Ronald D. Carlson
Firth
Ronald D. Carlson of Firth is being inducted into the 2015 Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame for his contributions to water management.
Carlson’s outstanding contributions to agriculture have primarily been during the 24 years he spent working for the State of Idaho Department of Water Resources and Supervisor of Idaho’s Eastern Region and as the Snake River water master for District 1. In his early years with IDWR Carlson also worked as a hydrologist, Dam Safety Engineer, and District Engineer. He was responsible for water rights research, historical record reproduction of water rights, driller’s reports and dam safety inspections.
Carlson championed the importance of irrigation water, its wise application to the land and water rights priorities. His knowledge of water law and scientific water management principles provided administrative assistance to irrigation districts, canal companies and multiple water users by forecasting the Idaho water supply outlook, water storage contracts and the management and distribution of water.
Currently Carlson is project manager for water rights and distribution for Idaho Water Engineering, a civil engineering and water resource consulting firm. He is president of Carlson Enterprises, Inc., a consulting and water resource management entity. He is also chairman of the board of Family Care Center which focuses on feeding the hungry and providing a safe and sober environment for the poor and at risk.
Carlson is also a violinist with the Firth Community Orchestra which is directed by his wife Angela. They are the parents of three children.