In Idaho, Governor Brad Little and Lt. Governor Scott Bedke have approved the ongoing efforts by local farmers to establish a new water management agreement. This initiative aims to secure water resources and protect the agricultural sector, which is vital for the state’s economy.
On Wednesday, leaders from both groundwater and surface water user groups gathered in Pocatello. Their goal was to negotiate an improved mitigation plan following Governor Little’s Executive Order 2024-06, known as the Protecting Idaho Water Sovereignty Act. This order, along with a temporary agreement established in June, directed these groups to create a comprehensive plan by October 1, 2024.
“Farmers working together is always better than a government-imposed solution. The groups’ work in Pocatello is a testament to the ingenuity of farmers, ranchers, groundwater districts, and canal managers. There is still a lot of hard work to do. Still, if this collaboration continues, then Idahoans can create a lasting solution that keeps eastern Idaho’s economy strong while preserving the aquifer for future generations,” Governor Little stated.
This collaboration was facilitated by Lt. Governor Bedke and Idaho Water Resource Board Chairman Jeff Raybould, alongside the Governor’s Office, water users, and various stakeholders.
“These ongoing conversations between our water users are so crucial because we’re trying to plan for the need now and the need for the future. While there are still plenty of issues to work out, we know where we want to end up – to maintain our strong agricultural economy throughout the state. The stakeholders are talking to one another, and everyone is committed to turning ‘big problems’ into ‘smaller problems’ so that all our ag producers can flourish,” Lt. Governor Bedke remarked.
The groups plan to reconvene in early August to continue refining the mitigation plan. Additionally, the Groundwater Management Plan Advisory Committee will meet on August 2 to advance its efforts to meet the September 1, 2024, deadline as outlined in the Governor’s executive order.
The new agreement is crucial for the state of Idaho, as it addresses both current and future water needs. This is especially important for the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on water resources. By working together, farmers, ranchers, groundwater districts, and canal managers are demonstrating their commitment to finding a sustainable solution.
The collaborative efforts have been praised for their focus on creating a plan that benefits everyone involved. This approach ensures that the needs of the agricultural community are met while also preserving water resources for future generations.
Governor Little emphasized the importance of local solutions over government-imposed ones. He believes that the ingenuity and cooperation of those directly involved in the agricultural sector are key to developing a successful water management plan.
Lt. Governor Bedke echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of ongoing conversations and collaboration among stakeholders. He noted that while there are still challenges to overcome, the commitment and communication among water users are promising signs for the future.
The upcoming meetings in August will be crucial in finalizing the mitigation plan. These discussions will help ensure that the plan is comprehensive and addresses the needs of all parties involved. The goal is to create a lasting solution that supports Idaho’s agricultural economy while preserving water resources.
As the deadline approaches, the focus will be on refining the plan and addressing any remaining issues. The commitment and collaboration among farmers, ranchers, and water managers are expected to lead to a successful outcome.
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The efforts towards a new water agreement in Idaho are progressing well, thanks to the dedication and cooperation of local farmers and stakeholders. Governor Little and Lt. Governor Bedke’s praise of these efforts underscores the importance of local solutions and collaborative approaches in addressing water management challenges.
