Klamath Irrigation District wishes you and your family a fun and safe celebration of Independence Day.

Please note the K.I.D. office will be closed on 4 July.

3 July 2023 Update

In this Edition:

Irrigation Season Update

7 August 2023 Special Election Ballot Measure

A Little Knowledge About Your Infrastructure

News and Political Issues Affecting the District

Upcoming Events

Opportunities

Klamath Irrigation District is a Special Government District. Learn more about Special Districts by downloading this file...

The mission of Klamath Irrigation District is to acquire, maintain, assure, and deliver an adequate water supply for beneficial use on qualified land with the Klamath Project. We represent our Patrons before government agencies, the legislature, Congress, and in such forms as appropriate for the perfection and protection of their water rights. 

We defend the District from actions that would diminish our effectiveness and function. 

We further promote the conservation of water, soil, and other natural resources.

Learn about the History of Klamath Irrigation District through this interactive Story Map...

Klamath Irrigation District's Executive Director's Observation of the 2023 Operations Plan:

Reclamation's announcement of 260,000 acre-feet is no more than a political variable introduced by attorneys for poor planning without any apparent oversight nor ability to challenge the Federal government taking property from Americans. District managers have been tasked to manage Upper Klamath Lake levels far above any established biological needs in 2023 with no justification, no supporting science, and no legal nor contractual authority to comply....just an edict issued by a faceless D.C. process.

Reclamation's 2020 Interim Operations Plan (IOP), if followed, Reclamation would have set no less than 285,000 acre-feet of water available for agricultural and refuge purposes on 1 April 2023 without any jeopardy to the species listed in various biological opinions provided under the Endangered Species Act (while ignoring the needs of the Bald Eagle and other species). The IOP allows this minimum amount of water available to farmers and the refuges to increase on 1 June if the forecast and lake levels are modeled to not affect the species; the 1 June forecast and observed inflows did not trigger this action.

However, after numerous requests by district managers to have an updated supply announced to promote inter-district planning, Reclamation continues to deny answers.

In the case Yurok v. Reclamation 2019 heard last month, Judge Orrick, in the Northern District of California, asked one specific question of Reclamation, "Will Reclamation follow the IOP for the remainder of 2023?" For those that watched the hearing, it seemed clear that all the federal attorney answering this question had to say was "Yes"...but he did not; the attorney offered to the judge, who previously stated he was not inclined to grant the motion presented to him, that Reclamation would manage the lake to an elevation demanded in the plaintiff's motion.

Despite the Judge's apparent indifference to the lake level and key focus on Reclamation simply following its IOP as established under a process mirroring some minor aspects of the requirements outlined in the law. One may speculate the constraints were heavily influenced by the personal relationships between federal attorneys and plaintiffs in the case.

Many federal attorneys work under Robert Anderson, the DOI Solicitor who was responsible for hiring Dr. Thomas Hardy and promoted his work for specific purposes related to water rights claims never submitted in the Klamath River Adjudication but instead used his data to specifically and deliberately curtail water to the irrigators in 2001. Reclamation's 2023 Operations Plan further erodes western water law, property rights, the communities supported by the Klamath Reclamation Project, and National security.

Without a clear understanding of KRRC fall and winter operations for dam removal operations, irrigation district managers can only speculate how much of the stored water in UKL will be released to the ocean between October 2023 and May 2024.

Read the Klamath Water Users assessment of the 2023 Operations Plan...

On August 7, 2023, the Klamath Irrigation District (K.I.D. / District) will be conducting an election on Klamath Irrigation District 2023 Ballot Measure No. 1.

K.I.D. is conducting this election in response to the Secretary of the Interior’s 5 April 2023 announcement of a funding opportunity for investment in the A Canal and the Upper C Canal to address acute issues identified in routine inspections. 

Since the available funding may only be accessed through a contract with the United States requiring repayment, ORS 545.511(a)(b) requires K.I.D. to conduct an election to determine the right of the District to enter into a repayment contract with the United States. Therefore, the K.I.D. Board has ordered an election to enable landowners to vote on this measure. 

