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WATERSHED PLAN

Ochoco Irrigation District

Watershed Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has for many years encouraged states and others to develop watershed plans to help protect and restore our waters. Watershed planning helps address water quality problems in a holistic manner by fully assessing the potential contributing causes and sources of pollution, then prioritizing restoration and protection strategies to address these problems.

The Ochoco Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project is a large agricultural water conveyance efficiency project. The proposed action will improve District infrastructure necessary to support the McKay Creek Water Rights Switch. These include installing 4 new pump stations; raising the Crooked River Diversion weir; and improving the Crooked River Diversion Canal, Crooked River Distribution Canal, and upper middle portion of the Ochoco Main Canal. Two high priority areas, Grimes Flat laterals and IronHorse section of the Crooked River Distribution Canal, in the District will also be piped under the proposed action.

The purpose of this project is to:

  • Provide the ability for District infrastructure to convey and pump additional water to meet the needs of McKay Creek irrigators
  • Improve water delivery reliability to McKay Creek irrigators and irrigators served by Grimes Flat laterals · Conserve water along District-owned Grimes Flat laterals and IronHorse section of the Crooked River Distribution canal
  • Improve public safety along District-owned Grimes Flat laterals and IronHorse section of the Crooked River Distribution canal

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has released a Final Watershed Plan – Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Ochoco Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project.

These improvements would help OID and irrigators improve water management and delivery, reduce district operations and maintenance costs, improve public safety, and enhance streamflow in portions of McKay Creek and the Crooked River.

You can view the Watershed Plan – EA or the FONSI using the links below:

What We Do

Provide water for approximately 20,062 acres

Serve 898 irrigators

Manage and maintain more than 122 miles of canals and laterals and 8 pumping plants

Manage operation of Ochoco and Prineville Reservoirs