Idaho Sprinkler Pioneer, Claude H. Pair Passes

Highly lauded Idaho irrigation engineer Claude H. Pair passed away in May in Bellevue, WA at the age of 87.

Pair had an international reputation in the field of sprinkler irrigation. He recieved the Man of the Year Award in 1962 from the Sprinkler Irrigation Association, now the Irrigation Association (IA). In 1975, he received the Hall of Fame Award from the Idaho Water users association and was named Agricultural Engineer of the Year in 1979 by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers.

Graduating from Washington State University in 1934, Pair worked as an irrigation engineer for the Soil Conservation Service from 1935 to 1948. In 1948, he was transferred to the Bosie SCS office, where he continued as an irrigation engineer until 1964. He was transferred to the Snake River Conservation Research Center at Kimberly, ID, where he worked until he retired in 1975, after 40 years of government service.

A grave side service was held in May at Dry Creek Cemetery, Boise, ID.

Minnesota Governor Vetoes Rain Sensor Bill

"MNLA appreciates the governor's concern for government intrusion into the marketplace. However, our members believe the great environmental benefits of this bill outweighs concern about government intrusion," says MNLA Executive Director Bob Fitch. The bill (S.F. 609 and H.F. 564) passed the senate 58-4 and the House 112-19.

Unfortunately, most commercial bid specifications in Minnesota don't call for rain sensors. This industry-supported legislation would have allowed for a level playing field among competitors biddings on projects. It would also have required systems installed by do-it-yourselfers to include rain sensors.

Currently, only two Minnesota cities, Excelsior and Maple Grove, require rain sensors by city ordinance.

New Program Insures Farmers Against BMPs

A new program supported by the USDA and EPA helps farmers purchase insurance against the risk of losses associated with adopting environmental Best Management Practices (BMPs). The program is implemented by the Agricultural Conservation Innovation Center in Charleston, SC. More information can be found at the following Web site: www.homefarm.com:80/fin/articles/9901/990104.htm

USDA-ARS Conservation Lab Set to Open

A major advantage for the High Plains region is that the plants to get studied- cotton, wheat, corn, grain, sorghum, forage crops, sugar beets, vegetables and native grasses - are grown in the Lubbock area. The laboratory will house 20 scientists conducting various experiments to find solutions to plant problems caused by heat stress and reduced moisture in the world's arid and semi-arid areas.

Scientists from around the world are expected to visit the plant stress lab to consult with researchers and share experiences combating problems associated with dryland farming. These include stress, irrigation management, plant biotechnology and temperature stress.

San Diego Dedicates Conservation Garden

Dignitaries from San Diego County gathered at Cuyumaca College in El Cajon, CA in May to celebrate the successful culmination of nine years of work, the dedication of the Water Conservation Garden. A joint project of the county and the Otay and Helix Water Districts, the garden is an amazing five-acre demonstration of plant selection, irrigation, and landscape design. Cuyamaca President Cheryl Amadour, San Diego County Supervisor Diane Jacobs, and Otay Water District's Fernando Pervada cut the hose (versus a ribbon). The project was largely the idea of former Supervisor George Bailey, the father of Storm's Gary Bailey.

- Back to the Top -