Brian Olmstead takes reins at TF Canal Co.
By Cindy Snyder, Ag Weekly correspondent
Friday, February 29, 2008 5:33 PM CST
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| Brian Olmstead describes a constructed wetland project during a water-quality tour in 2004. Olmstead is the new general manager of the Twin Falls Canal Co. CINDY SNYDER/Ag Weekly |
TWIN FALLS, Idaho - The state’s largest canal company didn’t have to look far when it selected its new manager.
Brian OImstead, who had served as a field supervisor at the Twin Falls Canal Co. for eight years, was named the new manager as of March 1.
Phil Blick, chairman of the TFCC board of directors, said the appointment was made after a nationwide search.
“We at Twin Falls Canal Company are delighted to welcome Brian as our new general manager,” Blick said at a press conference announcing the decision, “and we want to thank Vince Alberdi for his fifteen years of service as our general manager.”
Olmstead graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1970 and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Utah State University. He farmed and ranched in the Twin Falls area from 1975 to 1999, before joining TFCC in 2000.
As a field supervisor, Olmstead was responsible for water-quality efforts, safety, sprinkler conversions, and working with subdivisions. Those experiences, along with serving as assistant secretary to the board of directors for the past four years, have prepared him to run the company, Blick said.
Olmstead credits those four years as assistant secretary to the board for bringing him up to speed on water-rights issues and other legal matters.
“Two-thirds of our water comes from aquifer return flows at the critical times of the season,” he said. “That’s the real crown jewel of the TFCC water right, and we’ve got to protect it.”
As a farmer, Olmstead wants to see as many farmers stay in business as possible, but at the same time, the aquifer must be managed at a level that is sustainable and that keeps senior water-right holders whole.
“My number one priority is to serve the stockholders of the Twin Falls Canal Company,” he said.
While water-right issues will clearly dominate the headlines in coming years, Olmstead would like to focus on education efforts.
“Water has gotten so political in Idaho, we’ve got to get our story out,” he said.
That starts with efforts in the schools to educate elementary students about water safety. As chairman of the Idaho Water Education Foundation, Olmstead would also like to develop a water awareness program for middle school students that could be brought to schools across the state.
But it’s not just young people that need to understand water issues and the importance of water to Idaho; adults as well need to understand how precious water is. One of Olmstead’s goals as TFCC manager is to improve communication between TFCC and other organizations and agencies. He said he believes TFCC has been doing a better job of meeting with the business community, city, county and even the general public, but that those efforts must continue.
Another education push that Olmstead will continue is working with fellow producers to change irrigation practices to improve water quality. TFCC has worked with local conservation districts and a federal grant program to build wetlands on major irrigation return drains to the Snake River.
These constructed wetlands remove sediment and nutrients from irrigation return water and provide wildlife habitat, but there are only a few good sites left for large wetland projects.
“Then it’s back to better management by farmers,” Olmstead said.
Olmstead began working on water-quality efforts with producers long before he joined the TFCC. He has served as a supervisor on the Snake River Soil and Water Conservation District for over 25 years and as chairman for 10 years. He has also served on the Mid-Snake Basin Advisory Group (otherwise known as a BAG) for six years and is presently vice chairman. Basin advisory groups help implement pollution loading plans for water-quality-impaired streams and rivers.
Larry Pennington has worked with Olmstead on water-quality projects along the Mid-Snake River for years. Pennington manages the water quality efforts for the North Side Canal Co. in Jerome. He said he expects Olmstead to do well as the new TFCC manager.
“Brian is a person who does well and gives everything he’s got,” Pennington said. “Coming in as a farmer, he’s got a good grasp of that side of the business. But his strongest point is that he cares, he flat out cares. And he’s got fire in his belly.”
Bill Thompson, manager of the Minidoka Irrigation District, has also worked with Olmstead on water-quality issues.
“Brian has done a great job for them in terms of water quality and public relations,” he said. “He understands the politics well, and he is very personable. I think he will do a good job for the project.”
Thompson sees one more asset that Olmstead brings to his new position, deep roots in the community.
“The Olmstead family has been here forever,” Thompson added. “Brian knows everyone.”
Olmstead also feels very well prepared for his new role.
“I understand the issues farmers are facing as well as anyone could,” he said. “Between Vince and the board, the organization is running very well. We are very efficient at delivering as much water as we can to stockholders. I want to continue and build up on the program already set in motion.”
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