Background

The Blue Water Footprint measures how much freshwater is taken from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and underground aquifers for human use. It is different from green water, which refers to rainwater stored in the soil, and grey water, which represents used or other water requiring treatment. The blue water footprint focuses specifically on withdrawals of surface and groundwater, the type of water most industries, farms, and communities depend on every day. Understanding this measurement helps us understand how much we rely on freshwater reserves.

Industries That Contribute to the Blue Water Footprint

Several industries play a significant role in blue water use. For example: agriculture  irrigation to grow crops in both dry and moderate climates supporting food sustainability throughout the world; manufacturing, especially textiles, paper production, and food processing; and,  energy generation, including thermoelectric power plants, for cooling. These examples show how interconnected our economy and daily life is reliant on freshwater resources.

Sustainability and Reducing the Blue Water Footprint

Reducing the blue water footprint is a crucial part of sustainable water management. All users are turning to and implementing more efficient water use systems where applicable, and taking strides in technology to reduce water use, implement green and grey water use, and become better stewards of the natural resource.

Conclusion – Why the Blue Water Footprint Matters

Freshwater is a limited resource and when we use it faster than it can naturally replenish, the impacts can be serious. Rivers can dry up, aquifers can be permanently depleted, and ecosystems can suffer. Understanding and managing our blue water footprint helps ensure that water remains available for communities, ecosystems, and industries. It is a way to protect agricultural productivity, safeguard the environment, and build resilience in an ever-changing climate.

Celebrating 20 Years and a New Beginning: Tara Lomacz Begins Her Law School Journey

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

This month marks a major milestone for Tara Lomacz (née Tara Jackson). She is celebrating 20 years with Schroeder Law Offices, PC. Tara began her career as an administrative assistant and grew into the role of senior paralegal. Now, she is taking a bold step forward—starting law school.

A Dream Years in the Making

Tara has spent nearly two years preparing for this moment. She recently enrolled in Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Hybrid JD program. This ABA-accredited program allows her to continue working half-time at Schroeder Law Offices while attending classes and completing coursework in the afternoons and evenings.

The program blends online learning with short in-person residencies. It’s designed for professionals who want to earn a law degree without leaving their careers or communities.

Rooted in Justice and Fairness

Tara’s journey toward law school began long before her application. Even as a child, she had a strong sense of fairness. She was known for insisting on equal treatment among her siblings. That passion led her to mock trial in high school and political theory in college.

After graduating from Willamette University, Tara followed her father’s advice and joined a law office to see if legal practice was the right fit. It was. Her work at Schroeder Law Offices confirmed her calling.

A Deep Connection to Agriculture and Water Law

At Schroeder, Tara discovered a new world—agriculture and rural water rights. She learned about the challenges faced by farmers and small communities. Over time, she became deeply involved in organizations like Oregon Women for Agriculture and the Oregon Groundwater Association.

Her work has included securing water rights for farms, helping communities navigate infrastructure issues, and supporting legal efforts that protect access to natural resources.

Balancing Work, School, and Family

Transitioning to part-time work is bittersweet for Tara. Her identity is closely tied to her role at Schroeder Law Offices. Stepping back is difficult, but necessary.

She is also a mother to a vibrant three-year-old daughter. Motherhood has taught her the importance of boundaries and balance. Law school will challenge her to protect her time and energy—for her studies, her family, and herself.

A Lesson for Her Daughter

Tara’s decision to pursue law school is inspired by her daughter. She wants to show that growth and change are always possible. Her goal is to model resilience and lifelong learning.

She hopes her journey from paralegal to attorney will teach her daughter that it’s never too late to chase a dream.

Support from Schroeder Law Offices

Tara is grateful for the support she’s received from Schroeder Law Offices. The firm is providing financial assistance and continued encouragement. She plans to return as an attorney after completing her degree.

Her legal education will strengthen her ability to serve the firm’s clients and expand her impact in water and agricultural law.

Looking Ahead

Vermont Law and Graduate School offers specializations in water resources and food and agricultural law. These areas align perfectly with Tara’s experience and passion.

She believes that access to legal representation is vital for preserving rural communities. As an attorney, she plans to continue offering affordable, specialized legal services to those who need them most.

A New Chapter Begins

Tara Lomacz’s story is one of growth, purpose, and courage. As she begins law school, she carries with her the lessons of the past 20 years and the excitement of what lies ahead.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to evolve, learn, and pursue a dream.

Can I Use My Spring in Oregon Without A Water Right of Use?

Oregon Water Resources Department’s (“OWRD”) is ratcheting down on new applications for surface and groundwater sources. Consequently, Oregonians are looking at those uses exempt from water righting by OWRD. Different exemptions apply whether the use is considered surface or groundwater. So what are the water right requirements for springs?

