Herald and News: Grazing, water worries aired at Klamath Marsh hearing

Grazing, water worries aired at Klamath Marsh hearing

U.S. officials hear Basin residents

By LEE JUILLERAT

H&N Regional Editor
February 15, 2007

Klamath Basin residents said they were concerned about water supplies and cattle grazing on the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.

About 25 people attended the public comment session last week at the Shilo Inn. Refuge manager Carol Damberg said comments will be taken until March 15 as refuge staff develop a Comprehensive Conservation Plan that will guide planning efforts over the next 15 years.

Damberg stressed the legislation that created the refuge defined its purpose as “an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purposes, for migratory birds.”

“It’s fairly well spelled out,” she said. “We’re going to take care of migratory birds.”

Comments focused on water and the role of cattle grazing.

“Water, I think it’s the absolute main issue,” said Ray Driscoll, a Chiloquin area trapper and longtime refuge visitor. “The history of this county was marshlands. We’ve made more farmlands than the area can handle.”

Doug Osborne, a Klamath Falls lawyer whose family has lived and owned property near the marsh for generations, said the Williamson River that enters and exits the marsh has sometimes dried up and “devastated” wildlife.

Damberg said refuge staff are learning more about historic water supplies and said detailed reports will be included in the draft plan.

Charlotte Kisling, a Dorris birdwatcher, and Ralph Opp, a retired biologist and environmental activist, separately discussed grazing and haying. Both questioned why grazing is allowed.

“I don’t see grazing as a legitimate part of a refuge,” Kisling said.

Damberg countered, noting grazing and haying are allowed if “it has a biological purpose for it ... It’s a tool. We’re not out there to support the cattle industry. It is one of the issues that will be looked into.”

Kisling also asked if camping, which is not currently permitted, might be allowed so that birdwatchers stalking elusive nocturnal birds, including yellow rails. Others encouraged refuge staff to consider camping and some new recreational activities, such as the development of nature trails, to help develop an increased sense of community involvement and ownership.

Under questioning about Klamath Tribes concerns, Damberg said refuge staff have met with tribal officials.

“They’re very tied to that land. They consider it their heartland,” she said, noting tribal members have court proven subsistence hunting and fishing rights. “They’re wanting a good healthy refuge.”

Tribal members, Damberg said, are also “very sensitive” to cultural resources.