K.I.D. encourages every patron to review the measure when they recieve it in the mail, gather information, and participate in the in-person election on 7 August 2023.

Northwest at risk: the environmentalist’s effort to destroy navigation, transportation, and access to reliable power | Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries

On Monday, June 26, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. PDT, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held an oversight field hearing titled “The Northwest at risk: the Environmentalist’s effort to destroy navigation, transportation, and access to reliable power.” The hearing focus' on the multipurpose benefits of the Columbia and Snake Rivers and the Federal Columbia River Power System, in particular the lower Snake River dams.

Watch the video below:

US Interior Secretary Haaland reflects on tenure and tradition amid policy challenges, 

June 28, 2023

By Susan Montoya 

It was never about making history for Deb Haaland, but rather making her parents proud.

She says she worked hard, putting herself through school, starting a small business to pay bills and eventually finding her way into politics — first as a campaign volunteer and later as the first Native American woman to lead a political party in New Mexico.

The rest seems like history. Haaland was sworn in as one of the first two Native American women in Congress in 2019. Two years later, she took the reins at the U.S. Interior Department — an agency whose responsibilities stretch from managing energy development to meeting the nation's treaty obligations to 574 federally recognized tribes.

Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet member in the U.S., spoke to The Associated Press about her tenure leading the 70,000-employee agency that oversees subsurface minerals and millions of acres of public land.

Read more…

Examining the President's FY 2024 Budget Request for the Department of the Interior

The Honorable Deb Haaland and Tommy Beaudreau

Secretary and Deputy Secretary

U.S. Department of the Interior

Washington, DC

Watch the video below...and note time stamp: 32:00

Klamath Legislature Town Hall Questions and Answers 7 June 2023 - email from Hollie Lukens

Senator Linthicum:

There were a few questions on Measure 113 and what is being called the “Walk Out”.  I send those questions to you can you speak a little on this and try to answer our constituents concerns and explain what is happening?

* I feel that Measure 113 is wholly unconstitutional....Measure 113 was written by progressives and designed to crush the Republican minority.”

Is it possible to have them arrested (or impeached) for violating their oaths of office?

• The Republican Senators have always been willing to compromise on policy issues but have demanded adherence to Oregon’s Constitution, Statues and Senate Rules. However, compromise is a two-way street. 

Dam removal and water being released downstream.

* OWRD has initiated illegal actions and have been found to be in contempt by a circuit court judge. They continue to release water downstream using the Federal Bureau of Reclamation to mask and hide their illegal activity. Additionally, the Director of the OWRD works at the pleasure of the Governor. OWRD will continue to violate our natural, constitutional and legal water rights until stopped by public outcry and voters at the ballot box.

Representative Reschke:

Damn removal and water being released downstream.

* My reaction is sadness. Clean, affordable, 24-7/365 renewable power is being destroyed. The silt behind the dams could create the worst ecological disaster on the west coast during the past 100 years. This not a necessary move, but still it is moving forward. I disagree with the philosophy that we must first hurt fish and adjacent landowners in order to help them. Moreover, we will lose easy-to-access reservoirs for fighting wild fires in the surrounding areas.

Congressman Bentz recently announced that Kingsley Field will host an F-35 training mission. What opportunities does that open for state investments in Kingsley, OIT, and KCC?

* The preparation for and the arrival of the F-35 to Kingsley will be a big boost to the Klamath basin’s economy. It will provide for many new job opportunities, both directly and indirectly. Knowing the base has a critical mission into the foreseeable future makes Klamath Falls & Klamath County an attractive option for new businesses, construction and more.

Why the Dr Shortage in Klamath Falls?

* Why the Dr Shortage in Klamath falls? It’s difficult to attract doctors to the Klamath basin because we often pay less than the big city medical facilities can. Doctors enter the workforce with tremendous debt (hundreds of thousands of dollars), and so seek big pay checks to help them pay off that debt as quick as possible. I introduced two bills (HB 2552, HB 2602) to help rural communities recruit and retain quality medical staff by introducing and augmenting rural medical income tax credits for workers. Unfortunately the majority party blocked both bills.

