Tribes and farmers unite

Diverse groups agree to compromise for what is best for the resource users in the Basin

By Lance Waldren
Pioneer Press Staff Writer

Pioneer Press

Fort Jones , CA

530-468-5355

mailto:pioneerp@sisqtel.net

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Page E1, Column 1

KLAMATH BASIN - Water, nothing can live without it.   It is a renewable and recyclable resource.   Many different groups have an interest in what happens to the water, from how much is saved in Klamath Lake to what happens to it when it enters the Klamath River .

A group of resource stakeholders from the Klamath River basin have been meeting for over two years to come to an agreement on how the water should be used.   This diverse group includes four Indian tribes, farmers, fisherman's groups, conservation organizations,  county, state and federal agencies.

The meetings have been demanding and difficult but the group remains committed to having a balanced agreement in place by November 2007. 

"There is a long history of conflict between these groups," said Troy Fletcher of the Yurok tribe.   "But we have discovered there is no more stability and the government is not going to resolve our differences, we have to fix this ourselves."

The group has been charged with developing a proposal to restore the Klamath River fisheries, meet agricultural needs, protect water quality and sustain the ecology and economies of the Klamath Basin .   A very large job but the group has persevered in moving towards real solutions to real problems.

"We know that the key to solving our problems is to work together with our neighbors instead of continuing to fight with each other," said Greg Addington of the Klamath Water Users Association.

According to a statement released by the settlement group, many of the details remain to be finalized.   The final document will include a set of guiding principals.   The group is addressing; The future of the lower four Klamath River dams;  water for agriculture, fish and wildlife; programs to rebuild salmon, steelhead and lamprey populations; power costs for irrigation and National Wildlife Refuges pumping needs; tribal participation in fisheries efforts and economical development and mitigation for counties affected by the settlement.

"The government agencies have really stood out strong during these meetings,  the federal and state agencies have been cooperating to help resolve problems,"  said Fletcher.   "There has been no arm twisting from the government when it comes to the Klamath.   The agencies have come around and lined up to help."

Everyone agrees that the Klamath River is important to the economies and social fabric of the entire region.   This historical agreement can establish a healthy salmon fishery, a steady and predictable supply of water to upper basin irrigators and to supply water to the six National Wildlife Refuges operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"The farmers want a healthy river full of salmon and we are not opposed to farming.   We are not anti-farming.   This is a resource for us all.   If we do this right, someday we will have a salmon and potato festival in the Klamath Basin ," said Fletcher. 

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