We have previously provided information on groundwater exemptions. You can access that information here: Domestic Groundwater Exemption – Schroeder Law Offices, PC

Surface Water or Groundwater?

A spring might be a groundwater source. That would apply particularly if its artesian pressure required a spring box constructed below the surface. Such a spring box may be considered a hand-dug “well”. In that case the groundwater exemptions would apply, impacting water rights related to the spring.

Or, a spring might be a surface water source. That might apply if the spring does not have a spring box constructed below the surface. Whether such a spring surface water source is exempt from permitting under ORS 537.800 requires that “under natural conditions the surface water does not form a natural channel and flow off the property where it originates anytime of the year.” Hence, water rights may still be necessary depending on conditions.

What Does the Statute Say?

Like any good lawyer, we must break this ORS 537.800 statute into required elements which are:

• What are the “natural conditions”? This means generally, if there was no infrastructure (no spring box or piping) during the wettest time of the year.

• Does the water flowing from the spring under these natural conditions form a channel? A channel can be a rivulet that only flows occasionally, ie in the wettest time of year during a spring freshet.

• Does the spring water flow off the landowner’s property on which the spring originates and will be used? With the division and development of parcelling of property this might be a significant hurdle.

If each of the three elements above can be met, what types of uses are exempt under this spring water exemption? In truth, the statute does not limit the type of use. However, if the flow does not form a channel that runs off the property it is a logical conclusion that there will not be sufficient volume for irrigation or a commercial use, raising questions about water rights for the spring.

Conclusion

From a legal perspective it is very difficult to satisfy the ORS 537.800 requirements for a surface water exempt spring use for more than a domestic use. From a technical standpoint, we would employ a hydrogeologist to determine the “natural conditions” particularly where infrastructure has already been established and may be difficult otherwise to assess the facts related to the legal requirements surrounding water rights for springs.

Background

Central Oregon relies heavily on streams and snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains, which feed into the McKenzie and Deschutes Rivers. Recently, researchers uncovered a surprising new water source in the Cascades. It is a previously unmapped aquifer believed to contain over 80 cubic kilometers of water beneath the Central Cascade range. To put that in perspective, that is potentially three times the volume of Lake Mead – the largest reservoir in the United States.

Research

In an interview with OPB, Lief Karlstrom, associate professor of earth sciences at the University of Oregon, explained. While scientists have long known the Cascades store significant water, it was not until this intensive study that they began to understand just how much. The project initially aimed to “better understand” the region’s landscape. It led to the discovery of a massive, untapped reserve.

Researchers revealed that the Central Cascade arc shows a strikingly consistent connection between topography and hydrology, tied to aging volcanic bedrock. These findings suggest that geologic structures in the region have directly shaped its water systems over time.

Discoveries of the Cascade Aquifer Erupt

Formed by volcanic eruptions and gradually uplifted by magma flows, the Cascade Mountains are underlain by rock with unexpected water-holding properties. According to Karlstrom, when volcanic rock becomes heavily fractured, it can store and transmit substantial amounts of water. These fractures allow water to seep and move through the subsurface in surprising ways.

This groundbreaking discovery came as researchers focused on what they call the “critical zone”. This is the near-surface region where atmospheric forces meet the solid Earth. By analyzing geothermal wells drilled decades ago, scientists were able to map temperature gradients and trace the extensive flow of water through the volcanic rock.

Conclusion

Although the study was originally designed for energy exploration, the findings have opened the door to a new understanding of Oregon’s subsurface water supply. Scientists note that the existing wells may not show the full extent of the aquifer. This means that the volume of water could be even greater than the estimated 80 cubic kilometers.

However, they also caution that ongoing declines in snowpack may hinder the aquifer’s long-term recharge. Further research is needed to fully map its size and determine how this water might be used.

Revisions to Exempt Groundwater Use in Oregon

In the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session, the Oregon State legislature passed House Bill (HB) 3372. HB 3372 changes rules allowing people to use groundwater without requiring a water right. These uses are called “exempt” from water right requirements.

Groundwater is a major source of domestic, stockwater, and supplemental irrigation in Oregon, especially in rural areas. People use it for drinking, raising animals, and growing food. Typically, to use groundwater (or surface water), one must obtain a water right of use from the Oregon Water Resources Department. But, Oregon law, found in Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 537.545, allows for certain groundwater uses to be “exempt” from this requirement. People often refer to these wells as “exempt groundwater wells” or “domestic-exempt wells.” To date, Oregon has approximately 230,000 exempt groundwater wells with approximately 3,800 new wells drilled annually.

