Landscape Architect Articles

Irrigation: Part of the Solution06-05-06 | News

Irrigation: Part of the Solution

?EUR??,,????'??Each (irrigation) layout should be designed to fit the particular ground on which it lies." -- golf course architect William Flynn.

Following two days on Capitol Hill, the Irrigation Association says its message that irrigation is part of the solution on water issues is beginning to resonate with Washington. Association members, including the executive committee, spent two days meeting with members of Congress, key staff members for the Senate and House Agricultural Committees, and officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Department of Commerce. “We were well received, and everyone we spoke with saw the association as contributing positive solutions to water issues for agriculture and urban environments,” said IA President Ken Mills. David Crow, president of D.C. Legislative & Regulatory Services, which represents the IA in Washington, said the meetings were constructive, with the association leaders and lawmakers learning from each other.

“As water issues become more prominent, members of Congress are beginning to understand the message that irrigation is an important part of the solution in terms of providing water savings through increased efficiency,” Crow said.

The delegation included President Ken Mills, President-elect John Roberts, Vice President Doug York, Treasurer Stephen Smith, Past-President David Zoldoske, Executive Director Tom Kimmell, directors Mike Harrington, Mark Huntley and Rick Parod, and members James Brown, Phil Burkhart and David Truttmann.

Members discussed using the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund irrigation improvements as a means of mitigating drought, creating a water caucus in Congress, and declaring July ”’Smart Irrigation Month” to raise awareness of efficient irrigation technology and practices.

The group met lawmakers from Minnesota, Oklahoma, California, Virginia, Nebraska, Georgia and Colorado.