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Ranchers, farmers should be first in line for water
As one of those much vilified “liberals,” I’d
like to share my perspective on the question of sucker fish and
the irrigation project. Admittedly, it’s a perspective that’s
changed with time and experience, though I never took any public
position.
There may be solid evidence that the sucker fish is an endangered species, and withholding water from local farmers and ranchers would probably be ideal for that ecosystem.
But the rational approach to conservation isn’t always to single out “endangered species” and then protect them from extinction whatever the human cost. It might fit many situations but not all. And looking at the natural history of the United States, numerous species have gone extinct without devastating damage.
When we admire a pristine national park, we should realize that it is also an example of nature adjusting to human effect.
The American lion, the mastadon, and the woolly mammoth are just examples of numerous major species that went extinct at least in part because of human hunting, etc., before Columbus ever arrived. There are no more wolves in Oregon, but the coyotes and hunters have largely filled the niche.
Our ranchers and farmers, hard-working small businessmen, need their water. This is not only for the economic prosperity of Klamath County (a place where the children of unemployed workers, many of whom are minorities such as Native Americans, are suffering in poverty), but also to protect the endangered species of small, hard-working rural farmers and ranchers. It’s time that we stand up not as conservatives or liberals, cowboys or Indians or professionals, but as citizens of Klamath County.
Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions. It’s not the best outcome, but I say let the sucker fish die if necessary.
Sean Nelson
Klamath Falls
There may be solid evidence that the sucker fish is an endangered species, and withholding water from local farmers and ranchers would probably be ideal for that ecosystem.
But the rational approach to conservation isn’t always to single out “endangered species” and then protect them from extinction whatever the human cost. It might fit many situations but not all. And looking at the natural history of the United States, numerous species have gone extinct without devastating damage.
When we admire a pristine national park, we should realize that it is also an example of nature adjusting to human effect.
The American lion, the mastadon, and the woolly mammoth are just examples of numerous major species that went extinct at least in part because of human hunting, etc., before Columbus ever arrived. There are no more wolves in Oregon, but the coyotes and hunters have largely filled the niche.
Our ranchers and farmers, hard-working small businessmen, need their water. This is not only for the economic prosperity of Klamath County (a place where the children of unemployed workers, many of whom are minorities such as Native Americans, are suffering in poverty), but also to protect the endangered species of small, hard-working rural farmers and ranchers. It’s time that we stand up not as conservatives or liberals, cowboys or Indians or professionals, but as citizens of Klamath County.
Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions. It’s not the best outcome, but I say let the sucker fish die if necessary.
Sean Nelson
Klamath Falls
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