Exempt Uses

Previously, under Oregon water law, someone could use an exempt groundwater well for the following uses:

• Stock watering purposes up to 12,000 gallons per day (with an exception for confined animal feeding operations)
• Watering non-commercial lawns or gardens (for areas up to one-half an acre)
• Watering school grounds up to 10 acres in a critical ground water area
• Single or group domestic in-home use up to 15,000 gallons per day
• Commercial use up to 5,000 gallons per day
• Reusing water for irrigation, if it follows certain rules

New Exempt Use

With the passing of HB 3372, an additional exemption was added: irrigation of a commercial garden up to one-half acre using no more than 3,000 gallons per day. This commercial garden use can be combined with groundwater for commercial business purposes. In that case, the total cannot go over 5,000 gallons per day. Also, the new exemption says that cannabis growers can be considered for the new commercial garden exempt use. However, the cannabis grower must be licensed as an industrial hemp grower (ORS 571.281).

Special Rule for the Lower Umatilla Basin

In the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area, the new exempt use allowing irrigation of commercial gardens does not begin until January 2, 2028. Lawmakers added this exception for the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area, shortened to “LUBGWMA,” in the final round of amendments to the proposed bill. Officials designated the Lower Umatilla Basin as a groundwater management area in 1990 due to the high levels of nitrate found in the groundwater.

When Exempt Use is the Only Way to Get Water

Given the new groundwater rules for permitting, exempt uses may be the only available groundwater source readily available to developers and small organic growers.  Schroeder Law Offices can assist in regulatory compliance and development via exempt uses.  Find us at: Inquiry Form – Schroeder Law Offices, PC

The Greater Idaho Movement is a fascinating and complex effort that has gained traction in recent years. This movement seeks to redraw the state boundaries. Several counties in eastern Oregon would become part of Idaho. The primary motivation behind this movement is the cultural and political differences between the rural, conservative eastern Oregon and the more urban, liberal western part of the state. 

Water: A Critical Issue in the Greater Idaho Movement

One of the critical issues at the heart of this movement is water rights. Water is a precious resource in the arid regions of eastern Oregon and Idaho. The management of water rights is crucial for agriculture, industry, and residential use. Water rights in the western United States are governed by the doctrine of prior appropriation, which essentially means “first in time, first in right.” This doctrine has been the foundation of water law in both Oregon and Idaho for over a century. However, the implementation and management of these rights can vary significantly between states.

In Oregon, water rights are managed by the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD). The state has a comprehensive water management plan that includes strict regulations on water usage, conservation efforts, and environmental protections. In addition, OWRD has ceded its application processes in large part to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW). These regulations can sometimes be viewed as burdensome by farmers and ranchers in eastern Oregon. They feel that their needs are not adequately represented in the state’s policies.

Idaho, on the other hand, has a more fluid approach to water management. The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) oversees water rights at the State level, but there is generally more local control and flexibility in how water is allocated and used.  Additional agencies, such as state fish and wildlife do not oversee or inform IDWR’s work. This approach is often seen as more favorable by those in the agricultural sector, as it allows for more adaptive management practices that can better respond to local conditions.

What if the Greater Idaho Movement Succeeds?

If the Greater Idaho Movement were to succeed, the counties that join Idaho would transition from Oregon’s water management system to Idaho’s. This shift could have several implications:

1. Regulatory Changes: Farmers and ranchers in these counties might experience a reduction in regulatory burdens, allowing for more flexible water usage. This could lead to increased agricultural productivity and economic benefits for the region.
2. Water Allocation: The change in state governance could also impact how water is allocated among different users. Idaho’s system might provide more opportunities for local stakeholders to influence water management decisions. That could lead to more equitable distribution of water resources.
3. Environmental Concerns: While the transition might benefit agricultural users, there could be concerns about the environmental impacts of less stringent water regulations. A critical challenge will be ensuring that water usage remains sustainable and that ecosystems are protected.
4. Interstate Water Compacts: The movement could also affect existing interstate water compacts and agreements. These legal agreements govern the allocation of water from shared rivers and aquifers between states. Any changes in state boundaries would require renegotiation of these compacts to ensure fair distribution of water resources.

Conclusion

The Greater Idaho Movement is more than just a political and cultural shift. It has significant implications for water rights and resource management. As the movement continues to evolve, it will be essential to carefully consider how these changes will impact the people and ecosystems that depend on water in this region. Balancing the needs of agricultural users with environmental sustainability will be key to ensuring a prosperous future for all involved.

Schroeder Law Offices works with clients in both Idaho and Oregon as well as Nevada, Washington and Utah.

House Bill 3419: What’s Next for Well Monitoring and Reporting?

Oregon House Bill 3419  has the potential to restrict how much water homeowners can pump from their exempt (non-permitted) wells. It requires meters to record water usage. This bill also focuses on constructing consistency in how water use is measured and reported, in hopes to refine water enforcement procedures.

