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A Central Oregon irrigation district converts canals to buried pipes

Tumalo Irrigation District

The Tumalo Irrigation District recently received $8.4 million in federal funds to support their project to convert more than 10 miles of open canal to buried pipe. The plan is expected to significantly reduce the current 50% rate of water loss due to evaporation and seepage. It will also improve habitat and water quality for Redband Trout and the Oregon Spotted Frog. However, the plan is not without controversy.

Chris Schull, Tumalo Irrigation District Manager, joins the Exchange to discuss the plan.

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Charlie Zimmermann is the Assistant Producer of the Jefferson Exchange. They plan themed weeks of programming, host occasional segments, produce podcasts, and keep everything running smoothly in “JX-land”.
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Mike Green is host of the Jefferson Exchange. Mike has lived in Southern Oregon for more than two decades. He is an award-winning journalist with over 20 years experience in media, specializing in media innovation, inclusive economics and entrepreneurship.