‘None of this makes any sense.’ VanderSloot calls on Little to help farmers amidst water crisis

It’s an excuse to shut farmers down.

Control the food, control the people. The Gov is overreaching.

Im so sick of government overreach!

No water no food.

Lord please protect these farmers and their families

Someone needs to shut down the mayor or the governor

This needs to be talked about at every dinner table in America! Greedy land grabbers should be held accountable.

Why would even one farmer comply? Don’t comply and don’t pay any fines. Complete BS

Crops die..farmer goes under...Bill G. swoops in and buys cheap land...water magically reappears.

I propose a vote of no confidence for the director of water resources

Shared in Florida! This should be NATIONAL NEWS!!!! Thank you NATE!!!!

Dear Governor Little, My name is Brian Murdock, I am a farmer in East Idaho. I am writing you concerning your decision to allow the Twin Falls Canal Company to take over the Idaho Department of Water Resources and cause the largest irrigation curtailment in the history of the United States. It is no surprise to me that once they were allowed to run that department things have spiraled out of control. Vince Alberti, a former manager of that canal, made it very clear to me and my brother Robert, way back in 2004, that the mission statement for the Twin Falls Canal Company was to see the entire east side of the state curtailed, pumps pulled out, and the wells cemented in. Vince ought to be feeling very happy to see his goal so close to achievement. As with any private entity, they see no reason to serve the entire state. Serving the entire state is the mission of the State government, which at this point is failing miserably to do its job. This past winter we have truly seen miracles for the great State of Idaho. The winter snowpack started slowly and lacking. I believe that due to much pray, fasting, and petitioning the Lord, we were blessed with a bountiful and suNicient snowpack. I have seen article after article posted by the IDWR that the 2024 water outlook was good if not fantastic. We have seen the reservoirs filled to capacity and beyond. For much of this spring, the residents of East Idaho have been more worried about the bridges over the Snake River collapsing than they ever were about a massive shortfall of irrigation water that would lead to curtailment. This supports the assertion that the State of Idaho has turned over to control of the water to the Twins Falls Canal Company. That on this year of all years, they can manufacture injury and demand be curtailed at this point is in the growing season is beyond ridiculous. This is truly a case of manufactured injury. Just like it has been for the past 20 years. Idaho is not that big when it comes to the number of farms. It is getting smaller and smaller. Twin Falls has about 1200 farms and Bingham County has 1100. Since this is Idaho, probably at least 75% of those farms are related to each other. If you think that there could be a true water-deprived farm that we didn't all know about in Twin Falls you are nuts! They are certainly hearing all about the damage they are causing their families East Idaho right now. You stated in your appearances and press releases that you are deeply concerned about our rapidly declining aquifer. This is not California. Idahoans have two eyes and a brain and we don't accept something as truth just because it gets repeated over and over. Groundwater pumpers are the people most tuned into the groundwater levels. We must be, we pay for any problems that arise from the aquifer. We don't get to pass that problem on to some helpless junior water right holder. We have not experienced a mass lowering of wells that would be expected if the aquifer were to drop significantly. If the aquifer were to drop, we would be the first ones to know it. I also find it rather sickening that you of all people would use this as a reason to cause and support the largest curtailment of land in the history of the United States. You might not remember me, but I very clearly remember you. We have met several times. The very first time we met was in your Senate office in 2006 when along with my brother Robert, and my cousin Ron Murdock. We met with you to discuss legislation, specifically House Bill 800. We were trying to introduce legislation to improve our ability as water users to recharge water into the aquifer. I watched you try and kill this bill in committee. You told me then you really didn't understand the "Water Issues" and you would listen to your advisors on how to vote. One of those "Advisors" turned out to be Idaho Power. Apparently, you are still listening to them. My brother and I then watched you vote against the bill when it went to the floor for a vote. Anyone can look up your vote against recharge in the legislative journals. Having my land curtailed based upon aquifer health from a Senator who voted against allowing more recharge to that aquifer is insulting. As should be obvious, I have been trying to improve Idaho's water for 20 years now. I have watched the slow deterioration of Idaho's water laws by these canals from Twin Falls. I was against the 2016 agreement. I knew back then it would not be the "Safe Harbor" that Scott Bedke was promising. I knew this was to be his launch pad for the oNice of Lt. Governor. His only interest in the 2016 agreement was for personal political gain. If he was truly invested in Idaho's best interest, he would be fighting for East Idaho and all the eNort we put into trying to make a flawed water agreement work. Since I have brought up political ties that create distrust, why is the only judge we have to bringanywaterissuesinfrontofJudgeWildman? WhoconvenientlylivesinTwinsFalls, along with his wife who works for the City of Twins Falls Economic Development Council? Now if that isn't a conflict of interest what is? This is a Judge whom we have NEVER received a favorable judgment from. The mere fact we have lost so many decisions should be a red flag that East Idaho ground pumpers are not being given due process. We have no friend in that court. It should be apparent that I could make this letter much longer. But due to the fact that I will also be posting this on social media, I need to keep it brief. You will hear more from me, probably part of some type of lawsuit that will be brought against the State. As much as it is true foolishness to bring lawsuits against your own state, sometimes it becomes necessary to get the attention of elected leaders. The other method to get the attention happens in 2 years when East Idaho will have the opportunity to vote against you and Scott Bedke for the parts you both played in creating this water mess. If you thought COVID was bad for the economy of the State, just wait till curtailment hits the economy. Please call me, I’d love to chat. Brian Murdock

The snake river and its reservoirs are full. Still snow pack in the mountains. No drought just government overreach.

What a horrible Governor, you can tell a lot about politicians by the way they treat the farmers. The farmers are vital to the entire population and economy. REPEAT... worst Governor and the voters need to address this.

Look for who benefits and how. Who is waiting in the wings to buy the farmland cheap???

Unbelievable- total communism!!

Control the food. Control the population.

The overriding question I have is: Why are all these government bureaucrats able to limit our Food Supply through punitive regulations? Our food supply should not be shut down or limited by regulations.

There is a bigger plan to all of this . Control . Hungry people are easy to control.

What a travesty, this is their livelihood.