Chehalem Mountain is wine country — and vineyards have water needs that change over time. We track irrigation applications closely, making sure requested volumes reflect what crops actually require. Most established vineyards don't need to irrigate past the initial growing phase, and we advocate for time-limited permits that formalize that reality. We support the local agricultural economy. We just make sure it isn't drawing more than its share.

New homes mean new wells — and new demand on a shared aquifer. Many smaller subdivisions qualify for "exempt" well classifications that bypass formal water availability review, which means their impact on existing neighbors often goes unexamined. We flag these applications, push for appropriate groundwater analysis, and make sure the cumulative effect of new development is part of the conversation before approvals are granted.

Large reservoirs and storage applications require rigorous review — especially where stream flow data is limited or incomplete. We engage directly in these processes, submitting technical assessments and legal briefs that ensure the state has a complete picture of potential impacts before issuing approvals.

Not every operation that uses water has a right to use it. We research existing commercial water uses on Chehalem Mountain to verify that appropriate permits are in place — and when they aren't, we work with OWRD's enforcement process to address it. The Sullivan Lane vineyard case is one example of what that looks like in practice.

When residents experience dry wells, notice unusual water use nearby, or simply have questions about their rights, we're here to help. We connect neighbors with the right agencies, help establish baseline data, and provide support through a process that can feel overwhelming to navigate alone. Dry well reports are also valuable data — they help us understand the aquifer system in ways that monitoring alone can't capture.

Protecting Chehalem Mountain's water isn't just about responding to individual threats — it's about building a long-term framework for sustainable use. We work alongside soil and water conservation districts, farming advocacy groups, and other local partners to ensure that water resource planning on the mountain reflects the community's interests.