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Crook County commissioners agree to seek partnership on Western ridged mussel ESA petition and cover $4,800 share
Summary
County commissioners agreed to join irrigation districts and possibly the city of Prineville in a joint application and to authorize staff discretion to commit up to $4,800 toward an application assessing the potential ESA listing for the Western ridged mussel in the Crooked River.
Commissioners at a Crook County work session Wednesday discussed joining a multi‑partner application to investigate and respond to a likely Endangered Species Act listing for the Western ridged mussel found in the Crooked River. Bruce Scanlon of the Social Irrigation District briefed commissioners on the petition and a proposed partnership.
“We’re finding that there is reason to believe that that species is likely to either be listed as endangered or threatened,” Bruce Scanlon said, describing eDNA detections and surveys showing mussel populations both above and below Bowman Dam and at sites including Smith Rock.
Scanlon said three irrigation districts — Central Oregon Irrigation District, North Unit Irrigation District and Ochoco Irrigation District — had already approved full partnership and that the total scope-of-work fee for the application is $24,000. He said the districts were asking county partners to contribute $4,800 each toward the application to fund the scope of work being proposed by Nava Environmental (the consultant named in the packet).
Commissioners asked procedural and budget questions, including where a $4,800 contribution would come from in the county budget. County staff said the likely source would be the Community Support Fund or contingency if the payment were needed before the next fiscal year budgeting cycle. Christina (county finance staff) said the county’s Community Support Fund could be used, but that it was near its budgeted limit and that a contingency transfer might be required if payment were needed immediately.
Commissioners also discussed conflict-of-interest concerns from members who are district patrons; one commissioner said they would disclose their membership and refrain from participating where appropriate. The county’s role as a partner would include early participation in Section 7/Section 10 processes that follow an ESA listing and coordination on any Habitat Conservation Plan additions, Scanlon said.
A motion directing the county manager to continue discussions, confirm fund availability, and giving the manager discretion to approve up to $4,800 from Community Support/contingency was made, seconded and carried with one abstention recorded. The county asked Scanlon to send the partners’ materials and the consultant scope for the county record.
Why it matters: An ESA listing could change how water infrastructure and in‑stream work is permitted and managed in the Crooked River watershed. Early participation in the application and planning gives the county a seat in follow‑up conservation planning and potential mitigation discussions.
What’s next: County staff will confirm the funding path and, if necessary, bring a settlement or payment authorization on the consent agenda; Scanlon will provide supporting documents to county staff for review.
