IN EQUITY C-125-B: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA V. WALKER RIVER IRRIGATION, ET AL.

Filing 1650

AMENDED ORDER re 1649 Order Concerning Service Issues Pertaining to Defendants Who Have Been Served. Signed by Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leavitt on 8/25/2011. (Copies have been distributed pursuant to the NEF - KO)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEVADA

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***

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

)
)
Plaintiff,
)
)
WALKER RIVER PAIUTE TRIBE,
)
)
Plaintiff-Intervenor,
)
vs.
)
)
WALKER RIVER IRRIGATION DISTRICT, )
a corporation, et al.,
)
)
Defendants.
)
_______________________________________)
MINERAL COUNTY,
)
)
Proposed-Plaintiff-Intervenor
)
vs.
)
)
WALKER RIVER IRRIGATION DISTRICT )
a corporation, et al.
)
)
Proposed Defendants.
)

IN EQUITY NO. C-125-ECR
Subproceedings: C-125-B & C-125-C
3:73-CV-00127-ECR-LRL &
3:73-CV-00128-ECR-LRL
AMENDED ORDER
REVISED PROPOSED ORDER
CONCERNING SERVICE ISSUES
PERTAINING TO DEFENDANTS
WHO HAVE BEEN SERVED

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In the C-125-B and C-125-C subproceedings, the Court has required the United States of

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America (“United States”) and the Walker River Paiute Tribe (“Tribe”) (Plaintiff and Plaintiff-

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Intervenor in Subproceeding C-125-B) and Mineral County (Proposed Plaintiff-Intervenor in

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Subproceeding C-125-C) (collectively the “Plaintiff Parties”) to serve significant numbers of

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C-125-B/C-125-C: Revised Proposed Successor-in-Interest Order

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water rights holders in the Walker River Basin.1 In their respective subproceedings, the Plaintiff

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Parties have engaged in extensive service efforts on these water rights holders over a number of

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years. This Order addresses several overlapping service issues that have emerged from these

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efforts and are common to both subproceedings.

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Having reviewed and considered the record concerning service in these subproceedings,

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and the related filings and arguments of counsel, the Court has concluded that, with regard to

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defendants who have been served, service of the pleadings in these actions must have a defined

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end point and the Plaintiff Parties should be relieved of the duty (1) to track such defendants

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perpetually, (2) to re-serve them if and when they acquire additional water rights in the same

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subproceeding, or (3) to serve successors-in-interest to water rights if and when defendants who

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have been served transfer any of these rights. In the interest of ensuring that service will have an

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end point, this Order addresses the treatment and finality of service with respect to defendants

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who transfer their claims to water rights after having been served, defendants who have been

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served and acquire additional claims to water rights at issue in the same subproceeding, and the

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obligations of named defendants who transfer a claim to water right prior to service. This Order

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also addresses the treatment of successors-in-interest to claims to water rights following the

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death of a defendant who has been served.

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NOW THEREFORE, the Court FINDS and ORDERS as follows:

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To date, for example, the United States reports that it has served over 3,800 persons and entities pursuant to this
Court’s Case Management Order, (C-125-B Doc. 108), and Mineral County reports that it has served over 1,000
Walker River Decree water rights holders, (C-125-C Doc. 496).

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C-125-B/C-125-C: Revised Proposed Successor-in-Interest Order

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I.

Treatment of Successors-in-Interest As a Result of an Inter Vivos2 Transfer:

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1. The Court finds that after litigation has been commenced, the substitution or joinder of a

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successor-in-interest is governed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 25 (“Fed. R. Civ. P.

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25”). Hilbrands v. Far East Trading Co., 509 F.2d 1321, 1323 (9th Cir. 1975); Fischer

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Bros. Aviation, Inc. v. NWA, Inc., 117 F.R.D. 144, 146 (D. Minn. 1987) (citing

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Froning's, Inc. v. Johnston Feed Serv., 568 F.2d 108, 110 (8th Cir. 1978)); P P Inc. v.

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McGuire, 509 F. Supp. 1079, 1083 (D.C.N.J. 1981) (citing 7A Charles Alan Wright &

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Arthur R. Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure § 1958 (1972)). Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(c)

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governs the substitution of successors-in-interest that are the result of an inter vivos

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transfer and provides in relevant part that “[i]f an interest is transferred, the action may be

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continued by or against the original party unless the court, on motion, orders the

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transferee to be substituted in the action or joined with the original party.” Fed. R. Civ.

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P. 25(c).

