Klamath's water war is over 

The Times-Standard Editorial

January 21, 2008

Some doubted the day would come when environmentalists, farmers, fishermen, Native Americans and government agencies would agree on a plan for the Klamath River , but it seems that day is here.

A tentative deal has been announced, calling for the removal of dams, restoring salmon populations, and declaring peace in the water conflicts that have divided the Klamath basin for years.

Of course, it seems as if nothing this complicated is ever wrapped up easily. The pact still has to be endorsed by the governing bodies of the various groups, not to mention getting Pacificorp -- owner of the dams -- to go along. Oh, and then hundreds of millions of dollars have to be found to pay for it. Nonetheless, it's a triumph of collaboration for the North Coast community.

The agreement calls for removing four dams on the Klamath, securing water and power for farms, and restoring salmon runs. For perspective, it would be the biggest dam removal project in history, and one of the most ambitious fisheries restoration efforts ever, according to the Times-Standard story by John Driscoll.

It's been seven years since a bitter water war was triggered by vacillating actions by the federal government. It may be premature to say the plans to move forward are locked in place, but it's fair to say that by finding a way for these diverse people to find consensus, the war is over.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted
material  herein is distributed without profit or payment to those who have
expressed  a  prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit
research and  educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml

Source:  http://www.times-standard.com/allopinion/ci_8032106