Lake Abert's future is looking brighter as the Oregon State Legislature's House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss House Bill 3,114. This bill aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to address the pressing water management issues affecting Lake Abert and the surrounding Chihuacan River watershed.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding Lake Abert, which has faced significant drying events in recent years, prompting local families and conservation groups to take action. Community members, including the Withers family and Tess Baker, emphasized the importance of intergenerational stewardship and the need for sustainable solutions that will benefit future generations.

Baker, representing landowners in the Shee Walken Basin, noted that the collaborative efforts initiated in early 2022 have led to the formation of a partnership that includes diverse stakeholders, such as tribes, local organizations, and conservation groups. This partnership has already made strides in developing a formal charter, producing a comprehensive report on the watershed's resources, and creating a hydrologic model to guide future water management strategies.

Ryan Houston from the Oregon National Desert Association underscored the significance of Lake Abert as a vital ecosystem for migratory birds and a unique hypersaline lake in Oregon. He expressed gratitude for the legislative support that has enabled the partnership to make progress in addressing the complex challenges facing the area.

As the committee deliberates on House Bill 3,114, the collaborative efforts to improve water management in Lake Abert are poised to create lasting benefits for both the environment and the local community. The commitment to working together reflects a shared vision for a sustainable future, ensuring that the lessons learned today will help protect this important natural resource for generations to come.