finds two-thirds of the state is experiencing severe drought conditions this year.
One thing is different now: Last year, lawmakers approved a historic public spending package on water, with some $538 million for projects statewide, and much of it passing through the water resources department. Republican Oregon state Rep. Mark Owens tours one of his company's hay fields in Harney County on Aug. 27, 2021.The crisis in his home county sparked a moratorium on new water rights in 2015, as the water department and the U.S. Geological Survey launched an in-depth study of the local aquifers. Owens said he supports funding for more basin studies because he believes the problems are widespread.
“Our state water laws were born out of concepts that were put into place in the 19th century,” he said in a September interview. “The whole idea setting up the system of laws around the use of water is for people to use water.” Last year, OPB emailed a survey to 188 current and former department employees, asking them to evaluate the agency’s effectiveness at its stated. Though only 20 people responded, some clear themes emerged among that group. More than a dozen interviews with current and former staff echoed similar concerns.
Two former staffers who requested anonymity said they quit the water resources department after becoming disillusioned by pressure to support questionable water rights decisions. In 2018, a water rights caseworker named Barbara Poage complained about French to the Bureau of Labor and Industries, alleging sex-based and whistleblower discrimination. A BOLI investigation did not find substantial evidence of discrimination, and dismissed the allegations. However, the inquiry did suggest that “French’s leadership may be problematic,” BOLI investigator Jessica Smith noted in her report.
“No part of my conversation with the investigator had to do with how Dwight or any other manager makes decisions on water rights decisions. Nor did the conversation include opinions or statements on Dwight’s professional competence. Statue, rule, guidance and policy make decisions on water rights.
Burright, the planner who resigned from the agency last year, said she felt leaders were not likely to engage with feedback from staff, while being very reactive to the demands of outside interests, such as lawyers, lobbyists and lawmakers. Twelve-year-old Asher Fite prepares to mount his horse and help gather cattle from an Oakes Ranch property near Ironside, Ore.Emily Cureton Cook / OPBEmily Cureton Cook / OPB
OPB emilycureton Profiteers would sell the last drop if it meant a profit for themselves. They are disgusting. Water should belong to no one. It is a PUBLIC resource made only by nature.
OPB emilycureton Bastards
OPB emilycureton There's a thing called eminent domain. Use it.
OPB emilycureton Ignored? The people of the eastern Oregon continue to vote for extremists who love big business takeover of everything. Anything to stigginit to the libs.
OPB emilycureton One day in the future humanity will discover it cant eat, breathe, or drink money.
OPB emilycureton I still have a heart for this state, having lived here years ago Even though the Eastern side wasn't my favorite, it's such a shame this happened
OPB emilycureton That’s how oligarchy takes shape.
OPB emilycureton Sounds vaguely like a season of Goliath
OPB emilycureton Hmmm. Maybe the rubes will get what they deserve.
OPB emilycureton Its all about money .. and sickening
OPB emilycureton ...and the central valley in California
OPB emilycureton Eastern/southern OR is a scary place to live these days