Public scoping, Web site announced for Klamath agreements  

County Counsel Thomas Guarino revealed to the board that dates for public scoping meetings have been set as part of the public input process to inform the decision as to whether or not four dams along the Klamath River will be removed under the KHSA.

In a recent press release, the United States Department of the Interior and the California Department of Fish and Game note the seven locations for the meetings, two of which will take place in Siskiyou County. The first will be at the Copco Community Center, 27803 Copco Road, on July 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The second meeting will be at the Yreka Community Center, 810 North Oregon Street, also on July 7 from 6-9 p.m.

According to the press release, scoping meetings will also be held in Klamath Falls, Ore.; Chiloquin, Ore.; Brookings, Ore.; Arcata; and Orleans.

The meetings are intended to provide public input on the issues to be studied for the environmental review that will take place as part of the dam removal decision. Written comments can be sent to Ms. Tanya Sommer, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way, MP-152, Sacramento, CA 95825 or to Ms. Caitlin Bean, California Department of Fish and Game, 601 Locust Street, Redding, CA 96001.

The release also lists fax and e-mail information for submitting comments. Sommer’s fax number is (916) 978-5055 and e-mail is klamathsd@usbr.gov, while Bean’s fax number is (530) 225-2343 and e-mail is KSDcomments@dfg.ca.gov. All comments must be submitted by July 21.

The site features contact information, guides to the various processes, frequently asked questions and educational tools for interested parties.

Under the KHSA, a number of studies are being undertaken as part of the process that will inform the Secretary of the Interior’s decision on the dams. Tuesday, County Assessor-Recorder Mike Mallory noted that he has met with the real estate and economic impacts study team, explaining that he was impressed by the inclusion of two licensed appraisers, which he said is something for which he has pushed since 2003.

When Mallory indicated that he had told the team that he would open his office for information they might need, District 3 Supervisor Michael Kobseff said that he would want Mallory to keep the board informed if anything appeared “sideways,” stating that he does not want county information to be “switched” to reach a certain outcome.