Water crisis brings change of perspective  

March 14, 2010

   Memories of 2001

   For her and many others, the bucket evokes ugly memories of the 2001 Klamath Basin water crisis, when groups of people were pitted against each other after water deliveries   were canceled to Klamath Project irrigators.

   Tribes along the Klamath River, including the Klamaths, were the target of criticism by many irrigators because the water was withheld for three protected species of fish which bear significance in   tribal culture. The large bucket was brought to Klamath Falls and placed at the courthouse near the peak of the hostilities.

   Fearful of threats

   For many — including David, other tribal members and even federal government   employees, who were sometimes so fearful of threats that some stopped wearing their agency uniforms — the bucket has served as a bitter reminder of those tense times.        Now, Dav id h a s a different perspective. She believes the bucket symbolizes the crisis. She thinks the public attention focused on the bucket, and the memories it evokes, helped draw attention to the need to find ways to avoid another crisis.

   “I used to hate that bucket, but I don’t anymore,” David said following Saturday’s c’waam ceremony celebrating the return of Lost River suckers along the Sprague River.  

   Water shortage

   David believes, and hopes, the negotiations that led to the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement and the possible removal of four Klamath River dams, may prevent a recurrence of the angry events of 2001 as the region appears headed for another water shortage.

   “What I really like is the hostility doesn’t seem so prevalent,” said David, who believes last week’s Klamath Basin visit by Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongski signals a proactive stance toward dealing with water - related issues.  

   Governor’s visit

   Kulongoski’s visit received a mixed reaction from Klamaths. Some said they knew little about his appearance and what was discussed. Others, including some who declined to be identified, were skeptical. Overall, however, many were pleased.  

   “I think it was great,” said Rayson Tupper, a tribal elder, who flashed a thumb’s up.

   “It’s good he was here because it’s a crisis,” agreed Nick Kimbol Sr. “We don’t want to see 2001 again.

   “You pray that doesn’t happen,” said Kimbol, who still hopes for significantly more rain and snow. “You say your prayers and cross your fingers.”

   Proactive stance

   “I think it was important they got out ahead of this,” Alan Foreman, a former Tribal chairman who is seeking a return of f ice, said of Kulongoski’s visit. “It’s important we get a high level of commitment.   Now, at last, he’s taking a proactive stance.”

   “How productive the governor’s visit is yet seen,” said Jeff Mitchell, a Tribal council member. “I will say that it appears that this governor is trying to get out in front of this issue. If we can get past this catastrophe, it will be because we met this drought head-on and we shaped our solution, instead of allowing the issue shape us.”

   While he believes the water shortage issue is similar to 2001, Mitchell cites “one big exception between then and now. Today, we are talking to each other instead of at each other. As long as we keep talking, we can find solutions. It’s when we stop talking we all better look out.”