Columbia Basin Water Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report. Every year is different when it comes to weather and how much rain we do or don’t get, and that’s true again as we head into our next growing season.
And, Larry Mattson, the new Director at the Office of Columbia River, says his job is to figure out the best way to use the water we do have …
MATTSON … “Our legislative mandate is to aggressively pursue water supplies for in stream and out of stream uses. And the way I like to say that is water for fish, farms and forests, and people.”
But when you add it all up, Mattson says this year’s water supply isn’t looking great, so far …
MATTSON … “Not good. Not good is the quick and direct answer. The Yakima basin is likely facing a third consecutive year drought, and that hasn’t happened since the ’92-’94 era, so you know, 30 years ago, 30+ years ago. So, it’s not looking good out there.”
And Mattson says we’ve been here before …
MATTSON … “I can say though that the drought impacts would be even worse without the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan’s improvements. But there are some projects that don’t fully address short-term water supply issues, but we are building long-term solutions for drought resilience.”
And to borrow an old phrase, Mattson says, it takes a village …
MATTSON … “I’ve been amazed by the collaboration and innovation fostered by the Integrated Plan stakeholders. And it’s all about successfully supporting fish, agriculture and people for years to come.”
Tune in tomorrow for more from the Office of Columbia River Director on this year’s Columbia Basin water outlook.
