Agreement assures future of basin

Capital Press Letter

February 12, 2010

I am writing in response to an op-ed than was published on Jan. 28 regarding the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement. As a representative of the irrigation districts in the Klamath Reclamation Project and someone who has been very involved in KBRA negotiations, I feel it is necessary to set the record straight.

First, individual water users who do not wish to participate in the settlement aren't required to do so. Second, water rights adjudication happens with or without the KBRA. What is known is that whatever quantity is adjudicated to the Klamath tribes, it will have a "time immemorial" priority date. Pursuing a costly strategy of endless litigation will, at best, create winners and losers and does not ensure a particular outcome.

The KBRA provides a comprehensive framework to alleviate and sort through complicated resource scarcity issues that have been tearing this community apart for years. The settlement agreements will stabilize the agricultural economy, provide for affordable power, economic development and add stability to water delivery in the Basin.

The KBRA process has been an inclusive one, which was crafted by local stakeholders and gives locals decision-making and oversight control. The process offered all community stakeholders a means to participate. This diverse group included farming and ranching groups (both on and off project), conservation organizations, local government and Native American tribes -- all of which have traditionally been embroiled in longstanding, bitter disputes over water resources in the region.

Supporters of settlement have made an important decision to engage and help shape the future of the Basin. ...

Greg Addington

Klamath Water Users Association

Klamath Falls, Ore.