Agreements would settle many historic differences 

February 7, 2010

   I am writing to strongly urge the county commissioners and our community to support the Klamath Basin settlement agreements.

   The individuals who have formulated these agreements have been heroic in their efforts.

   We are fortunate that this diverse group came together, let go of their fears and animosity, and hammered out a historic agreement that will have positive benefits for generations to come.

   There is no reasonable alternative to what they have crafted.

   Endless litigation with unpredictable outcomes has been much of our legacy to date and is no way to go forward.

   This year, we face another crisis with Upper Klamath Lake 2 feet below normal and no realistic or fair framework to deal with this looming disaster. This is after 30 years of bickering and nibbling at the edges of the issues.

   The settlement agreements comprise a comprehensive plan that provides realistic and achievable methods to deal with water and power for farms and ranches, water and habitat for fish and wildlife, Tribal concerns, economic development and the whole ball of tar we have been poking sticks at for decades.

   There is a great deal of misinformation and demagoguery surrounding this agreement. It is important enough that we should all take the time to familiarize ourselves with what the documents really say before deciding to support or oppose it. I have personally decided to strongly support these agreements and hope you will come to the same conclusion.  

   Karl Wenner, MD Klamath Falls