Jefferson County, Oregon: A Historical Case Study of Conflict, Community, and a Peculiar Confluence of Watersheds
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Date
2023-03-24
Authors
Anderson, Ian
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Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Jefferson County, between 2011 and 2016, is an excellent case study of emergent water resource and environmental conflict. Three major waterways – the Middle Deschutes, Crooked, and Metolius Rivers – are examined through a Four Worlds Framework, reinforced by transdisciplinary sources and theories. Tributary creeks and adjacent interests are identified, and waterway developments are subjected to thorough analysis. The role of the Pelton Round Butte Dam Project – specifically the SWW Tower – in water conflict in Jefferson County is demonstrated as clearly focal. Similar conflicts across the watershed are addressed and shown to be linked to this central conflict. An Events Database, coded from open-source reporting, and a detailed Mind Map demonstrate the utility of the adopted transdisciplinary synthesis of methodologies; in this case, providing quantitative data for analysis, visual cues for wider communication, and raw data for simulation- or game-creation by conflict resolution practitioners. Through a synthesis of environmental conflict resolution theories, pertinent environmental science research, and energy systems analysis, a recommendation has been posited for resolving the conflict. Wetland and riparian corridor development could provide communities in Jefferson the ability to re-negotiate land and water management strategies, insulate local citizens and their interests from the effects of climate change, provide a means of resilient resource availability, and a platform to self-mediate moving forward. It is an ambitious proposition yet should be considered with all seriousness. While the environmental conflict may be emergent during the period in question, there is no doubt that it will amplify if unremedied.
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Keywords
conflict resolution, energy systems analysis, Four Worlds, natural resource conflict, Prior Appropriation, wetland ecosystem services