Baseline data collection should not occur until the irrigation system has been designed so that the land and landowners who will be affected is clear. An initial baseline survey was completed in 2013 based on the feasibility study; however, the irrigation system detailed designs had not been completed. Once the detailed designs were completed, the baseline survey had to be done again in 2014 to cover the correct areas and to reflect the actual project design. It is challenging to time the baseline correctly because you don’t want to collect baseline too late nor miss an important agricultural season; however, efforts should be made to prepare baseline materials and be ready to go once detailed designs have been completed.
Lesson Learned