Attendee: Event offers more unified approach       

   Terry Morton attended the last Klamath Basin Science Conference in 2004 at the Shilo Inn in Klamath Falls.

   Attendees saw the Basin in a different way, then, preferring to view the upper and lower basins as separate entities. The Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement wasn’t even close to being done, so some topics weren’t discussed.

   “Six years ago, dam removal wasn’t even on the radar,” said the Klamath Falls-based facilitator and mediator.

   That’s all changed now. Morton said she sees a firmer commitment to view the Basin as a whole and not separate pieces. There’s more discussion of the socioeconomic impacts of research and findings and not just science.

   Years ago, researchers didn’t know why there were algal blooms in Upper Klamath Lake. They also didn’t know what caused a massive fish die off in the lower Klamath River.

   Today, scientists have a better understanding of what impacts fish health in the river and are working for ways to improve water quality and stability for fish and area residents.

   “The people are part of the environment now,” she said.

   — Ty Beaver