Basin water problem serious, demands timely solution  

Cal Hunt

Klamath Falls Herald and News Letter to the Editor

April 22, 2007

    Oregon and California farms are at risk. 

   The recent showing of the film produced by the Karuk Indians that is used by the Klamath River Inter Tribal Fish and Water Commission has one purpose: Prevent the relicensing of the Klamath River dams in the hopes that salmon populations will be improved. 

   The plight of our farming community, which depends on adequate water for irrigation, was not solved or benefited by the film’s information. Pacific Corp. claims the dams supply power for 70,000 homes. No answer was given to the question of reliable source of power supply if the dams are removed. 

   Contrary to the Karuk Indian literature, there is expected to be a huge increase in salmon entering the Klamath River in 2007. 

   Pumping farm wells to increase water flow in the Klamath River is rapidly dropping the aquifer and a losing proposition. Hopefully, more attention will be given to the establishment of a large water reservoir such as a Long Lake so that during the period from October to April (six months), water will be saved to supplement flow in the Klamath River during July to September to give salmon cool water for spawning. 

   The Klamath Water Users Association participated in making this film, but it didn’t offer any solutions to the question of water shortage. 

   Now the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that salmon come first in the Klamath River and our farmers have absolutely no assurance of raising crops and making a living. 

   This is a terribly serious problem that requires a timely solution.

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