As a rural Oregonian, we already feel left behind, and when we don’t feel like our concerns are heard, it’s hard to trust the process and system at work. How can we continue to/begin to work across party lines to truly work for and with the folks you represent?

* You are right, rural Oregon doesn’t have proper representation. The majority of the legislators in the house are located in the Portland Metro area, the minority of legislators are in rural areas. We talk a big game in the house about supporting rural, but yet the bills that come out of committee are mostly about metro. The numbers we need are 31,16, 1. The closer we get to these numbers the more bipartisan work we need to do. The majority will be forced to work across the aisle to pass their legislation and THIS will give the minority, rural Oregon, a voice.  

Representative McIntire:

Comments on Measure 113 and the walkout

* Senate Republicans have been arguing that the Senate is operating under unconstitutional fiat and is violating legal precedent and Senate rules. However, in Oregon where the Democrat majority has long held rein, getting legal support and action from the courts is extremely difficult.

There is a current lawsuit against the direct violation of ORS 171.134- which reads that the summary of the policies made in the legislature should have a readability score of 60- which is the equivalent of an 8th grade reading level. The summaries that are being written are most often a score of 14- which is requiring a graduate level of school or beyond to comprehend what is being said. There are several bills that score a 1 or 2- which doesn’t even have a score for how smart you would need to be to decipher what is being said. The bottom line- we are a citizen’s legislature. We should ALL be able to pick up a bill and understand its reason, intent, and carry out. This should not require hours of study and consultations to figure out. HOWEVER, there is also a provision in the law that legislators can’t be detained during session- so the lawsuit is being held until after session and then it will be ligated. If found to be in violation- then the only real recourse would be that the legislative council would need to ensure that the summaries are written following the law. ONE MORE POINT- the citizens could at any point sue the state over violation of this law- as it has been in place, I think since 1975… I am not sure the outcome- but we are breaking the law with every bill…

What levels of budget expenditures for education, particularly higher education, do you favor in the next biennium and why?

* I supported the HECC budget bill. The Universities were asking for $1.05b and the Community Colleges were asking for $855m +$50 million one time investment. The state’s original budget was increased and they ended up with $1b and $800m. Due to this- all the schools will be having tuition increases as the legislature continues to require them to implement new policies with additional funding. The legislature also continue to increase benefits for part time faculty working at 30% and added in dental and vision. Some of this will be reimbursed but when that fund runs out they will be responsible for funding it. I was against any unfunded mandates and against new policy being funded before the current asks were met.

Where do the Republican’s stand on HB 2446 – the Bill to extend the CCO contract an additional 2 years. It had Bipartisan support.

* I voted no on this bill- not because it is a bad bill but because the bill’s sunset should have been extended further out. We should be letting these CCO’s have long term security in their partnerships. This was a good bill- it could have been better.

Other questions:

Do any of the panelists have concerns with the large reduction in the Community Corrections Grant in Aid funding being proposed with the LFO budget? And would the panelists be in support of the Oregon Association of Community Corrections Directors (OACCD) request for Current Service Level Funding (CSL) for the 23-25 biennium?

* Rep McIntire - This state continues to not support its law enforcement. There is a workforce shortage and people are working double overtime. I would be 100% behind supporting CSL for     OACCD.

* Rep Reschke - Yes, I am concerned. Community Corrections is an important part of our justice system. In my view underfunding it, undermines our ability to keep our promise to citizens to keep them safe.

Activist, alumna and 100 Ducks who made a difference, Amy Cordalis was the 2023 commencement speaker for the University of Oregon

Amy begins comments at 32:00

Recommend review of the National Academy of Sciences 2002, 2004, and 2008 reports and the conclusions of California's Department of Fish and Game to determine your own perspective of the commentary offered at 42:30

2002 National Academy Report

2004 National Academy Report

2004 California Dept. of Fish and Game Report

2008 National Academy Report

KWUA Summary of the NAS Reports

Biden-Harris Administration Releases Nearly $600 Million to Modernize and Advance Water Power Across America

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced nearly $600 million to modernize hydroelectric power and advance marine energy throughout America. DOE is now accepting applications for the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives, which will provide up to $554 million in incentive payments, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to maintain and enhance hydroelectric facilities. This funding will help ensure generators continue to provide clean, affordable electricity, while integrating additional renewable energy resources and reduce environmental impacts.