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2. “The most significant feature of Rule 25(c) is that it does not require that anything be

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done after an interest is transferred. The action may be continued by or against the

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original party, and the judgment will be binding on his successor-in-interest even though

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he is not named.” In re Bernal, 207 F.3d 595, 598 (9th Cir. 2000) (citing 7C Charles

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Alan Wright, Arthur R. Miller & Mary Kay Kane, Federal Practice and Procedure § 1958

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(2d Ed.1986)); see also Luxliner P.L. Export Co. v. RDI/Luxliner, Inc., 13 F.3d 69, 71

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(3d Cir.1993); P P Inc. v. McGuire, 509 F. Supp. at 1083 (citing Froning's, Inc., 568 F.2d

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Inter vivos means among the living. Transfers that occur because a served defendant has died are addressed below

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C-125-B/C-125-C: Revised Proposed Successor-in-Interest Order

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108). Thus, where a defendant has been served in a subproceeding and subsequently sells

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or otherwise conveys a water right or portion of a water right subject to that

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subproceeding, a successor-in-interest need not be re-served, but will be bound by the

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results of this litigation.

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3. Once a defendant has been served in a subproceeding, the burden of keeping track of

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inter vivos transfers of the defendant’s water rights in that subproceeding and substituting

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the defendant’s successors-in-interest properly is born by the defendant and its

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successor(s)-in-interest. The action will continue in the name of the served defendant

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until such time as the served defendant and any successor(s)-in-interest file an agreement

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and motion seeking the substitution of the successor(s)-in-interest for the served

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defendant and the Court approves that substitution.

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4. If a defendant who has been served in a subproceeding subsequently sells or otherwise

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conveys a water right or a portion of a water right subject to that subproceeding, that

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defendant and its successor(s)-in-interest may move for substitution pursuant to Fed. R.

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Civ. P. 25(c).

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5. If the Court approves the substitution of a successor-in-interest for a served defendant in
a subproceeding, the action will continue against the successor-in-interest, who will be
treated as a served defendant for the pendency of the subproceeding and shall be bound

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by the requirements of this Order and all prior and subsequent Orders in that
subproceeding.

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in Section II.

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C-125-B/C-125-C: Revised Proposed Successor-in-Interest Order

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6. If a defendant who has been served in a subproceeding subsequently acquires additional

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water rights that are subject to that subproceeding, the prior service on the defendant shall

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be effective as to all water rights held by that defendant, including any rights acquired

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subsequent to service.

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7. The Court has approved the attached forms (Attachments A and B) for use by defendants

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and their successors-in-interest in subproceedings C-125-B and C-125-C, respectively,

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under the above circumstances. Attachments A and B set forth a joint motion by which

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both the current defendant and its successor(s)-in-interest may identify the rights

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transferred and indicate their agreement that the successor(s)-in-interest be substituted

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into the applicable subproceeding for the water rights addressed. These forms are not the

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exclusive means by which successors-in-interest may be substituted into this action.

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II.

Treatment of Successors-in-Interest As a Result of a Death:

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8. The Court finds that Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(a) governs substitution of successors-in-interest as

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a result of a death and provides, in relevant part: “If a party dies and the claim is not

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extinguished, the court may order substitution of the proper party. A motion for

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substitution may be made by any party or by the decedent’s successor or representative.

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If the motion is not made within 90 days after service of a statement noting the death, the

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action by or against the decedent must be dismissed.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(a)(1). If no

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such notice or suggestion of death is made on the record, the case may proceed to

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judgment with the original named parties. 4 James Wm. Moore et al., Moore’s Federal

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Practice § 25.12[5], 25-20 (3d ed. 1997) (citing Ciccone v. Sec’y of Dep’t of Health and

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Human Servs., 861 F.2d 14, 15 n.1 (2d Cir. 1988)).

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9. “Service of a statement noting the death” means the filing on the record in the applicable
subproceeding(s) and service of a statement that identifies the successor(s) to the estate
C-125-B/C-125-C: Revised Proposed Successor-in-Interest Order

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who may be substituted for the decedent. McSurely v. McClellan, 753 F.2d 88, 98 (D.C.

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Cir. 1985); Rende v. Kay, 415 F.2d 983, 985-86 (D.C. Cir. 1969); Kessler v. Southeast

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Permanente Med. Group of NC, P.A., 165 F.R.D. 54, 56 (E.D.N.C. 1995) (citing 7C

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Charles A. Wright, et al., Federal Practice and Procedure § 1955 (1986 and Supp.1995));

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see also Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(a)(3) (service requirements for a statement noting death). Any

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statement noting the death of a defendant must be filed in all applicable subproceeding(s).

