Reaching Consensus on the Klamath

The agreement — the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement — is a companion to the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, which was released in September and sets the stage for the removal of four dams along the river.

“These agreements are good for fish, farms and ratepayers,” said Craig Tucker, a spokesman for the Karuk Indian Tribe, which has fought alongside other local communities against the placement of several dams on the Klamath. “Together they present the most comprehensive plan ever undertaken for river restoration and dam removal.”

The agreements, which are expected to help restore habitat for endangered salmon as well as provide water for farmers and ranchers, became necessary after the federal government decreased the water available for farmers only to restore it the following year at a level that is believed to have contributed to a die-off of salmon.

“We are proposing a plan that will balance water use in the basin such that all of the Klamath’s diverse rural communities can prosper. This means restoring fisheries in a manner that provides stability for agricultural economies,” said Greg Addington of the Klamath Water Users Association, which represents farmers.

The parties involved in the negotiations next have to bring the agreement to their organizations for ratification. After that, Congress must pass legislation authorizing the spending of nearly half a billion dollars to fund aspects of the plan.

While the agreement is expected to be adopted, some groups that had been involved in the negotiations, including the Northcoast Environmental Center, have criticized the deal for not doing enough to guarantee sufficient water levels in the river and to protect bird sanctuaries along the river.