Bureau of Reclamation

During National Agriculture Week, we look back on important moments in Reclamation history that have supported agriculture in the West. This vital relationship dates back to the Desert Land Act of 1877, which paved the way for irrigation and farming in arid regions. On March 3, 1887, The Desert Land Act was one of Congress' first steps toward creating the Bureau of Reclamation! This groundbreaking legislation allowed individuals to buy up to 320 acres of desert land to farm and irrigate within three years for just 25 cents an acre. This pivotal act laid the foundation for irrigation projects that support our nation’s agricultural growth. Today, Reclamation supplies water for an incredible 60% of the nation’s vegetables! This historic photo features the first-place potatoes grown with irrigation at the Cassia County Fair in Burley, Idaho, in 1909, proudly shown by farmer Charles Hogenson. ??? #NationalAgricultureWeek #Reclamation

?? Sustaining Water in the Yakima basin?? The Naches-Selah Irrigation District is a key partner in the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, working with Reclamation, Washington State Department of Ecology, Yakama Nation, and others to improve water management. Since 2004, Justin Harter, NSID’s first District Manager, has led modernization efforts, replacing aging infrastructure and integrating SCADA technology to enhance efficiency. His leadership has made NSID a model for sustainable irrigation amid growing water demands. Key achievements: ? Replaced outdated infrastructure ? Upgraded systems for reliable water delivery ? Introduced SCADA technology for efficiency With 2024 marking his fifth drought season, Justin’s expertise again proved critical in navigating water shortages and ensuring a sustainable future for irrigated agriculture in the Yakima basin. Reclamation’s collaboration with partners like NSID and districts across the western states is foundational to our mission to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. ?? For more information, visit https://ow.ly/yzsf50Vl19K ?? News Story by Abbey Gatlin, #CPNRegion, #Reclamation

Dreaming of spring break? Celebrate the first day of spring with a trip to the breathtaking Senator Wash North Shore! This 60-acre paradise, nestled in the stunning Senator Wash Recreational Area, is the perfect getaway for all nature lovers. Located just upstream of Imperial Dam on the Colorado River in Southern California, this recreation hotspot is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Senator Wash Dam, built by the Bureau of Reclamation in the 1960s, creates a tranquil reservoir where you can unwind and enjoy activities like camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming. Ready to explore? Check out the recreation opportunities and required fees: Senator Wash South Shore: https://ow.ly/HF3750Vhb4x Senator Wash North Shore: https://ow.ly/GzIw50VfEIa

Reclamation is harnessing cutting-edge drone technology to protect our environment and sustain critical infrastructure. By collecting high-resolution data, we're proactively identifying and addressing potential issues in our projects. Here’s how: ? Thermal Imaging & Video – Detecting cracks and anomalies in concrete structures and power equipment. ? Electrical Faults – Pinpointing overheating components before failures occur. ? Water Temperature Monitoring – Supporting healthy fish habitats and ecosystems. ? Fastener Heat Signatures – Identifying overtightened or stressed fasteners. ? Anomalous Temperatures – Spotting early warning signs of potential problems. ? Surface Contaminants – Detecting oil, fuel, and other pollutants. Innovative solutions like these help us safeguard resources and ensure long-term sustainability! #Reclamation

Thank you to the farmers who rise before dawn to care for livestock! ?????? Thank you to the families who spend their summers growing the crops that nourish our communities! ?????? Thank you to the butchers, feed stores, distributors, and everyone who helps bring food from farm to table! ??????? On National Agriculture Day, we celebrate the farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, foresters, and all agriculture professionals who keep America strong, fuel our economy, and steward our lands. As the largest wholesaler of water in the United States, Reclamation plays a vital role in agriculture, providing irrigation water to 1 in 5 western farmers. This supports 10 million acres of farmland, producing 60% of the nation’s vegetables and 25% of its fruits and nuts. From farm to table, water is essential to feeding the world. Join us in celebrating #AgDay25 and take a moment to thank an agricultural producer in the comments! ??

?? Wishing You a Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ?? May this day bring you good fortune, prosperity, and the opportunity to celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s to success, happiness, and a bright future ahead.

Happy Pi Day! ????? Today, we’re celebrating the number that never ends—and the resources that help make pie possible. At Reclamation, we’re proud to support the industries that keep communities thriving. Our water powers agriculture, growing the wheat for your crust and the fruit for your filling. Our hydropower keeps ovens running, ensuring that every slice—whether it’s apple, cherry, or pumpkin—is baked to perfection. So, whether you’re calculating π or just enjoying a well-earned piece of pie, we’re here for you—providing water and power that fuel industries, innovation, and, yes, even dessert.

Our Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project in New Mexico is hosting an Industry Day on Wednesday, April 2, for those pursuing contractual work for remaining construction requirements. The NGWSP will serve a population of over 250,000 people, including 43 Navajo chapters where more than one third of tribal members still have to haul water to their homes. See flyer below for more information! ?? #waterislife #construction #InfrastructureDevelopment #infrastructure #gallupnm #navajonation

What is LiDAR, and why does it matter? In simple terms, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure distances and create detailed 3D models. It’s widely used in mapping, construction, and even autonomous vehicles! At Reclamation, LiDAR is another powerful tool in our mission success! We use it to: ?? Collect high-accuracy elevation data to monitor dam settling over time ?? Map terrain, even under dense vegetation ?? Analyze slopes & elevation for environmental monitoring One big advantage? LiDAR can penetrate vegetation to accurately map bare ground—even through tree canopies or tall grass! This cutting-edge tech helps us see what others can’t. Precision matters! #Reclamation

The team at Friant Dam recently hosted a delegation of water management officials from the Republic of Uzbekistan, including the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources. During their visit, the delegation toured several Central Valley Project facilities, including the Friant-Kern Canal and Friant Dam. At Friant Dam, the Operations Manager of the CVP Office provided a presentation on California’s water delivery system. The tour team also highlighted the critical role of Friant-Kern Canal flows in supporting Central Valley agriculture, the history of Friant Dam, and the benefits of its hydropower operations.#Reclamation #Hydropower #CAWater