Most types of water use require the user to obtain a permit from the Oregon Water Resources Department (“OWRD”). But Oregon law currently considers domestic use of up to 15,000 gallons of groundwater per day, including irrigation of lawns and non-commercial gardens less than one-half acre, exempt from permitting and reporting requirements. This could change under HB 3419.

Public Feedback

Public response to House Bill 3419 has been mixed. While environmental protection organizations like WaterWatch of Oregon, the Nature Conservancy, and the Oregon Environmental Council support the passage of House Bill 3419, many individuals have provided public comments in opposition. The Oregon Water Resources Congress (“OWRC”) also opposes HB 3419, stating, “We are not opposed generally to measurement and reporting… However [HB 3419] would provide OWRD with overly broad authority that will only compete with and undermine other ongoing water management efforts.”

Mark Owens, Oregon State Representative for House District 60, has said he is opposed to any bill that would establish constraints for rural residents who rely on exempt wells for their domestic water. House District 60 includes Baker, Grant, Harney, Lake, Malheur, and part of Deschutes Counties in central and eastern Oregon. Many residents of these rural counties rely on private wells to obtain domestic water. Owens’ aim is to make things less complicated for Oregonians. H wants to ensure access to secure and reliable water for their homes. He spoke about possibly setting up a fund to support repairs and replacements of wells that have been affected by droughts, fires, and contamination.

Conclusion

It is important that well owners, especially those who rely on exempt wells for domestic use, maintain awareness of potential rules and regulations that could require additional procedure concerning their water access. House Bill 3419 is currently in front of the Oregon House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water. There are no scheduled hearings on this bill, and the deadline to submit testimony has expired. We will continue to monitor the progress of HB 3419, so check back for updates! If you’re interested in learning more about ongoing water right issues, visit our the Schroeder Law Offices, PC blog!

More Information about House Bill 3419

1. Oregon Well Owners Face New Restrictions: State Proposes Controversial Monitoring Plan – The Hillsboro Herald
2. Farmers fret water meter mandate (HB 3419 hearing) | Oregon Catalyst
3. Good News – The Oregon Legislature is Not Trying to Meter Your Domestic Well – Oregon Property Owners Association
4. Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water House 2025 Regular Session – Oregon Legislative Information System
5. OWRC Testimony

Oregon Snowpack: A Winter Wonderland in 2025

With the first day of spring just around the corner, Oregon’s snowpack is now a topic of significant interest and importance. This year, Oregon has experienced remarkable snowfall, leading to a snowpack that is not only above average but also the best in the western United States. What does this record-breaking year mean for the region?

A Record-Breaking Oregon Snowpack

As of February 2025, Oregon’s snowpack has reached an impressive 144% of normal levels with all watersheds at 77% or higher of median snow-water levels. The John Day, Malheur, Harney, and Lake County-Goose Lake watersheds all have more than 150% of median snow-water levels. The levels across the state look very similar to those in 2019.

The accumulation is due to a series of cold winter storms providing large amounts of snow across the state. The heavy snowfall has been a welcome sight for many, especially after several years of fluctuating snowpack that raised concerns about water supply and drought conditions. Oregon has enjoyed a successful winter ski season. Skiing is expected to continue far into the spring, with many ski areas near or at 100 inches of snow.

Implications for Water Supply

This substantial Oregon snowpack is not only enjoyed for recreational winter snow uses. It also bodes well for water users during the rest of the year. The current snowpack levels are a positive sign for Oregon’s water supply. With snowpack levels well above average, the state is better positioned to meet water demands for agricultural and recreational uses, especially with irrigation seasons starting in March. The ample snowpack reduces the immediate risk of drought, providing a buffer against dry conditions that could arise later in the year.

Looking Ahead

While the current Oregon snowpack levels are encouraging, it is important to remain cautious. In recent years, strong snowpacks have melted too quickly due to early warm temperatures in spring and summer. This faster melting reduces the snowpack’s ability to prevent wildfires. It is wise to approach the season with caution and to be well-prepared.

All in all, this is good news for Oregon water users, and we will hope for a bountiful summer.

Integrated Water Resources Strategy: Oregon IWRS

IWRS means Oregon’s statewide Integrated Water Resources Strategy. On November 12, 2024, six Oregon departments hosted a public meeting to discuss IWRS priorities for the next five to 7 years. Sponsoring departments included:

• Water Resources Department
• Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Department of Environmental Quality
• Department of Agriculture
• Watershed Enhancement Board
• Department of Land Conservation and Development

Over 50 people attended both online and in person in Salem, including Schroeder Law Offices, to learn what the agencies believed were the most important actions for the state to take related to water quality and quantity concerns.

What IWRS Is

The IWRS is a state-wide initiative for inter-agency communication to understand Oregon’s instream and out-of-stream water needs. Governor Kotek requested a pause on IWRS after the agencies issued the first draft of the priorities since many agencies were transitioning to new directors.

