County commissioners have first public hearing 

By Ty Beaver

H&N’s Staff Writer

February 5, 2008

   The Klamath County Board of Commissioners held its first public hearing regarding the proposed Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement Monday.

   Presentations from those who worked on the agreement were given with commissioners asking questions. As of 10 p.m. , the meeting had yet to allow any public comment.

   Groups such as the Klamath Tribes continued to advocate for the agreement, saying it would provide certainty and stability for the Basin.

   The Klamath Off-Project Water Users continued to oppose the agreement, instead laying out a plan to bring the settlement groups back together and reach an agreement that will be beneficial to all parties, not just a majority.

   Commissioners asked questions of each presentation, but the overall sentiment was that more time is needed to analyze the agreement.

   “Taking a little bit more time seems to be a prudent action,” said Commissioner Al Switzer.

   Check Wednesday’s Herald and News for a full story on the meeting.

Side Bar

Cattlemen’s group opposes deal

   The Shasta Nation of Northern California and Klamath Cattlemen’s Association of Klamath County voted to oppose the proposed Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement.

   Each group provided different reasons, from a lack of data backing removal of hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River to potential effects on the county’s cattle industry.

   A press release from the cattleman’s association said the group is not opposed to settlement options, but believed this deal would be detrimental to the county’s cattle industry.

   The Shasta Nation indicated several issues. It criticized the three tribes that have endorsed the agreement — the Klamaths, Yuroks and Karuks — for meddling in a region not within their own homelands.

   The Shastas also say that historical record does not indicate salmon were ever present in the upper reaches of the Klamath River watershed, indicating that dam removal is not necessary.

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