Lower Ark District Proclaims March 15 First Day of Irrigation Season

At its February 25 board meeting, the Lower Ark District Board formally adopted a proclamation recognizing March 15 as the First Day of Irrigation Season in the Lower Arkansas Valley. The proclamation affirms what Valley residents have long understood: irrigation is the lifeblood of our agricultural communities.

Each year, as water begins moving through historic ditches and canals, it signals the start of a new growing season and the continuation of a legacy that has sustained southeastern Colorado for many generations.

The proclamation honors the farmers, ranchers, ditch companies, and government officials who maintain infrastructure, protect water rights, and steward land and water resources. These efforts support local food production, rural economies, and the long-term resilience of our communities.

March 15 represents more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that where water flows, food will grow, and that agriculture remains foundational to our region’s identity and future.

The Lower Ark District looks forward to celebrating the start of irrigation season with communities across the Valley at one of our upcoming “Coffee on Us” days to honor the people who help water move from river to field each year.