DOE also announced an additional $45 million funding opportunity, also funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to support a pilot demonstration site and community-led tidal and/or current energy project in the United States. Collectively, these announcements represent DOE's largest-ever investments in both hydropower and marine energy and will play a key role in achieving President Biden’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035 and a net-zero-emissions economy by 2050.

“Water power, the nation’s oldest source of renewable energy, is an integral tool to fight against climate change,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “President Biden's Investing in America agenda provides historic funding that will expand and modernize water power technologies, ensuring a steady flow of reliable power to more Americans.”

Hydropower currently provides 6% of all electricity in the United States and accounts for 32% of renewable-electricity generation, as well as 93% of all utility-scale energy storage. However, the fleet is aging with many facilities in need of repair and upgrades and less than 3% of the nation’s more than 90,000 dams currently produce power. Adding generation equipment to these sites could add up to 12 gigawatts of new hydropower capacity to the U.S. electric system—enough to power 4.8 million homes.

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives Program

The application period is now open for existing eligible hydroelectric facilities to apply for up to $553.6 million through the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives. Administered by DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, the program is designed to enhance existing hydropower and pumped storage facilities for capital improvements directly related to grid resilience, dam safety, and environmental improvements. Potential eligible capital improvements include improvements that enable the integration of variable resources, such as wind and solar; improvements for dam safety, such as spillway upgrades and erosion repair; and improvements in environmental conditions, such as fish passage, water quality and recreation.

Letters of Intent to submit full applications under the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives are due June 22, 2023, 5:00 p.m.ET. Full applications will be due October 6, 2023. To be eligible to file a full application, prospective applicants must first file a Letter of Intent through the Clean Energy Infrastructure Funding Opportunity eXCHANGE. 

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $50 Million To Boost Clean Energy Solutions and Cut Costs for Rural America

DOE Removes Cost-Share Requirements and Streamlines Application Process to Ensure Rural and Remote Communities Benefit from New Funding, Can Develop Community-Driven Energy Solutions



WASHINGTON, D.C. — As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $50 million in new grant funding made available by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for community-based energy projects located in rural and remote areas across the country. Designed to recognize and address the distinct energy challenges faced by rural communities, this funding aims to increase energy affordability and promote climate resilience in areas with fewer than 10,000 people by supporting projects with a dollar amount of $500,000 to $5 million. Today's announcement will help deliver critical energy projects tailored to benefit rural and remote communities across America and underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued commitment to ensuring no community is left behind as we build America’s clean energy future.   

“President Biden understands that for America to succeed, rural America must prosper, and he’s committed to building a clean energy economy that lifts up and benefits communities everywhere,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Today’s announcement is a direct response to the feedback DOE heard from rural communities and underscores this Administration’s whole-of-government approach to deliver for rural and remote areas and eliminate barriers preventing access to federal funding.” 

President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is growing the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good-paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient. 

In the United States, the nearly one in six Americans that live in rural or remote communities are faced with unique energy challenges—such as low population density and isolation from larger electric systems—that often result in higher costs and decreased reliability. Many of the communities in need of clean, reliable, and affordable energy solutions also have difficulty accessing federal funding opportunities. To be responsive to their needs and in direct response to public feedback DOE received from individuals across the country, DOE removed the cost-share requirement and streamlined the application process for projects seeking between $500,000 and $5 million in federal funding. 

This funding opportunity is managed by DOE’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) and will support rural and remote communities as they develop and deploy sustainable energy solutions to lower energy costs, create heathier environments, and support economic development. This funding is made available through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program, which was created to improve the resilience, reliability, and affordability of energy systems in communities across the country with 10,000 or fewer people.  

Applicants are required to submit Community Benefits Plans to ensure benefits spread equitably across affected communities. These plans, now included across most DOE funding opportunities, are based on a set of four core policy priorities: investing in America's workforce; engaging communities and labor; advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and implementing the Justice40 Initiative. These key principles, when incorporated comprehensively into project proposals and executed upon, will help de-risk these projects to ensure that the transition to a clean energy economy benefits all Americans.   