The IWRS has 47 required actions, and the agencies decided to break these actions down into three “buckets”. They are titled 1) Prevent Things from Getting Worse; 2) Optimize: Highest and Best Use; and 3) Help Communities Prepare and Adapt.

The first bucket concerns sustainable practices and limiting and reducing contamination of water resources. The second bucket concerns prioritizing innovative water solutions and data-driven projects for decision-making. The third bucket concerns informing the public of what the “water future” looks like, helping economies adapt to water changes, and increasing volunteer-based incentive programs for target priorities. The public had the opportunity to comment on the agencies’ priorities. They provided questions and feedback as well.

Commenters questioned the lack of enforcement language within the goals from the Department of Environmental Quality, such as in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. This area, referred to as the “LUBGWMA,” experiences challenges with nitrate levels in domestic wells that are not connected to a community or municipal system. Commenters also questioned the scale of the projects to ensure the projects could be feasibly implemented in all communities.

Next Draft Coming in January, 2025

The agencies will publish the next draft for the IWRS in January 2025 which will include these priority areas. The public can submit comments to the draft IWRS. If you have interest in these projects or concerns, be sure to submit comments to the agencies for their consideration. After public review and comment, the agencies will present the draft to the Water Resources Commission in March 2025 for a workshop discussion. The agencies expect to provide the Final Draft of the IWRS to Water Resources Commission in late Spring 2025, with a hope of official adoption in June 2025.

Issues that need Water Attorneys

Water right attorneys focus their practice on complex and important issues in Oregon, where all water belongs to the public. Anyone who wants to use water from any source, whether surface or groundwater, must obtain a permit or license from the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD), unless they qualify for a statutory exemption. In Oregon, water rights of use are based on the principle of prior appropriation. This means the first person to use water or apply for a permit has the senior priority. Under the pure prior appropriate system and in times of shortage, water users with the senior priority can demand the water specified in their right of use, regardless of the rights of use held by junior users.

Water users in Oregon include farms, vineyards, nurseries, livestock enterprises, dairies, single residences, homeowner’s associations and developments, cities, commercial businesses, and other entities. They may need legal assistance for various reasons, including obtaining, transferring, or defending water rights; complying with health and utility regulations; resolving disputes or enforcement actions by regulating agencies such as the Oregon Department of Water Resources; conducting due diligence for transactions or developments; and participating in rulemaking or legislative processes.

For a more detailed discussion of Oregon water rights, see this article. Or visit our blog.

What to Look For in a Water Attorney

When looking for an attorney for water rights in Oregon, there are several factors to consider, such as:

• Experience and expertise: Water law is a specialized and dynamic field that requires a thorough knowledge of the relevant statutes, rules, case law, and administrative procedures. An attorney who has experience and expertise in water law can help clients navigate the complex and often changing legal landscape. Practiced attorneys can provide effective representation and advice. Some indicators of experience and expertise include the attorney’s education, credentials, publications, memberships, awards, and testimonials.
• Fees and costs: Water law matters can be time-consuming and costly, depending on the complexity and scope of the issue. An attorney who is transparent and reasonable about their fees and costs can help the client budget and plan accordingly. Some attorneys may offer different fee arrangements, such as hourly, flat, contingent, or hybrid. This would depend on the nature and circumstances of the case. The client should discuss and agree on the fee arrangement with the attorney before hiring them.
• Reputation and rapport: Water law issues can be contentious and sensitive, especially when they involve competing or conflicting interests. An attorney who has a good reputation and rapport with the OWRD, other agencies, courts, and stakeholders can help the client achieve a favorable and timely resolution. Moreover, an attorney who is trustworthy, respectful, and professional can establish a rapport with the client and understand their goals and expectations.

Ways to Find an Oregon Water Attorney

To find an attorney for water rights in Oregon, the client can use various sources, such as:

• Referrals: The client can ask for recommendations from people they know and trust, such as friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances, who have dealt with water law issues or hired an attorney for water rights in Oregon. Referrals can provide firsthand information and feedback about the attorney’s performance and personality.
• Online: Just use one of the various search engines like Google or Bing.
• Websites: The client can visit the websites of attorneys or law firms that specialize in water law in Oregon, such as Schroeder Law Offices. These websites often provide detailed information about their services, experience, expertise, and contact information. Websites can also showcase the attorney’s portfolio, publications, and achievements.
• Consultations: The client can contact and schedule consultations with potential attorneys for water rights in Oregon. Most will offer a free hour either by phone, Zoom, or in person, to discuss their specific issue and needs. Consultations are a good method to evaluate the attorney’s suitability and compatibility. Consultations also allow the client to ask questions and clarify any doubts or concerns they may have.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, finding an attorney for water rights in Oregon can be a challenging task. By considering the factors mentioned above and using the sources suggested, the client can make an informed and confident decision.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The client should consult with a licensed attorney in their jurisdiction before taking any legal action.

