‘We’re never going to be guaranteed water. We just use our water as wisely as we can’ 

By ELON GLUCKLICH

H&N Staff Reporter

November 7, 2010

   The federal government’s drought declaration in March allowed Hall, a Klamath Basin rancher, to tap well water.

   With the help of that water, he was able to limit losses to just one pasture field. It also allowed him to grow alfalfa.

   “We were one of the fortunate ones. We were fortunate to be able to have a backup source (of water),” Hall said.

   Hall says he can accept weather conditions affecting his crops and beef output. It’s the political climate, emphasizing environmental concerns over farmers, that has him upset.

   Since the Endangered Species Act was signed in 1973, farmers have increasingly taken a back seat to strict environmental standards, most notably relating to the endangered sucker in Upper Klamath Lake, Hall said.

   He says that’s unfair, because farmers don’t even use that much lake water compared with the Upper Klamath’s total volume.

   “The restrictions inhibit our ability to plan ahead,” Hall said. “I wouldn’t dare go out and buy new equipment and plant a bunch of crops that are highly dependent on water without knowing whether I’m going to have water or not.”

   Though Hall made it through this season relatively unharmed, he doesn’t see an end to the uncertainty any time soon.

   “Are we guaranteed water? No, we’re never going to be guaranteed water,” he said. “We just use our water as wisely as we can.”