One of the more interesting ideas kicking around the Mid-Columbia is the proposed Black Rock reservoir.
The proposal is to build a 600-foot dam in the Black Rock Valley west of Hanford and fill it with 1.6 million acre feet of water pumped up from the Columbia River.
The concept has plenty of advocates and detractors.The Columbia Basin Badger Club is bringing together representatives of both sides on Feb. 27.
The panel discussion will include former U.S. Representative and current chair of the Yakima Basin Storage Alliance Sid Morrison who supports the Black Rock project.
Opposing the project is Dr. Darrell Olsen with The Pacific Northwest Project, a consulting firm specializing in water, energy and natural resources. Olsen co-wrote the new Columbia River Water Management legislation for the state.
The forum will take place at the Shilo in Richland. Reservations may be made by sending e-mail to badgerclub@charter.net or by calling 987-2687. Cost of the forum is $20, and luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Anyone can attend Badger Club meetings, but only members are allowed to ask questions of the presenters.
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Salazar's focus on water
welcome news for valley
Salazar's focus on water
welcome news for valley
U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently added some much-needed momentum to the search for a solution to the Yakima River Basin's water needs.
Having folks at the highest level of federal government even acknowledge the struggles over water in our state is an accomplishment in itself.
Add to that Salazar's request for specific recommendations from a consortium of local representatives -- who have differing interests in water -- and we have one giant step for the Yakima River Basin's water woes.
Group plans $5B to meet Yakima River Basin needs
Group plans $5B to meet Yakima River Basin needs
Phrases such as "historic meeting" and "it's time" got tossed around a lot Sunday, almost as much as the word "water."
Certainly, having U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Gov. Chris Gregoire, U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, and federal Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael Conner in Yakima together to talk about meeting future water needs could qualify.
But it's still to be determined whether the commitments -- from people who need to work together and from politicians to help pay for it -- will result in on-the-ground improvements in the Yakima River Basin for farmers, fish and communities.
Plans for water parks in Tri-Cities delayed
Plans for water parks in Tri-Cities delayed
Plans to have a water park open in the Southridge area of Kennewick by next summer are on ice.
And a second proposed park in Pasco is also treading water.
Mike Hillman, owner of Columbia Basin Satellite, said his proposed 10-acre Shark Reef project didn't get the financing package he needed.
Oregon Water Coalition to meet in Hermiston
Oregon Water Coalition to meet in Hermiston
HERMISTON -- The 17th annual Oregon Water Coalition's meeting and water conference is Jan. 24 at the Hermiston Conference Center.
The itinerary begins with coalition president Luke Maynard's message and includes the Columbia Basin Aquifer Recharge Project, water rights and law, the Columbia River Treaty and a session with state Rep. Greg Smith,
R-Heppner.
The luncheon is $10 for chamber members, $13 for nonmembers.
Gamache wines have become highly regarded
Gamache wines have become highly regarded
Brothers Bob and Roger Gamache began growing wine grapes on a plateau above the Columbia River in 1982, primarily for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. But in 2002, they decided to launch a winery -- named after their family -- with the help of Charlie Hoppes.
Very quickly, Gamache Vintners wines have become highly acclaimed.
Roger oversees the viticulture side of the business, while Bob handles the winery, and their synergy is paying off.
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