October 19, 2021 - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced a scoping period to consider improvements to irrigation infrastructure in Westland Irrigation District and new infrastructure in Umatilla County to access Columbia River water, which would support agriculture and groundwater supplies.
A virtual public scoping meeting will be held Tuesday November 2, 2021 at 6 p.m.
More information is available on the Westland and Umatilla project page.
August 17, 2021 - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has released a Final Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Lone Pine 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 Lone Pine project page.
July 8, 2021 - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended the public comment period from July 8 to July 23 for the Draft Watershed Plan Environmental Assessment for the Arnold Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project.
Public comments may be submitted through July 23, 2021.
A virtual public meeting was held June 23, 2021 at 6 p.m. A recording of the meeting is available here.
More information is available on the Arnold project page.
June 1, 2021 - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a public scoping period for the Farmers Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project, located in Hood River County.
Public comments may be submitted from June 1, 2021 through July 15, 2021.
A virtual scoping meeting was held June 16, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. A recording of the meeting is available here.
More information is available on the Farmers Irrigation District project page.
December 15, 2020 - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has released a Final Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Ochoco Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project.
With a completed EA and a Finding of No Significant Impact, the project is now eligible for federal funding and may move forward into construction.
The project will improve irrigation water management and delivery, reduce district operations and maintenance costs, improve public safety along piped sections, and increase streamflow in McKay Creek and the Crooked River.
More information is available on the Ochoco project page.
July 22, 2020 - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has released a Final Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment (EA) for the East Fork Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project.
With a completed EA and a Finding of No Significant Impact, the project is now eligible for federal funding and may move forward into construction.
The project will pipe 56 miles of District-owned canals and laterals and will conserve water, reduce energy use, improve operational efficiencies, improve water delivery reliability, increase public safety, enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the Hood River watershed, and reduce sediment in irrigation water.
More information is available on the East Fork 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.