Read the full funding opportunity announcement for the ERA program here. The submission deadline for pre-applications is July 13, 2023, and full applications are due by October 12, 2023.

The ERA Program also supports rural and remote American communities through technical assistance, prize competitions, grants, and cooperative agreements. Learn more about the ERA Program on the OCED website. 

To help Americans reduce energy costs and save money, DOE recently launched an easy-to-use online resource — the Energy Savings Hub — to connect consumers to historic tax credits, forthcoming rebates, and other savings tools that President Biden’s Investing in America agenda has made available. To learn how to access these enormous economic and health benefits, visit Energy.gov/Save. 

Salute to the Heritage Herd of Wild Horses of the Cascade-Siskiyou Mountains

Capt. William E. Simpson II - USMM Ret.

Fellow Americans:

We all live under the banner of our Constitutional Republic, the American Flag and the promise of freedom, justice and equality for everyone.

We forget that this country and its blessings all stemmed from our American wild horses. 

Science informs that when Columbus arrived in America in 1492, there were 60-million bison and 20-million wild horses on the continent. 

It's a fact that in 1580, Sir Francis Drake documented our local heritage herd of wild horses in the Cascade-Siskiyou mountains along the Oregon-California border in the present-day counties of Curry, Josephine, Jackson and Klamath in Oregon and Siskiyou County in California.

Even after the decimation of the bison and wild horses by Europeans, 3-million wild horses managed to survive into the early 1900's.

American herds of wild horses were the source of horses used by ranchers, soldiers and calvary and farmers. They carried our police, pulled our wagons, plows and fire wagons, and served humankind for centuries.

During World War 1, America rounded-up 1-million wild horses and sent them to the European war front to support our troops and our allies.

We forget, America was built and defended off the backs of American wild horses.

This 2-minute music montage of the wild horses of our local heritage herd of wild horses is being offered as a Salute to these noble sentient beings who have served all of our forefathers faithfully. 

Klamath Irrigation District July Board of Directors Meeting

13 July 2023 at 1pm in the K.I.D. Board Room

This session will include and update on the D Canal System Improvement Plan from Farmers Conservation Alliance.

Learn more at our website

8 July

Annual KBAS Picnic

Klamath Basin Audubon Society

Moore Park Marina II Pavilion

740 Lakeshore Dr.

Klamath Falls, OR 97601

11:00am - 1:00pm

More Information

RSVP by July 4th

Upcoming Webinars For Brand New Energy Program

You may have heard about PACE. USDA's newest program has already made a splash, and with funding windows about to open, now is a great time to brush up on the application process. 

PACE Webinars

·   Demo: How to Submit USDA PACE Letters of Interest June 29 at 2:00 p.m. ET 

·   Register: Webinar

·   USDA PACE Application Webinar July 20 at 2:00 p.m. ET 

·   Register:  Webinar

·   USDA PACE Application Webinar August 1 at 2:00 p.m. ET 

·   Register: Webinar 

Powering Affordable Clean Energy PACE Program

Application Window:

OPENING SOON

Program Application Period:

Application Portal Opens on June 30, 2023

Fact Sheet

Federal Register Notice

NWRA Western Water Seminar

August 2-3, 2023 in Medora, North Dakota

Register Today – The NWRA Western Water Seminar is right around the corner. NWRA Committee, caucus and board meetings will take place throughout Wednesday, August 2nd with a welcome reception that evening. Thursday, August 3rd will feature general session programming followed by an evening reception, dinner, and entertainment. For those who can travel out a day early, the North Dakota Water Users Association is sponsoring a "North Dakota Water Tour" on Tuesday, August 1st. Only a few water tour seats remain! You can see the complete water tour and conference agenda HERE. Don’t miss out on a great lineup of speakers and the picturesque plains of Western North Dakota!! Room Block expires July 1.

DEQ Rulemaking – Water Quality Fees 2023 – DEQ is asking for Public Comment on the Proposed Rules

DEQ is proposing rule amendments to Chapter 340 of the Oregon Administrative Rules to increase water quality fees in 2023 for fiscal year 2024 provided in ORS 468B.051. These fees apply to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and Water Pollution Control Facility permits.