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In other words, if a decedent is only a defendant in subproceeding C-125-B, the notice

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need only be filed in that case. If, however, the decedent is a defendant in C-125-B and

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C-125-C, the notice must be filed in both subproceedings. A notice filed in one

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subproceeding shall not be construed as “service of a statement noting the death” in the

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other subproceeding for purposes of complying with this Order or FRCP 25(a).

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10. Should a death be formally noted on the record by service of a statement noting the death

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that is filed in the appropriate subproceeding(s), the Tribe and United States, in the case

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of C-125-B defendants, or Mineral County, in the case of C-125-C defendants, or any

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other party or the decedent’s representative and/or successor(s)-in-interest shall move for

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substitution of the proper successor-in-interest within 90 days of such notice pursuant to

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Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(a). The 90-day period may be extended pursuant to Rule 6(b), which

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provides the Court the discretion to enlarge this period. Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b); see also

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Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b) 1963 amendment advisory committee’s note to 1963 amendment;

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Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(1)(1) advisory committee’s note to 1963 amendment.

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11. Absent service of a statement noting the death in a subproceeding, the case may proceed

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against the original named parties in that subproceeding and will bind any and all

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successors-in-interest.

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12. If a successor-in-interest is already defendant in either subproceeding as a joint tenant or

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pursuant to other joint ownership of the right(s) owned by the decedent, no action is

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required and the subproceeding will continue against the successor-in-interest.

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C-125-B/C-125-C: Revised Proposed Successor-in-Interest Order

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III.

Treatment of Defendants in Subproceeding No. C-125-C Who Transferred Their
Interest(s) Prior to Service:

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13. The provisions of this Section III pertain only to Subproceeding C-125-C. The approved

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Service Package in Subproceeding C-125-B already includes an Order – Disclaimer of

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Interest and form entitled Disclaimer of Interest in Water Rights and Notice of Related

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Information and Documentation Supporting Disclaimer to address this issue. If any

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person or entity receiving service by mail or personal service has no interest in any water

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right subject to subproceeding C-125-C, that person or entity shall notify the Court and

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Mineral County in writing of that fact.
14. If such a person or entity sold or otherwise conveyed ownership of all water rights

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subject to Subproceeding C-125-C before being served or otherwise brought into

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Subproceeding C-125-C, in addition to disclaiming any interest in C-125-C, that person

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or entity shall include a notice providing the same successor-in-interest information

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required to be included in a motion for substitution.

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15. The form and substance of the disclaimer and notice for C-125-C shall substantially

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conform to the form attached to this Order as Exhibit C and shall be sent to the Court and
counsel for Mineral County.
16. Any person or entity who files a Disclaimer of Interest using the attached form or

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provides information for this purpose by other means is ultimately responsible for the

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accuracy of that filing. Consequently, any person or entity who files a notice regarding

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water rights subject to this litigation, but retains such water rights, shall nevertheless be

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bound by the results of this litigation.

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C-125-B/C-125-C: Revised Proposed Successor-in-Interest Order

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17. Following its receipt from any person or entity disclaiming any interest in any of the

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water rights at issue in this case, Mineral County will review the materials received, and,

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if appropriate, request that the Court dismiss that person or entity from subproceeding C-

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125-C.

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18. If Mineral County does not receive a Waiver of Service of Notice in Lieu of Summons

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and must personally serve a person or entity that subsequently files a Disclaimer of

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Interest pursuant to this Order, Mineral County will review the materials received, and, if

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appropriate, request that the Court dismiss the person or entity from subproceeding C-

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125-C, but that person or entity may be subject to paying the costs related to formal

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personal service on them.

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IV.

Notice to Parties

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19. The Plaintiff Parties shall provide periodic notice of developments in these proceedings

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to other parties in this proceedings by mail and by publication as directed by further order

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of this Court.

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V.

Duty to Provide Updated Information
20. The Walker River Irrigation District, the Nevada State Engineer and the California Water
Resources Control Board shall regularly provide updated water right ownership
information to the Court and the Plaintiff Parties. This information may be used to

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provide notice of the pending proceedings to any new water rights owners.

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IT IS SO ORDERED.

