Director of the Conservation Division
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Bio:
Jim graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Watershed Science from Utah State University. After graduation he worked for Utah State University Extension as an agent in the Bear River Watershed as the local watershed coordinator. In this role he worked with private landowners to implement projects focused on improving water quality. In 2010 he began working for the Utah Division of Water Quality, where he oversaw the Nonpoint Source Pollution Program. At DWQ he oversaw their voluntary grant programs and assisted with the development of watershed plans, Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), and the Statewide Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Plan. During the fall of 2021 he was hired as the Director of the Conservation Division at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. This division includes programs such as: The Agricultural Water Optimization Program, the Agricultural Resource Development Loan (ARDL) Program, the Agricultural Voluntary Incentive Program (AgVIP), the Land Conservation Program, the Pollinator Program, the Utah Soil Health Program, the State Salinity Pogram, and the oversight of the state’s 38 local conservation districts. He currently resides in Garland, Utah with his wife Karen, and their 4 children.
Title: Seasonal and Split Seasonal Leasing—What Does it Mean? How Does it Work? What Could it Yield?
Abstract: Over the past few years, many discussions have been had on how the agricultural community can optimize the water that they utilize on their operations and the role they play in helping the lake levels of Great Salt Lake. Improvements in irrigation infrastructure have helped in this effort, but recently the possibility of split seasonal or seasonal leasing of agricultural water is being discussed. As this possibility is explored, we need to define what seasonal and split seasonal leasing means, understand what the expectations are for landowners participating in this program, and better understand the possible impacts the leasing of water may have on the environment. This presentation will highlight some of the discussions that are currently being had around this topic, and give the perspective of the agricultural community.