In the Flow
District news & updates
17 January 2022 Update
Your maintenance crews at work!
Finally....we are seeing progress in our modernization and water efficiency vision. This has been a learning experience utilizing Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART grant program. Our original application was submitted in the Fall of 2019, initial acceptance of the project in the spring of 2020, bureaucratic processes through late November 2021, and we were finally able to begin the project this week with the horribly dry weather forecast.

The team over here at K.I.D. is doing a great job on this grant funded 50/50 Bureau of Reclamation WaterSmart awarded project.

2022 Irrigation Season Water Supply Update
Photo Credit: KDRV.com - Clear Lake Reservoir
The latest charts and best information we have can be reviewed by clicking the image. We are engaged with various stakeholders to identify opportunities for the 2022 season.
Partnership Updates
Klamath County
Klamath County will be administering the $4 million in domestic well mitigation approved in Senate Bill 5561.
Klamath Water Users Association
Paul Simmons is engaging with Oregon State leadership to facilitate access to the funding for Oregon irrigation districts in the Klamath Project approved in Senate Bill 5561 (Many thanks to our local legislators for supporting this bill)
Drought Response Agency
With respect to 2022 DRA funding, this is tied to Congressional appropriations. Congress has not yet passed an appropriations bill for fiscal year 2022. The deadline to do so is 7 February.

Our last update indicated the DRA would be drafting checks for the 2021 no-irrigation program this month.
Farmers Conservation Alliance
K.I.D. management is working to prepare our Watershed Plan request for proposals to gain access to a grant funded by the NRCS. Completing the Watershed Plan is the next step in our partnership with Farmers Conservation Alliance to develop our initial modernization plan. The FCA staff is also helping the K.I.D. management team research additional grant opportunities.
Family Farm Alliance
Alliance Testifies at EPA "Waters of the U.S." Hearing January 13, 2022. For the irrigation community, certainty in the definition of WOTUS is critical. The Family Farm Alliance looks forward to participating in the additional, upcoming rulemaking and contributing toward the agencies' stated goal of developing a durable definition of WOTUS.
Funding Opportunities
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking applicants for its 2022 EQUIP program, related to enhancing soil health.
Soil Health Investment Opportunity. APPLICATION DEADLINE is 28 JANUARY 2022
  • Soil Health Testing
  • Conservation Crop Rotation
  • Residue and Tillage Management, No-till
  • Cover Crop
  • Irrigation Water Management
  • Mulching
  • Surface Roughening
To learn about these programs please contact the Klamath Falls NRCS office at 541-883-6924. The program lead is Alex Gajdosik available at 541-997-3507 or email alexander.gajdosik@usda.gov
USDA Offers Expanded Conservation Program Opportunities to Support Climate-Smart Agriculture in 2022
Release No.: 2022-01-003
Contact: Claire Tachella, EQIP Program Manager 503-414-3274. Claire.Tachella@usda.gov
PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 10, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing several new and expanded opportunities for climate-smart agriculture in 2022.
 
Updates include nationwide availability of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Incentive Contracts option and added flexibilities for producers to easily re-enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Interested applicants should apply for EQIP-CIC by February 11, 2022 to be considered for this year’s funding. The CSP sign-up deadline will be announced soon.
 
How to Apply: NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, however Oregon producers and landowners interested in Conservation Incentive Contracts should apply by February 11, 2022 to be considered for this year’s funding. The CSP sign-up deadline will be announced soon. To apply, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.
To learn more, visit www.usda.gov/


The application opened Jan 3rd and remains available through February 14th.

To apply visit: 
News Stories Recently Shared with K.I.D.
Around the Klamath Basin
Why we probably can't dredge Upper Klamath Lake
At 96 square miles, it’s difficult to implement any fix at the scale and swiftness needed to make measurable water quality improvements in Upper Klamath Lake before its suckers go extinct. Because hundreds of millions of federal funding dollars were recently earmarked for environmental restoration activities in the basin, some people have asked, “Why not dredge it?”
Regional Information
The EPA’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee has submitted its recommendations to administrator Michael Regan on the revision of the definition of Waters of the United States. The recommendations focus on traditional navigable waters, clarity and agricultural exclusions. Read more
ATLANTA — As farmers contend with the latest change in federal Clean Water Act authority, their best hope for clarity may lie with the U.S.… Full story
State Rep. Mark Owens eyes ag overtime bill as short session nears
January 13, 2022
By Pat Caldwell
State Rep. Mark Owens said he is concerned an effort to require farmers to pay agriculture workers overtime wages will once again be on the docket when lawmakers meet in February.
From environmental initiatives in Washington to overtime pay for farmworkers in Oregon to water projects in Idaho, the three state legislatures will be busy this year. Full story
Higher commodity prices, strong farm profitability and low interest rates have put upward pressure on cropland values across the U.S. Read more
EAGLE POINT, Ore. — Jackson County Code Enforcement is fining a Southern Oregon cattle and hay ranching couple $150,000 for land use violations committed on their farm by an illegal marijuana grower they leased land to who allegedly posed as an industrial hemp grower. Full story
Port congestion and shipping delays made dairy exports extremely challenging in 2021, and one industry insider anticipates those challenges will continue in 2022. Some of Leprino Foods’ shipments were canceled or rebooked as many as 17 times. Read more
Moderate stripe rust forecast for this year
January 13, 2022
By Matthew Weaver
Stripe rust is expected to be moderate this year, with a 20-40% yield loss in susceptible wheat varieties, according to a plant pathologist who tracks the disease.

University extension services nationwide are alerting farmers to a glyphosate shortage that is expected to worsen in 2022.
BAKER CITY, Ore. — Rancher Curtis Martin doesn’t expect a problem that was decades in the making to be solved by a single announcement from the White House, even one that comes with a billion-dollar pledge. But he and other ranchers see a glimmer of hope for sorting out the quandary of low cattle prices and high beef prices. Read more
PacifiCorp eyes pumped storage hydropower project in Southern Oregon
January 10, 2022
By Bradley W. Parks
Power company PacifiCorp is pitching a pumped storage hydropower project in Lake County that, if built, could become a significant source of renewable energy in the region.

Research examines carbon storage potential of grass seed crops
January 6, 2022
By George Plaven
New USDA research is digging into the carbon storage capacity of grass seed crops grown in the Willamette Valley that could benefit farms by providing healthier soils and potential revenue from emissions trading programs such as cap and trade. Read more...

Employment opportunities shared by our neighbors
Tumalo Irrigation District – Field Supervisor
Starting Wage: $32.00 to $37.00 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
Mandatory Job Requirements:
·   A minimum of a two-year degree with college course work in agriculture or engineering or related field or any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
·   A minimum of 10 years of supervisory experience in irrigation district operations, maintenance, or construction.
·   Understanding of State and Federal water law and the ORS and OAR’s that guide irrigation district operations.
·   At least a basic understanding of electronics and wiring.
·   Strong computer, networking and communication skills, Basic programing, SQL, and GIS systems.
·   Highly positive, independent, resourceful, and motivated individual – able to solve problems and work productively with minimal supervision and assistance.
This full-time position is being advertised January 2022 until filled. Applications/ resume with cover letter should be submitted to the District office at staff@tumalo.org To view full job announcement visit our website at: http://www.tumalo.org

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 which would diminish our effectiveness and function. 

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