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August 25, 2011
Dated: ________________________
_____________________________
The Honorable Lawrence R. Leavitt
United States District Court Magistrate Judge

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C-125-B/C-125-C: Revised Proposed Successor-in-Interest Order

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ATTACHMENT A

ATTACHMENT A

C-125-B: Revised Proposed Form for Joint Motion for Substitution of Parties

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEVADA
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)
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Plaintiff,
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WALKER RIVER PAIUTE TRIBE,
)
)
)
Plaintiff-Intervenor,
)
)
vs.
)
WALKER RIVER IRRIGATION DISTRICT, )
)
a corporation, et al.,
)
)
Defendants.
______________________________________ )
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

IN EQUITY NO. C-125-ECR
Subproceeding: C-125-B
3:73-CV-00127-ECR-RAM
REVISED PROPOSED FORM OF
JOINT MOTION FOR
SUBSTITUTION OF PARTIES
FOLLOWING TRANSFER OF
INTEREST AND REQUEST FOR
HEARING

This motion is filed in Subproceeding C-125-B, which involves pending claims for water
rights in the Walker River by the United States and the Walker River Paiute Tribe. This motion
is filed pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(c) and this Court's Order Concerning Service Issues
Pertaining to Defendants Who Have Been Served (#

) and is filed jointly by

_____________________________________________, who is a current Counter-Defendant in
this action ("Current Defendant") and has conveyed or otherwise transferred one or more of the
water rights claims involved in this case to _______________________________________
("Proposed Defendant"). The categories of water rights claims involved in this case are
described in paragraph 3 of the Case Management Order previously entered by the Court.
By this motion, the Current Defendant and Proposed Defendant ask the Court to
substitute the Proposed Defendant into this action in place of the Current Defendant regarding
the specific water right(s) identified herein. The parties to this motion request a hearing on this
motion if any objections are filed to this motion. If there are no objections, the parties to this
motion consent to the Court entering an Order of Substitution without a hearing.
I.

Identification of Current Defendant:
The undersigned Current Defendant in the above action hereby notifies the Court and the

United States that the undersigned (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) has sold or
C-125-B: Revised Proposed Form for Joint Motion for Substitution of Parties

otherwise conveyed ownership of all or a portion of a water right or rights involved in this case
to the Proposed Defendant and provides the following information:
A.

The name and address of the Current Defendant who sold or otherwise conveyed
ownership:

Name(s):
Street or P.O. Box:
Town or City:
State:
ZipCode:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
B.

Attorney Representation:
□

Check here if the Current Defendant is not represented by counsel in this
subproceeding.

□

Check here if the Current Defendant is represented by counsel in this
subproceeding.

If the Current Defendant is represented by counsel in this subproceeding, that attorney is
identified below, along with his or her mailing address, telephone number, facsimile number, and
e-mail address:
Attorney:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
E-mail Address:
II.

Identification of Proposed Defendant:
The undersigned Proposed Defendant in the above action hereby notifies the Court and

the United States that the undersigned (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) has acquired
ownership of all or a portion of a water right or rights involved in this case from the Current
Defendant and provides the following information:

C-125-B: Revised Proposed Form for Joint Motion for Substitution of Parties

A. The name and address of the Proposed Defendant who acquired the water right or
rights at issue in this motion:
Name(s):
Street or P.O. Box:
Town or City:
State:
ZipCode:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
B.

Attorney Representation:
□

Check here if the Proposed Defendant is not represented by counsel in this
subproceeding.

□

Check here if the Proposed Defendant is represented by counsel in this
subproceeding.

If the Proposed Defendant is represented by counsel in this proceeding, that attorney is
identified below, along with his or her mailing address, telephone number, facsimile number, and
e-mail address:
Attorney:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
E-mail Address:
III.

Identification of the Water Right(s) Addressed in this Motion:
A. This motion addresses the following water right(s) that the Current Defendant has
transferred or otherwise conveyed to the Proposed Defendant:

C-125-B: Revised Proposed Form for Joint Motion for Substitution of Parties

B. Attached to and included with this motion are true and correct copies of all
documents by which the change in ownership addressed in this motion was
accomplished (check all appropriate boxes):
□ Deed(s)
□ Court Order(s)
□ Other Document(s)
IV.

