There are 430 properties that abut, or are transected by, the Arnold main canal. Of those, 149 properties are irrigating patrons of AID out of a patron base of 600 (none of these 149 requested this project and none of them were asked). Property owners along the main canal are being required to bear the brunt of a massively costly project that will benefit virtually none of them. In legal speak, AID is placing an excessive burden on servient property as it relates to their easement and alleged right-of-way through property owners’ land. To date, AID and their partnering entities are unwilling to acknowledge their culpability regarding this illegal burden or the likely damages their piping project will inflict upon property owners.
This is why Save Arnold Canal’s group legal representation is critical to our efforts to protect residents along the main canal. Recent history with Swalley and Tumalo Irrigation Districts’ proposed piping projects has shown that the only thing the Districts respond to is the threat of, and action of, litigation–and unfortunately, judges in these cases have looked to the “number of plaintiffs” as a gauge of the true level of opposition to piping. Sitting on the sidelines doesn’t cut it in court. We need to band together in a large block of opposition to AID’s plans if we are to succeed in stopping the pipeline and forcing a new look at better solutions for water resource challenges. Please join us–it’s easy and it isn’t expensive.
Courtesy of Stop the Pipe, Tumalo
Here are some questions you should ask and get written responses from Arnold Irrigation District (AID):
Arnold Irrigation District
541-382-7664
19604 Buck Canyon Rd., Bend OR 97702
Why is there no valuation put on loss of property value in the EA Draft?
Will AID put my landscape back to what it was before piping?
Why is the pipe so large in diameter?
Why is the tree clearing and excavation so much wider than the pipe?
When will they cut your trees?
Who assures a legal easement for the pipe?
What is their timeline for my land specifically?
How deep will they dig the ditch?
Where will they trench?
Where can I see examples of successful native plant re establishment?
How are invasive species managed after you leave?
What is the criteria for tree cutting? Who makes the call?
Save Arnold Canal 