Oregon Farm Bureau Emphasizes Local Solutions in Harney Basin Groundwater Rulemaking
- Ryan Krabill
- Aug 14
- 1 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
On August 13, 2025, Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) submitted comments to the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) regarding the proposed Division 512 Rulemaking for the Harney Basin Critical Groundwater Area.
OFB highlights the importance of Harney County’s agricultural sector—which accounts for over 30% of the county’s total economy—and encourages OWRD to ensure that groundwater management solutions protect both the resource and the farm families who depend on it.
OFB’s priorities in this process include:
Supporting locally driven, voluntary, incentive-based solutions that encourage cooperation and protect property rights.
Mitigating adverse economic impacts by phasing in reductions, providing transition assistance, and compensating lawful right holders when curtailment is mandatory.
Basing adaptive management decisions on unbiased, field-verified science, with the ability to reverse restrictions when water levels recover.
OFB also stressed the need to protect water rights from forfeiture due to voluntary or mandated reductions, implement metering and reporting in a cost-effective way, and apply the least restrictive curtailment schedule to parcels that span multiple subareas.
OFB remains committed to advocating for solutions that balance water resource sustainability with the economic vitality of rural communities.
To view the full comments click the file below.