Request for Substitution:
A. By this filing, the Current Defendant requests that the Proposed Defendant be substituted
into this action as the Counter-Defendant in regard to the water right(s) identified in
Section III.A.
B. By this filing, the Proposed Defendant agrees to be substituted into this action as the
Counter-Defendant in regard to the water right(s) identified in Section III.A.
C. The undersigned Current Defendant and Proposed Defendant acknowledge that any
person or entity who files this type of motion for substitution in this matter is ultimately
responsible for the accuracy of this filing. Consequently, the undersigned Current
Defendant and Proposed Defendant acknowledge that any defendant who files such a
motion, but, in fact, retains the water rights addressed in this motion, shall nevertheless
be bound by the results of this litigation.
D. Following the conveyance or transfer identified above, does the Current Defendant retain
any water right or portion of a water right, including any rights not identified in Section
III, that are involved in this case (fall within the water right categories set forth in
paragraph 3 of the Case Management Order)?
□

No. Subsequent to the conveyance/transfer identified in this motion,
I/we/entity do not own any other water rights that are involved in this case.
As a result, I/we/entity submit that the Court may dismiss the Current
Defendant from this subproceeding because I/we/entity no longer own any
water rights that are subject to this subproceeding.

□

Yes. Subsequent to the conveyance/transfer identified in this motion,
I/we/entity own other water rights that are involved in this case. As a result,
the Current Defendant remains a Counter-Defendant in this subproceeding

C-125-B: Revised Proposed Form for Joint Motion for Substitution of Parties

based on the ownership of other water rights that are subject to this
subproceeding.
V.

Waiver of Service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4:
This Section applies to any Proposed Defendant that is not already a Counter-Defendant

in this case based on its ownership of other water rights. By its signature to this motion, the
Proposed Defendant:
A. Acknowledges that I/we/entity (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) have been
made aware of the fact that the water right(s) described in Section III above are
subject to this subproceeding, which is entitled United States v. Walker River
Irrigation District, and which is docket number In Equity C-125, Subfile C-125-B, in
the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, and that I am bound by all
Orders in this subproceeding;
B. Acknowledges that I/we/entity (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) need not be
served separately or personally, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4, with a Notice in Lieu of
Summons, the instant motion or any other previous filing in this subproceeding;
C. Acknowledges that I/we/entity (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) may file a
NOTICE OF APPEARANCE AND INTENT TO PARTICIPATE in the Court at the
address indicated in Section VII, below; and
D. Acknowledges that I/we/entity (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) will retain
all defenses or objections to the lawsuit or to the jurisdiction or venue of the Court,
except for objections based on a defect in service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(c)
regarding this motion.
VI.

Certifications and Acknowledgements:
By this filing, the Current Defendant and Proposed Defendant acknowledge that:
A. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 25(c) governs the substitution of successors-ininterest that are the result of a transfer, other than those resulting from the death of a
defendant, and provides in relevant part that “[i]f an interest is transferred, the action
may be continued by or against the original party unless the court, on motion, orders
the transferee to be substituted in the action or joined with the original party....”;
B. Rule 25(c) does not require that anything be done after an interest is transferred,
which means that the action may be continued by or against the original party, and the

C-125-B: Revised Proposed Form for Joint Motion for Substitution of Parties

judgment will be binding on his successor-in-interest even though the successor-ininterest is not named;
C. Absent the filing of this or a similar motion, this action would continue in the name of
the Current Defendant, but would nevertheless bind the Proposed Defendant and any
future successors-in-interest to the results of the litigation;
D. Other parties to the case, acting pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, may
wish to file their position(s) regarding the merits of this motion, and may support,
oppose or take no position on the merits of this motion;
E. Following the filing of this motion, the action will continue in the name of the
Current Defendant for the water right(s) identified herein until such time as the Court
approves the substitution requested herein. While substitution does not automatically
dismiss a Current Defendant from this subproceeding, the Court may dismiss the
Current Defendant if that Defendant no longer has any water rights subject to this
proceeding.
VII.

Filing and Service of this Motion:
The Current Defendant and Proposed Defendant have filed this motion in the above

action with the:
Chief Deputy Clerk
United States District Court for the
District of Nevada
400 South Virginia Street, Suite 301
Reno, Nevada 89501
and served a copy of this motion by mail on:
Susan L. Schneider
United States Department of Justice
999 - 18th Street, Suite 370
Denver, CO 80202
PLEASE NOTE: Attorneys are reminded that they are required to comply with the electronic
filing procedures of the U.S. District Court for District of Nevada.
“Attorneys who are admitted to the bar of this court, admitted to participate in a case pro hac
vice, or who are authorized to represent the United States and its agencies, shall register as Filing
Users of the System. Registration shall be in the form prescribed by the Clerk of the Court and
C-125-B: Revised Proposed Form for Joint Motion for Substitution of Parties

by these Electronic Filing Procedures.” U.S. Dist. Ct., D. Nev., Electronic Filing Procedures
(rev. Aug. 24, 2006) at I.C.

