Carlie Henneman and Kat Dow

Director and Manager for Walker Basin Conservancy Water Program

Walker Lake, Nevada

October 3, 2024

Walker Lake and its light blue, reflective waters sits starkly against a sea of dusty sagebrush and mountainous expanse. Here, we met Carlene Henneman and Kat Dow, director and manager for the water program of Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC), an organization dedicated to preserving this oasis.

Walker Lake is especially close to Kat’s heart, “Growing up here, I’ve never not been aware that water is an issue out here. ” The lake that once stretched over the highway has shrunk immensely, primarily due to the diversion of Walker River for agriculture. Less water flowed into the basin, and consequently, water salinity became highly concentrated. Now it is uninhabitable for fish, including the threatened Lahontan Cutthroat trout that historically thrived in Walker Lake. Consequently, migratory birds can no longer utilize the lake to rest and feed.

Carlee and Kat speak passionately about the progress WBC has made to reverse these effects, primarily by purchasing water rights from farmers to flow into the lake. Much of the organization’s efforts are directed at restoring riparian areas with native plants. Carlee and Kat are dedicated to conserving Walker Lake and its watershed for the community as well, from creating local parks to involving youth in environmental education.

As we look upon the lake together, we can envision what this stunning landscape could look like with a recovered ecosystem- a place of refuge for fish, birds, and a thriving area of community recreation.

by Sofia DeFanti