For more information please call +1 (800) 574-8813, use our convenient form, or visit the Water Law Blog.

See Also what to expect when you call a water attorney.

Looking for something fun and educational to do this weekend? Why not check out the Oregon State Fair! This year’s fair runs through Monday, September 4th. The event boasts tasty snacks, a stacked lineup of musical guests, and events celebrating Oregon’s farm and agriculture community. This coming weekend marks the second and final weekend of the fair and is being held as usual on the Salem, Oregon Fairgrounds.

While you’re there, be sure to stop by the Oregon Women for Agriculture booth. Founded in 1969, Oregon Women for Agriculture educates the community on the importance of sustainable agriculture to the environment and economy.

Find event details on the Oregon State Fair website by clicking here: https://oregonstatefair.org/.

            Schroeder Law Offices is pleased to announce that Kelsey Seibel has joined the firm as a new associate attorney in Portland, Oregon. Kelsey received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in May 2021. She was admitted to the Oregon State Bar on February 24, 2022.

            Kelsey Seibel gained experience in water law through working on the University of Denver Water Law Review during law school, of which she served on the editorial board for two years as an Articles Editor. Kelsey also received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While studying for her Bachelor’s, Kelsey’s area of focus included environmental policy and history surrounding global environmental issues.

            Kelsey’s previous professional experience includes clerking for Judge Christine C. Antoun in the Colorado Judicial Branch Second Judicial District in Denver, Colorado. During her time, she was awarded “2022 Outstanding Courtroom Employee.”

            Kelsey grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin along Lake Michigan. When asked about her interest in water law, Kelsey says, “I always knew I wanted to work with natural resources and in the environmental law area. When I decided to go to the University of Denver for law school, I chose to write on the Water Law Review to learn more about water law and water rights in the west. I enjoy the area of water law because it combines my interests in efficient use of natural resources with sustainable growth and allocation of resources.”

            For fun, Kelsey enjoys outdoor activities like camping, running, and biking, as well as baking, cooking, and watching Wisconsin football.

            Kelsey could not be more excited to join Schroeder Law Offices and is determined to work as a passionate advocate to assist in all client needs.

Senior paralegal Tara Lomacz and her family will be attending the annual 2023 Oregon Ground Water Association Picnic and Campout! The event will be held on August 11th through August 13th at Pelton Park in Madras, OR. Join in celebrating OGWA’s 75th anniversary. Activities will include a potluck and cooking contest, the annual horseshoe tournament, and plenty of games and prizes. To learn more about OGWA’s annual campout, visit the event website here.

What brought you to Schroeder Law Offices?

I had been interested in the legal field for some years before I started with Schroeder Law Offices. I was working in a different industry and was finally ready to make a change when I found SLO. Ultimately, it was the close-knit office culture, opportunities for education, and fascinating specialty that convinced me that this was where I was meant to be.

What is your go-to productivity trick?

I am a strict to-do list person. No matter how small the task is, it’s added to my list. If I really need to buckle down and focus on a large task I have found that listening to brown noise is extremely effective at calming and providing focus.

What is something you find fascinating about water law?

The first aspect that drew me in was the history. I love to research water rights, and it is also so interesting to learn about rights stemming from the early 20^th century and even earlier.

What do you like to do for fun on the weekends?

My favorite down time activity is spending time with my husband and my dog, either at home or exploring the trails in the Pacific Northwest. Otherwise, I like to binge watch a good television show and catch up on reading.

What is your favorite book or movie?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

What’s it like to work at Schroeder Law Offices?

Every day is a new adventure.

April 22^nd, 2023, is the 53^rd annual Earth Day celebration. The theme of this year’s holiday is “Invest in Our Planet.” The preservation and efficient use of water, a vital natural resource, leads all that we do at Schroeder Law Offices. As a water law office, Schroeder assists municipal water users and districts, individual and family farms, and ranches to promote sustainable water use throughout Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, and Washington. To celebrate, let’s brush up on some Earth Day history.

The beginnings of Earth Day can be traced back to an oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara in 1969. Because of its devastating effect on the surrounding nature and wildlife, the public’s concern over what could be done to protect the environment grew. After the spill, Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson inspired a nationwide “teach-in” day. Senator Nelson enlisted the help of a young activist Denis Hayes, fellow senator Pete McCloskey, and numerous volunteers and activists thereby creating the first Earth Day on April 22^nd, 1970. 20 million people celebrated the first holiday, prompting nationwide demonstrations, protests, and teach-ins.

Earth Day is now a global event celebrated each year through demonstrations, events, and acts of service!