Signature of Current Defendant:
____________________________
(Signature)

_______________________________
(Printed or typed Name)

Entity, if any, on whose behalf you are appearing:

___________________________

The forgoing instrument was signed before me this ____ day of _________, 20__ by _______________________.
State of _____________
County of ____________
___________________________
Signature of Notary
My Commission Expires:

Signature of Proposed Defendant:
____________________________
(Signature)

_______________________________
(Printed or typed Name)

Entity, if any, on whose behalf you are appearing:

___________________________

The forgoing instrument was signed before me this ____ day of _________, 20__ by ________________________.
State of _____________
County of ____________
___________________________
Signature of Notary
My Commission Expires:
C-125-B: Revised Proposed Form for Joint Motion for Substitution of Parties

ATTACHMENT B

ATTACHMENT B

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEVADA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

)
)
Plaintiff,
)
)
WALKER RIVER PAIUTE TRIBE,
)
)
Plaintiff-Intervenor,
)
)
)
vs.
)
WALKER RIVER IRRIGATION DISTRICT, )
a corporation, et al.,
)
)
Defendants.
)
_______________________________________)
MINERAL COUNTY,
)
)
Proposed-Plaintiff-Intervenor )
)
vs.
)
)
WALKER RIVER IRRIGATION DISTRICT )
a corporation, et al.
)
)
)
Proposed Defendants.
_______________________________________)

IN EQUITY NO. C-125-ECR
Subproceeding: C-125-C
3:73-CV-00128-ECR-RAM

PROPOSED FORM OF JOINT
MOTION FOR SUBSTITUTION
OF PARTIES FOLLOWING
TRANSFER OF INTEREST AND
REQUEST FOR HEARING

This motion is filed in Subproceeding C-125-C, which involves claims for water in the
Walker River by Mineral County. This motion is filed pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(c) and this
Court's Order Concerning Service Issues Pertaining to Defendants Who Have Been Served (#
) and is filed jointly by _____________________________________________, who is a
current Defendant in this action based on the ownership of one or more water rights claims under
the Walker River Decree ("Current Defendant") and has conveyed or otherwise transferred one
or more of these water rights claims to ____________________________________________
("Proposed Defendant").

By this motion, the Current Defendant and Proposed Defendant ask the Court to
substitute the Proposed Defendant into this action in place of the Current Defendant regarding
the specific water right(s) identified herein. The parties to this motion request a hearing on this
motion if any objections are filed to this motion. If there are no objections, the parties to this
motion consent to the Court entering an Order of Substitution without a hearing.
I.

Identification of Current Defendant:
The undersigned Current Defendant in the above action hereby notifies the Court and

Mineral County that the undersigned (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) has sold or
otherwise conveyed ownership of all or a portion of a water right or rights under the Walker
River Decree to the Proposed Defendant and provides the following information:
A. The name and address of the Current Defendant who sold or otherwise conveyed
ownership:
Name(s):
Street or P.O. Box:
Town or City:
State:
Zip Code:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
B.

Attorney Representation:
□

Check here if the Current Defendant is not represented by counsel in this
subproceeding.

□

Check here if the Current Defendant is represented by counsel in this
subproceeding.

If the Current Defendant is represented by counsel in this subproceeding, that
attorney is identified below, along with his or her mailing address, telephone number, facsimile
number, and e-mail address:
Attorney:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
E-mail Address:

II.

Identification of Proposed Defendant:
The undersigned Proposed Defendant in the above action hereby notifies the Court and

Mineral County that the undersigned (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) has acquired
ownership of all or a portion of a water right or rights under the Walker River Decree from the
Current Defendant and provides the following information:
A. The name and address of the Proposed Defendant who acquired the water right or
rights at issue in this motion:
Name(s):
Street or P.O. Box:
Town or City:
State:
Zip Code:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:
B.

Attorney Representation:
□

Check here if the Proposed Defendant is not represented by counsel in this
subproceeding.

□

Check here if the Proposed Defendant is represented by counsel in this
subproceeding.

If the Proposed Defendant is represented by counsel in this proceeding, that attorney is
identified below, along with his or her mailing address, telephone number, facsimile number, and
e-mail address:
Attorney:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
E-mail Address:

III.

