Water forum hosts irrigation field trip

Image courtesy of Michelle McConnaha of the Ravalli Republic
Students who may be the future irrigators of the Bitterroot Valley followed the flow of water from Lake Como to irrigation users on Tuesday.
The Bitter Root Water Forum hosted high school students on a tour of Bitterroot irrigation structures and systems for the Bitter Root Irrigation and Daly Ditches Irrigation districts. The tour included a look at Lake Como, feeder ditches, fish conservation structures and private land.
Nearly 30 Corvallis, Victor and Stevensville Future Farmers of America students and senior agriculture students were selected to attend the fifth year of the field trip.
Field trip coordinator Stephanie Adams said the field trip is very popular.
“We have taken 40 to 60 kids in the past and the numbers keep increasing,” Adams said. “We decided to make it more competitive and have students write essays to get to make the trip. This is the first time we’re taking Corvallis kids and students in Stevensville’s senior ag classes.”
Adams said the trip provided the opportunity for kids to experience the natural environment and understand the importance of water.