To keep the mission of Earth Day in mind this year, Earthday.org created a list of the many ways you can take care of the earth in your day-to-day life. Some ideas you might try:

• Attending a tree planting event
• Participating in a community beach cleanup
• Planting a pollinator garden to help the population of bees, butterflies, and other organisms in your local ecosystem
• Attending an Earth Day event (find one in your area using this interactive map)
• Reading more on Earth Day history to explore the origins of the holiday

This weekend, please join us in celebrating Earth Day’s mission.

To stay up to date on all things water, be sure to subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter to the right.

Oregon Women for Agriculture will be hosting their Annual Auction and Dinner on April 15th, 2023 at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany, Oregon. This year’s theme is “From Farm to Forest- and Everything in Between.” Shareholder Laura Schroeder, firm administrator Scott Borison, and senior paralegal Tara Lomacz are excited to be attending the event.

Founded in 1969, Oregon Women for Agriculture began with the mission to “work together to communicate the story of today’s agriculture.” The organization is passionate about educating the community on the importance of sustainable agriculture to the environment and economy. Their work can be found in their support of programs including Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom and the Summer Agriculture Institute. These programs are meant to help students learn the importance of agriculture in their day-to-day life, like understanding how their food makes it from the farm to the grocery store. OWA is also responsible for the popular crop identification signs that can be found all along Oregon’s roadways. These signs help spread the word on the hundreds of different crops farmers grow all across the state.

The 2023 Oregon Women for Agriculture Annual Auction will help support OWA so that they can continue their work in the Oregon community for years to come! The event will feature a silent auction and dinner, as well as a live auction beginning at 7:15 pm. Visit the event website here for details on ticket cost, reserving a table, and more. We hope to see you there!

What brought you to Schroeder Law Offices?

I came to Schroeder Law Offices right after graduating law school.  During my last year of school I was looking for a post-grad job related to natural resource law.  Having interned in jobs lobbying, in-house counsel for nonprofits, at an Attorney General’s Office, and at a large law firm, I knew I wanted to work in private practice, but in a boutique setting.

During my last semester of law school, I was working with The Freshwater Trust, a nonprofit in Portland, Oregon that does river restoration work. In that internship I had some exposure to water law and found it fascinating.  Schroeder was looking for an associate in Reno at the time. I was looking for a job in a location that would allow more of a rural lifestyle, so it was a perfect fit. I also loved that all the partners were women as this field is so often dominated by men.

What is your go-to productivity trick?

I am very to-do list oriented.  I tend to have one master list with all my projects and then one to two tiers of lists with more immediate tasks that need to be done in the next day or week.  A lot of my motivation comes from crossing something off a list.

What is something you find fascinating about water law?

Water law is one of the few niche practice areas that is incredibly diverse.  Unlike family or criminal law, where the issues, rules, and case law are often recycled, water law issues are always different.  In the last few years I have worked on property law, contract law, tort law, secured transaction law, tribal law, as well as federal issues like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and historic rights-of-way across federal land. I’ve never enjoyed monotony in a job. At Schroeder, I’m certainly never bored and almost always challenged in a new way!

What do you like to do for fun on the weekends?

Outside of work I like to cook, read, and work in my garden or on my farm. I also like to get outside for an adventure with my hodge-podge pack of dogs. On longer breaks, I like to backpack or kayak with my husband, travel internationally to see new places, learn about history, and try new foods.

What is your favorite book or movie?

I don’t have an all-time favorite book or movie that comes to mind.  Lately, I’ve really enjoyed anything written by Kate Quinn.  I love her portrayals of women’s forgotten roles in history, especially during WWII. 

What’s it like to work at Schroeder Law Offices?

Working at Schroeder is working with a close-knit team. We help each other out and really care about one another as people.  I’ve always felt supported and heard. The leadership has always been invested in my growth as a professional and outside of work. They also encourage me to build and maintain a life outside of the office.

Caitlin Skulan is an associate attorney at Schroeder Law Offices, PC.

As of September 13^th, Oregon Water Resources Department Director Tom Byler has officially retired after 27 years working for the state of Oregon. A new OWRD director will be appointed by Oregon’s next governor. To serve for the remainder of her term, governor Kate Brown has appointed acting director Doug Woodcock, who previously worked as the Deputy Director of Water Management.  

During his tenure as the director, Tom Byler dedicated his time to modernizing the department’s programs and services to meet the Oregon community’s ever changing water needs. Byler also worked to increase OWRD’s capabilities to collect and analyze data to manage Oregon’s surface and groundwater resources throughout the state.

In the official press release regarding his retirement, Byler said, “As I look to the future of water resources in Oregon, I anticipate that water issues will continue to become more and more complex and challenging.” Byler added, “I am excited about the Department’s increasing capabilities to help communities address those issues.” Though he may be retiring from his current position, Byler intends to carry on his work in water and natural resources issues into his retirement.