Identification of the Water Right(s) Addressed in this Motion:
A. This motion addresses the following water right(s) that the Current Defendant has
transferred or otherwise conveyed to the Proposed Defendant:
B. Attached to and included with this motion are true and correct copies of all documents by
which the change in ownership addressed in this motion was accomplished (check all
appropriate boxes):
□
□

Court Order(s)

□
IV.

Deed(s)
Other Document(s)

Request for Substitution:
A. By this filing, the Current Defendant requests that the Proposed Defendant be substituted
into this action as the Counter-Defendant in regard to the water right(s) identified in
Section III.A.
B. By this filing, the Proposed Defendant agrees to be substituted into this action as the
Counter-Defendant in regard to the water right(s) identified in Section III.A.
C. The undersigned Current Defendant and Proposed Defendant acknowledge that any
person or entity who files this type of motion for substitution in this matter is ultimately
responsible for the accuracy of this filing. Consequently, the undersigned Current
Defendant and Proposed Defendant acknowledge that any defendant who files such a
motion, but, in fact, retains the water rights addressed in this motion, shall nevertheless
be bound by the results of this litigation.
D. Following the conveyance or transfer identified above, does the Current Defendant retain
any water right or portion of a water right under the Walker River Decree, including any
rights not identified in Section III?
□

No. Subsequent to the conveyance/transfer identified in this motion,
I/we/entity do not own any other water rights under the Walker River
Decree. As a result, I/we/entity submit that the Court may dismiss the
Current Defendant from this subproceeding because I/we/entity no longer
own any water rights that are subject to this subproceeding.

□

Yes. Subsequent to the conveyance/transfer identified in this motion,
I/we/entity own other water rights under the Walker River Decree. As a
result, the Current Defendant remains a Counter-Defendant in this
subproceeding based on the ownership of other water rights that are
subject to this subproceeding.

V.

Waiver of Service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4:
This Section applies to any Proposed Defendant that is not already a Counter-Defendant

in this case based on its ownership of other water rights. By its signature to this motion, the
Proposed Defendant:
A. Acknowledges that I/we/entity (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) have been
made aware of the fact that the water right(s) described in Section III above are subject to
this subproceeding, which is entitled United States v. Walker River Irrigation District,
and which is docket number In Equity C-125, Subfile C-125-C, in the United States
District Court for the District of Nevada, and that I am bound by all Orders in this
subproceeding;
B. Acknowledges that I/we/entity (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) need not be
served separately or personally, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 4, with a Notice in Lieu of
Summons, the instant motion or any other previous filing in this subproceeding;
C. Acknowledges that I/we/entity (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) may file a
NOTICE OF APPEARANCE AND INTENT TO PARTICIPATE in the Court at the
address indicated in Section VII, below; and
D. Acknowledges that I/we/entity (or the entity on whose behalf I am acting) will retain all
defenses or objections to the lawsuit or to the jurisdiction or venue of the Court, except
for objections based on a defect in service pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(c) regarding this
motion.

VI.

Certifications and Acknowledgements:
By this filing, the Current Defendant and Proposed Defendant acknowledge that:

A. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 25(c) governs the substitution of successors-in-interest
that are the result of a transfer, other than those resulting from the death of a defendant,
and provides in relevant part that “[i]f an interest is transferred, the action may be

continued by or against the original party unless the court, on motion, orders the
transferee to be substituted in the action or joined with the original party....”;
B. Rule 25(c) does not require that anything be done after an interest is transferred, which
means that the action may be continued by or against the original party, and the judgment
will be binding on his successor-in-interest even though the successor-in-interest is not
named;
C. Absent the filing of this or a similar motion, this action would continue in the name of the
Current Defendant, but would nevertheless bind the Proposed Defendant and any future
successors-in-interest to the results of the litigation;
D. Other parties to the case, acting pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, may
wish to file their position(s) regarding the merits of this motion, and may support, oppose
or take no position on the merits of this motion;
E. Following the filing of this motion, the action will continue in the name of the Current
Defendant for the water right(s) identified herein until such time as the Court approves
the substitution requested herein. While substitution does not automatically dismiss a
Current Defendant from this subproceeding, the Court may dismiss the Current
Defendant if that Defendant no longer has any water rights subject to this proceeding.

VII. Filing and Service of this Motion:
The Current Defendant and Proposed Defendant have filed this motion in the above
action with the:
Chief Deputy Clerk
United States District Court for the
District of Nevada
400 South Virginia Street, Suite 301
Reno, Nevada 89501
and served a copy of this motion on:
Simeon Herskovits
P.O. Box 1075
El Prado, New Mexico 87529
PLEASE NOTE: Attorneys are reminded that they are required to comply with the electronic
filing procedures of the U.S. District Court for District of Nevada.

