Watering the Carrot Seed

With the passage of the Oregon Water Resources Department budget by the Oregon Legislature and ending of the legislative session, there were a number of actions that recognized the Harney Basin issues and needs.  The OWRD budget has the authority and funds to hire a position to focus on the Harney Valley Groundwater CREP program along with half a million dollars for state cost share.  This commitment by the Oregon Legislature will go a long way towards demonstrating a state recognized need to the Farm Service Agency for starting the program. 

Other incentive funding from the Oregon Legislature includes some $3.2 million for a community well in Crane and approval of House Bill 3092 that establishes and funds a cost share program for domestic wells affected by groundwater level declines in the Harney basin.

As incentives to address issues associated with over appropriation and reduce groundwater use are created, the hard work of finding a path towards sustainable groundwater use continues.  These incentives help but will not alone solve the many problems associated with declining groundwater levels.  To make sure there is a continuing conversation, the Oregon Legislature has provided a small amount to continue the collaborative process.