The Oregon Water Resources Department is the state agency responsible for ensuring adequate and sustainable water supply to meet present and future needs. To learn more about OWRD, visit their website here: https://www.oregon.gov/owrd/. 

In the article “Trends in Clinical Legal Education Affecting Agriculture” by Caroline Lobdell and Scott Horngren, the authors provide a thorough look into the current state of environmental, agricultural, and animal law programs in law schools throughout the country. Though environmental law programs have steadily increased since the passage of groundbreaking environmental laws in the 1970s, the authors argue that these programs fail to offer a balanced education on agriculture and environmental law. Instead, they often focus exclusively on fighting for environmental causes. In doing so, they neglect to cover the interests of farmers, ranchers, and other natural resource users, who make up a huge part of environmental and agricultural interests.

Rather than viewing natural resource use as inherently wrong or not worthy of study, the article urges law programs to educate students on the interests of natural resource users and the cases they may come across in these industries as lawyers. In doing so, law students will get a more well-rounded understanding of environmental and agricultural issues, be better equipped to anticipate opposing arguments, and even work together with natural resource users in pursuing conservation efforts.  

To showcase the positive impact of a well-balanced environmental and agricultural education, the article uses Lewis & Clark’s Western Resource Legal Center (WRLC) as a case study. The law clinic, incorporated by Laura A. Schroeder, aimed to help students understand the interests of ranching, farming, timber, and other resource dependent industries. WRLC was later incorporated into Lewis & Clark to follow a seminar format to address legal issues affecting these industries in addition to an externship program that has partnered with the Oregon Farm Bureau, the Oregon Cattleman’s Association, American Forest Resource Council, Schroeder Law Offices, and others. With so many students willing to share positive experiences, the article makes a compelling argument for law schools to implement similar programs in their environmental law curriculums.  

WRLC’s founder and former Dean of Lewis and Clark Law School, James Huffman described the program as “a little boat that is finally afloat.”  On WRLC’s inception, Huffman stated “[t]here is a lot more to be done to make it seaworthy and expand the fleet, but it can be done.”  As budding law students with agricultural backgrounds, WRLC alumni, such as Schroeder Law Offices’ Associate Attorney Caitlin Skulan, were able to obtain a more balanced legal education as it pertains to the natural world and the resources we rely on. WRLC was a life raft in a sea full of environmental advocacy opinions on the Lewis and Clark campus.  The balance of working with farmers, ranchers, timber harvesters, and other sustainable natural resources users offers law students a reprieve from viewpoints that organizations like Farm Bureau and Cattlemen’s Associations are the villains of the environmental story. 

Similar to environmental advocacy focused clinics, students are still exposed to a whole host of environmental laws including the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, and state and federal Administrative Procedure Acts.  WRLC students have an opportunity to participate in real cases with the people who work and rely on natural resources and take pride in their roles as stewards of the land their livelihoods rely on.  As an employer of WRLC Alumni, Schroeder Law Offices hopes to see similar programs emerging at other law schools to better prepare future lawyers to represent our valued clientele.   

To learn more about WRLC and the current state of environmental, agricultural, and animal law programs, check out the link to the full article here.

            Schroeder Law Offices had a blast working at the 2022 Oregon State Fair. If you weren’t able to make it down to Salem for the annual festivities, we’re here to fill you in. During the fair’s kickoff weekend, Tara Lomacz and Madeleine Criglow worked the Oregon Women for Agriculture booth in Salem Fairgrounds’ Columbia Hall. This space was dedicated to showcasing agriculture in Oregon along with the beautiful works of local authors, photographers, and textile artists. At the Oregon Women for Agriculture booth, Tara and Madeleine had a great time speaking with fairgoers on agriculture and water issues in Oregon.

            To encourage fairgoers to stop by the booth, guests were challenged to spin the trivia wheel for questions on agriculture and farming in Oregon. The questions tested guests’ knowledge on everything from Oregon’s state beverage (milk, if you’re wondering) to how many gallons of water a cow drinks in a day (a whopping 20-30 gallons!). Guests were delighted to realize that they already knew a thing or two about Oregon agriculture (and were pretty happy about the prizes, too).

The Oregon Women for Agriculture booth also featured a map highlighting the water issues currently affecting agriculture and local farmers throughout Oregon. As fairgoers read through the map, many shared their own experiences with water issues and asked about what might be done to protect the natural resource in Oregon. It was rewarding to see guests take such an interest in local agriculture, and Schroeder Law Offices was happy to spread the word on its importance to the environment and economy.

            As the trivia games and discussions came to a close, the fair was just getting started. There was still tons of fun to be had, from checking out live music to indulging in every snack you could imagine. Leaving the fair with an ice cream cone in hand, we were grateful for the opportunity to join in on the fun!