If a person or entity proposes to temporarily convert agricultural water rights for wildlife purposes or to improve the quality or flow of water, such temporary conversion:
(a) Must not be carried out unless the person or entity first applies for and receives from the State Engineer any necessary permits or approvals required pursuant to:
(1) The provisions of this chapter; and
(2) Any applicable decisions, orders, procedures and regulations of the State Engineer.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, must not exceed 3 years in duration. A temporary conversion of agricultural water rights for wildlife purposes or to improve the quality or flow of water may be extended in increments not to exceed 3 years in duration each, provided that the person or entity seeking the extension first applies for and receives from the State Engineer any necessary permits or approvals, as described in paragraph (a).
(Added to NRS by 2007, 1510)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.0245 - State Engineer prohibited from carrying out duties in conflict with certain decrees, orders, compacts or agreements.

The State Engineer shall not carry out his or her duties pursuant to this chapter in a manner that conflicts with any applicable provision of a decree or order issued by a state or federal court, an interstate compact or an agreement to which this State is a party for the interstate allocation of water pursuant to an act of Congress.
(Added to NRS by 2007, 2016)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.0247 - State Engineer, assistants and agents authorized to enter land to investigate and carry out duties.

The State Engineer or any assistant or authorized agent of the State Engineer may enter the land of any owner or proprietor where any water is being diverted or used pursuant to this chapter at any reasonable hour of the day to investigate and carry out the duties of the State Engineer pursuant to this chapter.
(Added to NRS by 2011, 504)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.025 - Water belongs to public.

The water of all sources of water supply within the boundaries of the State whether above or beneath the surface of the ground, belongs to the public.
[1:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3225; NCL § 7890]
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.027 - Applicability of chapter to certain emergency situations to extinguish fires and de minimus collection of precipitation.

1. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:
(a) The use of water in emergency situations to extinguish fires by a public agency or a volunteer fire department; or
(b) The de minimus collection of precipitation:
(1) From the rooftop of a single-family dwelling for nonpotable domestic use; or
(2) If the collection does not conflict with any existing water rights as determined by the State Engineer, in a guzzler to provide water for use by wildlife. The guzzler must:
(I) Have a capacity of 20,000 gallons or less;
(II) Have a capture area of 1 acre or less;
(III) Have a pipe length of 1/4 mile or less;
(IV) Be developed by a state or federal agency responsible for wildlife management or by any other person in consultation with the Department of Wildlife; and
(V) Be approved for use by the Department of Wildlife.
2. As used in this section:
(a) "Domestic use" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 534.013.
(b) "Guzzler" has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 501.121.
(c) "Public agency" means an agency, bureau, board, commission, department or division of this State or a political subdivision of this State.
(Added to NRS by 2017, 1432; A 2023, 1278)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.028 - Applicability of chapter to retention or detention of developed stormwater flow for certain purposes in county whose population is less than 700,000.

1. In a county whose population is less than 700,000, the provisions of this chapter do not apply to the retention or detention of developed stormwater flow for the purpose of flood control or stormwater management if:
(a) The governing body of the county or city requires such retention or detention as a condition of the approval of a development pursuant to NRS 278.010 to 278.630, inclusive; and
(b) Such retention or detention does not impair the predevelopment recharge of the relevant sources of groundwater or the offsite predevelopment flow of the relevant sources of surface water.
2. As used in this section, "developed stormwater flow" means the increase of surface stormwater runoff created by or attributable to the construction of man-made impervious surfaces as part of the development of land.
(Added to NRS by 2021, 1443)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.030 - Appropriation for beneficial use; use for recreational purpose, developed shortage supply or intentionally created surplus declared beneficial; limitations and exceptions.

1. Subject to existing rights, and except as otherwise provided in this section and NRS 533.0241, 533.027 and 533.028, all water may be appropriated for beneficial use as provided in this chapter and not otherwise.
2. The use of water, from any stream system as provided in this chapter and from underground water as provided in NRS 534.080, for any recreational purpose, or the use of water from the Muddy River or the Virgin River to create any developed shortage supply or intentionally created surplus, is hereby declared to be a beneficial use. As used in this subsection:
(a) "Developed shortage supply" has the meaning ascribed to it in Volume 73 of the Federal Register at page 19884, April 11, 2008, and any subsequent amendment thereto.
(b) "Intentionally created surplus" has the meaning ascribed to it in Volume 73 of the Federal Register at page 19884, April 11, 2008, and any subsequent amendment thereto.
3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, in any county whose population is 700,000 or more:
(a) The board of county commissioners may prohibit or restrict by ordinance the use of water and effluent for recreational purposes in any artificially created lake or stream located within the unincorporated areas of the county.
(b) The governing body of a city may prohibit or restrict by ordinance the use of water and effluent for recreational purposes in any artificially created lake or stream located within the boundaries of the city.
4. In any county whose population is 700,000 or more, the provisions of subsection 1 and of any ordinance adopted pursuant to subsection 3 do not apply to:
(a) Water stored in an artificially created reservoir for use in flood control, in meeting peak water demands or for purposes relating to the treatment of sewage;
(b) Water used in a mining reclamation project; or
(c) A body of water located in a recreational facility that is open to the public and owned or operated by the United States or the State of Nevada.
[2:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3225; NCL § 7891]—(NRS A 1969, 141; 1981, 658; 1985, 1301; 1989, 535, 1444; 1995, 2659; 2009, 643; 2011, 1293; 2017, 1432; 2019, 2515; 2021, 1443)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.035 - Beneficial use: Basis, measure and limit of right to use.

