The South Fork of the Snake River runs for more than 60 miles across southeastern Idaho. (Courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management)
Water negotiations between Idaho farmers are continuing after Gov. Brad Little’ s Oct. 1 deadline passed without a new mitigation plan between surface water users and groundwater users.
Although there was no deal by Oct. 1, Little said the two sides are close to a deal and he is encouraged by the ongoing negotiations.
“Farmers working together to determine our water destiny has always been and will always be the best path for protecting agriculture and conserving water for today and future generations,” Little said in an Oct. 1 written statement. “The plan is nearing completion and given the positive momentum and the good faith efforts of all parties involved, we look forward to putting the finishing touches on a new agreement that provides certainty for all water users. It is important to note that the farmers are getting this done during their busiest time of year – harvest.”