SOSS Policy Statement

By Ernie Wilkerson

Pioneer Press Guest Opinion

Fort Jones, CA

July 2, 2010

There is currently uncertainty regarding the California Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) Watershed-Wide Permitting Program (Program) for the Scott and Shasta Valleys with regard to the application of Section 1600 et seq. of the Fish and Game Code to the diversion of water. Because Save Our Shasta and Scott (SOSS) has worked closely with DFG on development of the Program, we feel the need to reiterate our position. Like any regulatory requirements, there are aspects of the Program that are troublesome. Nonetheless, for those agricultural operators in need of a Streambed Alteration Agreement (1602) or who have the potential for "taking" coho salmon, SOSS feels that the Program is the most viable alternative to get into compliance with both Section 1602 and the California Endangered Species Act and, thus, deserving of our support. As well, SOSS acknowledges and appreciates the effort made by the DFG to accommodate agricultural interests to the greatest degree possible under the Department's statutory obligations.

However, SOSS feels that significant questions exist as to which operators are required to obtain a 1602 permit, the element that most compels participation in the Program. Unfortunately, at this point it seems that the answer must be decided by the courts.

The, California Farm Bureau Federation has stepped into the judicial arena to seek resolution of this matter by filing a civil case with the Siskiyou County Superior Court. Since the Program may be questioned by some until the courts can authoritatively interpret the threshold for a 1602, SOSS likewise is supportive and appreciative of the effort Farm Bureau has undertaken to clarify this critical issue.

Once the courts articulate the threshold for obtaining a 1602 permit for the diversion of water, a major question for agricultural operators who are still evaluating the suitability of the Program will be eliminated. At that point, farmers, ranchers and the communities in the Scott and Shasta valleys can move on toward the objective of the Program.

However, until the courts decide this issue we continue to believe that landowners are assuming considerable risk if they do not obtain a 1602 permit and secure ITP coverage either individually or by participating in the Program offered through the RCDs.

The Pioneer Press was founded Nov. 16, 1972 by Gary Mortenson and was adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation (Former USPS 970-340) by court decree No. 26666 and was originally entered as a periodical paid at Post Office of Fort Jones, CA 96032 in June of 1973 under the Act of March 3, 1887. On June 9, 2010 the Pioneer Press published its last hard-copy printed weekly edition and began distributing its news daily in a digital format on June 25, 2010. Daniel Webster purchased the Pioneer Press on July 1, 1998 and currently the 100% owner of the publication. The Pioneer Press is the legal publication for the Town of Fort Jones, City of Etna, City of Dorris, and City of Tulelake and publishes all public notices for those cities. The Pioneer Press is the successor to the Klamath Courier, Butte Valley Star, Tri-County Courier, Lost River Star, The Dorris Weekly Advocate, The Dorris Times, The Dorris Booster, The Butte Valley News, and The Butte Valley Herald.

Daniel Webster, Editor and Publisher

Cindy Roton, Advertising Account Representative

Denise Hall, Editorial/Account Administrator

PIONEER PRESS

P.O. Box 400, Fort Jones, CA 96032;
Office is located at 12021 Main Street, Fort Jones, CA.

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