Beneficial use shall be the basis, the measure and the limit of the right to the use of water.
[3:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3225; NCL § 7892]
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.037 - Determination of priority of water right acquired for use in federal reclamation project; no additional water rights granted.

1. The priority of a water right acquired by a person for use in a federal reclamation project is determined according to the date on which the United States appropriated water for initiation of the project. Notwithstanding the fact that the water right so appropriated and acquired may ultimately vest in the name of the person at a later date, all such water rights so acquired are governed by the applicable law of this State in effect on the date on which the United States appropriated water for initiation of the project, unless the water rights vested under the law in this State before the time the United States first appropriated or otherwise acquired the water for initiation of the project. If the water right vested under the law in this State before appropriation or acquisition by the United States, the date of initiation of the water right is determined according to the date on which the water was first diverted under that appropriation or acquisition by the United States.
2. No water rights, in addition to those allocated under applicable court decrees, are granted, stated or implied by the determination of the date of priority pursuant to subsection 1.
(Added to NRS by 1999, 2630)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.040 - Water used for beneficial purposes to remain appurtenant to place of use; exceptions.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any water used in this State for beneficial purposes shall be deemed to remain appurtenant to the place of use.
2. If at any time it is impracticable to use water beneficially or economically at the place to which it is appurtenant, the right may be severed from the place of use and be simultaneously transferred and become appurtenant to another place of use, in the manner provided in this chapter, without losing priority of right.
3. The provisions of this section do not apply to a ditch or canal company that appropriates water for diversion and transmission to the lands of private persons for an annual charge.
4. For the purposes of this section, a surface water right acquired by a water user in a federal reclamation project may be considered appurtenant to an entire farm, instead of specifically identifiable land within that farm, upon the granting of a permit for the change of place of use by the State Engineer which designates the place of use as the entire farm. The quantity of water available for use on that farm must not exceed the total amount determined by applicable decrees as designated in the permit granted by the State Engineer.
5. For the purposes of this section, a water right acquired for watering livestock by a person who owns, leases or otherwise possesses a legal or proprietary interest in the livestock being watered is appurtenant to:
(a) The land on which the livestock is watered if the land is owned by the person who possesses a legal or proprietary interest in the livestock; or
(b) Other land which is located in this State, is benefited by the livestock being watered and is capable of being used in conjunction with the livestock operation of the person who owns the land if that land is owned by the person who possesses the legal or proprietary interest in the livestock being watered.
6. The provisions of subsection 5 must not be construed:
(a) To impair a vested right or other existing water right established before June 12, 2003, of a person to the use of water for the purpose of watering livestock; or
(b) To prevent any transfer of ownership of a water right for the purpose of watering livestock.
7. As used in this section, "farm" means a tract of land that is owned or leased by the same person and is primarily used for agricultural purposes. The term includes two or more such tracts of land, regardless of whether the tracts are contiguous to one another.
[4:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3225; NCL § 7893]—(NRS A 1999, 2630; 2003, 3410; 2015, 303)
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.045 - Right to divert ceases when necessity for use does not exist.

When the necessity for the use of water does not exist, the right to divert it ceases, and no person shall be permitted to divert or use the waters of this State except at such times as the water is required for a beneficial purpose.
[5:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3226; NCL § 7894]
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.050 - Beneficial use of water declared a public use; eminent domain.

The beneficial use of water is hereby declared a public use, and any person may exercise the right of eminent domain to condemn all lands and other property or rights required for the construction, use and maintenance of any works for the lawful diversion, conveyance and storage of waters.
[6:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3226; NCL § 7895]
2023 Nevada Revised Statutes › Chapter 533 - Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public Waters › NRS 533.055 - Storage of water for beneficial purpose; claiming and diversion of water turned into natural channel or watercourse.

Water may be stored for a beneficial purpose. Water turned into any natural channel or watercourse by any person entitled to the use thereof, whether stored in Nevada or in an adjoining state, may be claimed for beneficial use below, and diverted from the channel or watercourse by such person, subject to existing rights, due allowance for losses to be made, as determined by the State Engineer.
[7:140:1913; 1919 RL p. 3226; NCL § 7896]