“Attorneys who are admitted to the bar of this court, admitted to participate in a case pro hac
vice, or who are authorized to represent the United States and its agencies, shall register as Filing
Users of the System. Registration shall be in the form prescribed by the Clerk of the Court and
by these Electronic Filing Procedures.” U.S. Dist. Ct., D. Nev., Electronic Filing Procedures
(rev. Aug. 24, 2006) at I.C.

Signature of Current Defendant:
____________________________
(Signature)

_______________________________
(Printed or typed Name)

Entity, if any, on whose behalf you are appearing:

___________________________

The forgoing instrument was signed before me this ____ day of _________, 20__ by
__________________________.
State of _____________
County of ____________
___________________________
Signature of Notary
My Commission Expires:

Signature of Proposed Defendant:
____________________________
(Signature)

_______________________________
(Printed or typed Name)

Entity, if any, on whose behalf you are appearing:

___________________________

The

forgoing

instrument

was

__________________________.
State of _____________
County of ____________

signed

before

me

this

____

day

of

_________,

20__

by

___________________________
Signature of Notary
My Commission Expires:

ATTACHMENT C

ATTACHMENT C

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEVADA

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***

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

)
)
Plaintiff,
)
)
WALKER RIVER PAIUTE TRIBE,
)
)
Plaintiff-Intervenor,
)
vs.
)
)
WALKER RIVER IRRIGATION DISTRICT, )
a corporation, et al.,
)
)
Defendants.
)
_______________________________________)
MINERAL COUNTY,
)
)
Proposed-Plaintiff-Intervenor
)
vs.
)
)
WALKER RIVER IRRIGATION DISTRICT )
a corporation, et al.
)
)
Proposed Defendants.
)

IN EQUITY NO. C-125-ECR
Subproceeding C-125-C
3:73-CV-00128-ECR-RAM

DISCLAIMER OF INTEREST IN
WATER RIGHTS AND NOTICE
OF RELATED INFORMATION
AND DOCUMENTATION
SUPPORTING DISCLAIMER

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The undersigned counter-defendant in the above action hereby notifies the Court and

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Mineral County that the undersigned (or the entity on whose behalf the undersigned is acting)

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has no interest in any water right subject to the Walker River Decree, and therefore, disclaims all

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interest in this action.

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In addition, because the undersigned sold or otherwise conveyed ownership of all of the
water rights that the undersigned (or the entity on whose behalf the undersigned is acting) once

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owned before the undersigned was served with a Waiver of Service of Notice in Lieu of

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Summons or by a Notice in Lieu of Summons the undersigned provides the following additional

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information:

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C-125-C: Disclaimer of Interest

1

1

1.

The name and address of the defendant or defendants who sold or otherwise conveyed

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ownership:

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_______________________________________
Name(s)

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________________________________________
Street or P.O. Box

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6

_____________________________________________________
Town or City
State
Zip Code

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8

2.

The name and address of each person or entity who acquired ownership
______________________________________
Name(s)

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________________________________________
Street or P.O. Box

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_____________________________________________________
Town or City
State
Zip Code

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3.

Attached to or included with this notice is a copy of the (check appropriate box(es)):

14

Ƒ

Deed

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Ƒ

Court Order

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Ƒ

Other Document

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4.

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Interest in this matter is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of this filing.
__________________
*This notice shall be sent to the following two persons:

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Chief Deputy Clerk
United States District Court for the
District of Nevada
400 South Virginia Street, Suite 301
Reno, Nevada 89501

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The undersigned acknowledges that any person or entity who files a Disclaimer of

AND
Simeon Herskovits
Advocates for Community and Environment
P.O. Box 1075
El Prado, NM 87529
C-125-C: Disclaimer of Interest

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1

Consequently, the undersigned acknowledges that any person or entity who

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files such a notice, but, in fact, has water rights subject to this litigation, shall

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nevertheless be bound by the results of this litigation.

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Executed this ____ day of ________, 20__

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________________________
[signature of defendant]

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________________________
[name of defendant]

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________________________
[signature, if applicable, of person
acting on behalf of defendant]

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___________________________
[name, if applicable, of person acting
on behalf of defendant]

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___________________________
[address]

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____________________________
[telephone number]

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C-125-C: Disclaimer of Interest

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