July 27, 2023 – Medford Irrigation District (MID), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon, proposes to modernize the Joint System Canal to improve efficiency and reduce water loss. MID is the project sponsor and Rogue River Valley Irrigation District (RRVID) is a partner organization. Agricultural production in both districts depends on the ability to deliver water effectively and efficiently through the Joint System Canal, particularly during drought years when water supplies are limited.
More information is available on the Medford project page.
June 29, 2023 – Rogue River Valley Irrigation District (RRVID or the District) proposes to modernize District irrigation infrastructure to improve the efficiency of its system. Agricultural production in the District depends on RRVID’s ability to deliver water effectively and efficiently, particularly during drought years when surface water allocation is scarce.
A public scoping meeting was held July 18, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Rogue Community College – Table Rock Campus Room 184 – 7800 Pacific Ave, White City, OR.
More information is available on the Rogue River project page.
May 4, 2023 – Santiam Water Control District (SWCD or the District) proposes
to modernize District irrigation infrastructure to improve the efficiency of its system. The project would include piping and/or lining canals and laterals, realigning sections of the current system, and upgrading pumps and pump stations throughout the District.
A public scoping meeting was held May 31, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Turner Memorial Tabernacle – Pioneer Hall at 5605 Jubilee Dr SE, Turner, OR.
More information is available on the Santiam project page.
January 23, 2023 – Klamath Irrigation District (K.I.D. or the District) proposes to modernize District irrigation infrastructure to improve the efficiency of its system. The project would include piping and/or lining canals and laterals and installing automatic flow monitoring equipment. These measures would improve the use and control over water throughout the District and be more resilient to drought.
A public meeting was held February 7, 2023 at 4 p.m. at the Merrill Civic Center, Walt Wilson Hall
363 W Front St, Merrill, OR.
More information is available on the Klamath ID project page.
January 11, 2023 - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has released a Final Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the North Unit Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project.
NRCS has determined that the project will not cause significant local, regional or national impacts to the environment. With a completed environmental assessment in place, the project is now eligible for federal funding and may move forward into construction.
More information is available on the North Unit project page.
September 20, 2022 - Powder Valley Water Control District (PVWCD) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Oregon propose to modernize aging infrastructure to address water loss, water delivery reliability, and operation inefficiencies in Powder Valley Water Control District.
Scoping comments are requested by October 25, 2022 related to the proposed project.
More information is available on the Powder Valley project page.
Several irrigation districts in 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. Generally, the proposed projects would:
Public participation is essential to the 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.
Visit FCA for more information about irrigation modernization.