May forum: WATER IN CENTRAL OREGON - Is There Enough Now and in the Future?

We've all seen the stories about the drought in the Southwest and the dire water situation in California, with farmers unable to irrigate their fields, residential and municipal wells running dry, significant impacts to jobs, increased poverty, and even food banks having less food to give away.

Closer to home, the Klamath Basin has struggled with water promises made to tribes, farmers, wildlife, and residents that could not be kept. Conflict there among water users has teetered on the edge of violence, while collaborative agreements don't seem to be able to be funded by Congress. 

What about here in Central Oregon? What is our water situation? Is a drought next for Central Oregon? Are there conflicts among the water users, and can it get as bad here as in the Klamath Basin? May's City Club Forum will address these questions, and yours, as well. 

These panelists will discuss the water situation in Central Oregon and what is being done to make sure there is enough water for everyone:

 

• Tod Heisler: Executive Director, Deschutes River Conservancy, will provide an overview of the water situation in Central Oregon.
• Mark Capell: Bend City Councilor, will represent the municipalities who need water for their growing populations.
• Phil Fine: Madras-area farmer and North Unit Irrigation District Board member, will represent farmers and irrigation districts who need water for their crops.
• Ryan Houston: Executive Director, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, will represent the rivers of Central Oregon and how water supports their long-term sustainability.

moderator: Mary Orton, City Club  member

Register Now! 

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* * IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ * *

In an effort to improve your experience at your City Club forums, please review the following:

• Online credit card payment:  When you receive an event email, simply click on the REGISTER HERE button. Once you’ve entered your contact information, you have the option to pay online via credit card.
• Check by mail: If you select the “pay by check” option during the online registration process, we will be alerted to check our mailbox. We need your checks by the Tuesday before the forum.
• Credit card by phone:  You may also call us to finalize your registration and pay by credit card.  Your credit card information will be taken over the phone and you will receive an email confirmation of payment.

Registration closes at NOON on the Tuesday, before the Thursday forum.  

Although you have registered and pre-paid online, please remember to check in at the registration table to receive your name tag.

• Walk-ins the day of the forum will be welcomed for MEMBERS ONLY on a space-available basis.  The fee for walk-in attendees is $35.

• Refunds may be issued for cancellations if made 48 hours prior to the event.  Cancellations less than 48 hours are non-refundable.

• If you have already registered, but are no longer able to attend, you may send someone in your place. We would appreciate you letting us know the name of the alternate person 48 hours prior to the forum so we can update our registration list and have the correct name tag waiting.

• If you registered online but have not prepaid or called to cancel, you will be invoiced for the forum.  Reason why? Our attendee count is submitted to St. Charles 48 hours prior to the forum and we are charged for the cost of your lunch – regardless if you attend or not.

• As a courtesy to others, we ask that you do not video or record our forum. Recordings are available on our website and on KOTV.

Thank you for your support of City Club - we will see you at the forum!