Public Comment

DEQ is seeking public comment on the proposed rules. More information on this rulemaking, including the draft rules, can be found on the Water Quality Fees Rulemaking Home Page.

How to comment: DEQ will accept comments by email, postal mail or verbally at the public hearing. Anyone can submit comments and questions about this rulemaking.

• Email: Send comments by email to wqfeerule@deq.oregon.gov 
• Postal mail: Oregon DEQ, Attn: Jason Simpson, 700 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 600, Portland, Oregon 97232-4100 
• At the public hearing: 5 p.m., Monday July 17, 2023 (see below)

DEQ will only consider comments on the proposed rules that DEQ receives by 4 p.m., on July 21, 2023.

Rulemaking Hearing: DEQ will hold a public hearing, with details below:

Date: July 17, 2023

Start time: 5 p.m.

Join via Zoom

Join by Phone:

Call-in number: 888-475-4499

US Toll-free Meeting ID: 878 4641 3586

Passcode: 338979

Elmer G McDaniels Golf Tournament

October 4 – Sisters, OR

More information to come.

OWRC Water Law Seminar

October 5 – Sisters, OR

More information to come.

Ochoco Irrigation District - Bookkeeper

Ochoco Irrigation District is actively recruiting for the position of Bookkeeper. Under general/administrative direction, the Bookkeeper will oversee the District’s financial data and compliance by maintaining accurate books on accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and daily financial entries and reconciliations. Perform daily accounting tasks such as monthly financial reporting, general ledger entries, and record payments and adjustments. Perform Customer Service: Answer phones, direct messages as appropriate; greet/assist office visitors, takes water orders, and follow up on correspondence as required.

It is OID’s mission to effectively and efficiently serve the current and future irrigation needs of our patrons by economically operating and maintaining the districts resources with honesty and integrity. Ochoco Irrigation District supplies water to 20,062 acres of irrigated land in the Prineville area. Water is stored in the Ochoco and Prineville Reservoirs, and then released into Ochoco Canal, Ochoco Creek and the Crooked River during irrigation season. The District operates numerous pumping plants and over 120 miles of canals and pipelines. OID is beginning an extensive irrigation modernization project with over $40 million dollars of grant funds to be administered over the next 5 years. We are seeking the right person to effectively manage these resources moving forward.

The District offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Salary starting at $30/hour

• Paid vacation, sick leave & 7 holidays

• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

• PERS Retirement

• Life Insurance

• Short Term Disability

• Medical Air Services Association Membership

• 4 day work week

Position is open until filled. Application and Job Description are posted on the OID Website; www.ochocoid.org, or can be picked up in person by contacting the main office at (541) 447-6449.

https://www.owrc.org/resources/job-opportunities

Klamath Water Users Association – Director of Public Relations & Marketing

The Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) is seeking a self-motivated, highly productive individual to provide lead marketing and public affairs to an established organization that serves the interests of member irrigation districts and their constituents with regard to natural resources issues, with emphasis on water resources and power costs. This is a unique opportunity to join an organization that is at the forefront of precedent-setting issues.

The Director of Public Relations and Marketing (PR Director) reports directly to the Executive Director and is responsible for the development and execution of the marketing and engagement plan to direct KWUA’s community relations. The ideal candidate is poised, well-spoken, a good writer, and has the ability to communicate concisely about complex and policy laden issues. They enjoy a fast-pace work environment and is ready, willing, and able to do a variety of public relations activities, such as media inquiries, social media strategies, content creation, strategic planning, and building relationships. It is important that the PR Director articulate and promote KWUA’s vision and objectives through direct and indirect engagement with key media outlets. This role requires someone who is a proven leader, and who is capable of communicating ideas clearly and thoughtfully. In addition, the PR Director should have the ability to identify future trends and needs and be able to collaborate with others to achieve desired publicity outcomes for the organization. The responsibilities of this position will be carried out in a highly visible and sometimes controversial and politically-charged environment.

