MOSES LAKE - Irrigation efforts in the Columbia Basin were highlighted recently with the publication of the latest Irrigation Leader magazine.

Darvin Farles, secretary-manager of the Quincy Columbia Basin Irrigation District, appeared on the September cover of the magazine for his work on the district's West Canal Repair. An article on financing by the Columbia Basin Development League also appeared in the same issue.

The monthly publication is read by nearly 10,000 people, and sent to irrigation district managers and legislators in 17 western states.

According to CBDL executive director Vicky Scharlau, irrigation plays a huge role in Washington.

"It's had a monumental impact on what Eastern Washington has become," she said. "A lot of communities wouldn't exist without irrigation."

Scharlau said the hard work of irrigation districts in the area is vital to making sure irrigation continues to succeed.

She said she was glad to see Farles' hard work appreciated.

In the article, Farles was recognized for developing a fast solution to take care of an emergency infrastructure problem at the West Canal.

The district built a deer ramp at the facility to provide a point of escape for previously trapped animals.

She said that the publication is valuable because seeing what other districts are doing can help a certain area figure out new solutions to irrigation problems.

"Irrigation districts are like a small family," said Scharlau. "We learn from each other, and it's a greater benefit to communities if we share our stories."