This extended abstract proceeds from arguments previously made in the 2008 USCIDUrbanization and Irrigation meeting (proceedings; presentation atwww.colorado.edu/ibs/eb/wiener/), and elsewhere (posted same place), taking a widerview of the issues facing irrigation in the urbanizing US West. Here, the purpose is tolook beyond near-term stresses. Irrigation districts and ditch companies face serioushindrances to long-term planning, including re-allocation to match soils, water, farmingabilities, and capitalization as well as the problems of defining the many interests affectedby irrigation and acquiring their support in meaningful terms. Certainly, each district andditch is unique, but some common problems suggest common potentials. Group actioncreated the assets at risk, and group action is needed to sustain them. Given theincreasing instability of climate as well as input and output markets within sharplyincreasing environmental pressures, the importance of agricultural productive capacitycalls for careful self-defense. There is little help available, but a rationale for oneapproach is developed; “Five Capitals”.Looking at the “five kinds of capital” (natural, built, financial, individual andsocial/organizational) in the future, one may see the need for pro-active assessment of allof the assets of the district or ditch. In 30 years, what would you like to have? Whatmight you grudgingly agree to have in order to stabilize what you want? How can youget that? Irrigation districts, ditch companies and their allies must be the link betweenland use change and water management, and they may be the leading edge of progresstoward sustainability.
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