This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and at least 2+ years’ experience in public relations or marketing. With preference given to a Master’s Degree with 2+ years’ public relations or marketing experience. Weekend and evening work is required for special events and in response to immediate needs; travel occasionally required for conferences and meetings. Must be able to work independently.

To Be Considered

This is a confidential process and will be handled throughout the various stages of the process. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Candidates should apply immediately. This position will be open until filled. However, candidates are encouraged to apply early in the process for optimal consideration. This recruitment may close at any time once a strong pool of candidates is received. To be considered, candidates must submit a:

• Compelling cover letter

• Comprehensive resume

• Salary history

• Three examples of work

Electronic versions of all submittals are encouraged. Interested candidates may apply via email, mail, or delivery of a cover letter and resume to: 

Chelsea Shearer, chelsea@kwua.org, or 2312 S. Sixth St., Suite A, Klamath Falls, OR 97601.

Full Job Description 

https://www.owrc.org/resources/job-opportunities

Tumalo Irrigation District - Ditch Rider 

Starting Wage: $22.00 to $25.00 DOE

Benefits (after 6-month probationary period): Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), District contribution to Retirement plan, 8 paid holidays/year, 5-15 days paid vacation/year (based on tenure), 10 days paid sick leave/year, District vehicle.

Location: Bend, OR

Distributes irrigation water to the users of the District’s water rights within their assigned area in accordance with Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, District Policies and Procedures and District management direction using information based upon decrees, partial decrees, permits, licenses and transfers. The Ditch Rider encounters and must communicate with District patrons daily. The District places tremendous value on strong relationships and timely, respectful communication with its water users. The employee works under the supervision of the District Manager and/or Field Supervisor during Irrigation Season and Maintenance Season.

This full-time position is being advertised February 2023 until filled.

Application, cover letter and resume should be submitted to the District office by email at staff@tumalo.org or you may drop all three documents off in person at our District office located at 64697 Cook Avenue. To view full job announcement visit our website at: http://www.tumalo.org

https://www.owrc.org/resources/job-opportunities

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Resource Education & Agriculture Leadership (REAL Oregon) – 2023-2024 Class 7 Session – Apply Now!

REAL Oregon is an annual leadership and professional development program that exposes a cross- section of individuals from Oregon’s natural resource communities to the diversity of Oregon’s geography, economy, and cultures through a series of five statewide sessions.

This is a personal and professional development program designed for leaders working in our Natural Resource industries. A dynamic curriculum is delivered over five sessions across our state – the REAL Oregon program committee aims to select a diverse group of leaders in order to bring value to discussion and networking.

Class 7 Program Dates

* Session locations may change. Confirmed locations will be announced with candidate selection.

Session 1     November 6th – 9th, 2023            Klamath Falls           3 nights

Session 2     December 12th – 14th, 2023        Roseburg                 2 nights

Session 3     January 9th – 10th, 2024              Newport                   2 nights

Session 4     February 6th – 8th, 2024              Ontario                     2 nights

Session 5     March 11th -14th, 2024                 Salem/PDX              3 nights

* Contingency Dates – set aside in the event of session cancellation due to weather

April 9th – 11th, 2024         TBD   2 nights          

REAL Oregon aims to create a stronger network of leaders across Oregon’s diverse regions and resource industries; including forests, fisheries, farmland and ranches. This program strives to bring these groups, along with others in related fields, together to provide a wide-ranging curriculum that touches on topics such as Oregon’s forest practices, land use, leading effective meetings, conflict resolution, public speaking, succession planning, and more! While the program is not intended to be a political forum, natural resource policies and issues are a central focus of most sessions.

The successful applicant is willing to learn, ask questions, and experience new things. As an example, tours may include active timber operations, onion or potato packing sheds, seafood processing plants, etc. Some tours may not seem directly connected to natural resources but offer other unique leadership experiences.

We invite you to apply now and consider taking part in REAL Oregon Class 7! The application deadline is July 31st, 2023 though we highly recommend not waiting until the last minute. If you have questions, you can contact our Program Coordinator, Lauren Lucht at lauren@downtoearthoregon.com or (503) 710-7001. More information is also available on the website or social media.