Department of Agriculture Grant: Improving Tribal Irrigation Water Systems

Complete “on the ground” research and fact-checking to determine the location and condition of existing irrigation system infrastructure.

Determine the functionality of pipelines, gate valves, air vacs, blow off valves, etc. Conduct records research and pot-holing of existing irrigation infrastructure, to identify infrastructure equipment and to confirm condition. Use hand-held GPS equipment to collect and accurately record irrigation system data. Data includes recording location elevations and coordinates for irrigation pipelines, water tanks, gate valves, clean-outs, air-vacs, stream intakes, groundwater wells and other relevant items. Review the draft Reclamation report and submit comments. Use the Final Reclamation Report to guide future expansion of the irrigation systems.

Perform an Irrigable Lands Assessment (ILA) of the Reservation.

Study and assess tribal lands to determine suitable areas for growing marketable crops such as vineyards, avocados, fruit and nut orchards, and other

useful plants. Evaluate soil types, water availability (average annual rainfall and access to irrigation system water), and land-slope analysis. Compare this information with currently marketable crops, to determine the feasibility of growing specific types of crops in specific parts of the Reservation. Develop an ILA report to guide future expansion of agricultural enterprises on the Reservation.