On October 3, 2018 the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced a public scoping meeting to consider improvements to aging irrigation infrastructure in the East Fork Irrigation District, located in Hood River County. Improvements under consideration would address water conservation, enhancement of aquatic species habitat, and public safety risks while supporting existing agricultural land use. This is a collaborative effort between NRCS, East Fork Irrigation District, and Farmers Conservation Alliance.
Public scoping meeting
Thursday October 18, 2018
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Pine Grove Grange
2835 Van Horn Drive
Hood River, Oregon
Scoping comments will be accepted through November 16, 2018.
More information and how to submit a comment is available on the East Fork project page.
On October 2, 2018 the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced a public scoping meeting to consider improvements to aging irrigation infrastructure in Lone Pine Irrigation District, located primarily in northwest Crook County, as well as northern Deschutes County and southern Jefferson County. Improvements under consideration would address water conservation, enhancement of aquatic species habitat, and public safety risks while supporting existing agricultural land use. This is a collaborative effort between NRCS, Lone Pine Irrigation District, the Deschutes Basin Board of Control, and Farmers Conservation Alliance.
Public scoping meeting
Wednesday October 17, 2018
6:30 - 7:30 PM
Wind River Conference Center
8283 11th Street, Suite 3
Terrebonne, Oregon
Scoping comments will be accepted through November 15, 2018.
More information and how to submit a comment is available on the Lone Pine project page.
On September 21, 2018 the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) released a Draft Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) for the Swalley Irrigation District Irrigation Modernization Project. The proposed project will pipe 16.6 miles of canals and laterals over seven years to improve water conservation, water delivery reliability, and public safety. NRCS developed the Draft Plan-EA in partnership with Swalley Irrigation District, the Deschutes Basin Board of Control, and Farmers Conservation Alliance.
Public meeting
Wednesday October 10, 2018
6:30 – 8:00 PM
Cascades Academy
19860 Tumalo Reservoir Road
Bend, Oregon
Comments on the Draft Plan-EA will be accepted through October 24, 2018.
The Draft Plan-EA, how to submit a comment, and more information is available on the Swalley project page.
On August 20, 2018 the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) released a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and a Final Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) for the Tumalo Irrigation District Irrigation Modernization Project. After several years of planning and considering public input, NRCS and project sponsors have determined the project will not cause significant local, regional or national impacts to the environment.
View the Notice of Availability and News Release from NRCS.
The FONSI, Final Plan-EA, and other supporting planning documents are available on the Tumalo project page.
Several irrigation districts in the Oregon are working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Deschutes Basin Board of Control, Farmers Conservation Alliance (FCA), and other stakeholders to develop Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessments that support irrigation modernization and provide local environmental benefits.
The proposed projects would convert open irrigation canals to piped and pressurized systems. The proposed projects would:
Public participation is essential to the watershed planning and environmental review process. It helps irrigation districts and agencies make informed decisions that consider the full range of environmental effects and alternative solutions. Learn more about the proposed projects on the Project Information pages.
The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) manages the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program, authorized by Congress in 1954. The purpose of this program is to provide technical and financial assistance to public entities for planning and implementing authorized projects that:
In order to qualify for funding from the program, irrigation districts must have:
The purpose of this website is to provide the public information about the development of Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessments in Oregon and how to get involved in the planning process.