Klamath irrigators: Action needed on ‘pressing issues’
The Klamath Water Users Association is urging the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to address operational issues including water-supply challenges affecting ag- riculture, sediment from dam removal and regional impacts to waterfowl and aquatic species. In a July 12 letter to U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton, the association out- lined “pressing issues” in the Klamath Basin farming region along the California- Oregon border. “We’re sounding an alarm for action,” said KWUA Executive Director Paul Simmons. “There are solutions readily available if we can get past treating water like tug of war.” Noting that Klamath Project irrigators have received little or no water for the past three years, the association said farms totaling more than 50,000 acres face un- necessary curtailment of water deliveries this year. Hot and dry conditions could mean that 260,000 acre-feet allocated to the Klamath Project will be exhausted in September, the association said. “We need to avoid disaster for agricul- tural communities and bring this year’s crops to full production and harvest,” Simmons wrote in the group’s letter.
KWUA expressed concern about the Lost River sucker and shortnose suck- er fish populations, which it said are in “steep decline” in Upper Klamath Lake. In addition, the association said water temperatures in the Klamath River ex- ceed levels lethal for salmon and other fish. It asked Reclamation to confer with refuge managers and irrigation districts to establish a sufficient flow of water through the refuges to mitigate risk of disease outbreaks and mass waterfowl mortality in the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife refuges. The group also took issue with sed- iment discharge into the Klamath River when a coffer dam at Iron Gate is due to be breached. It said the Klamath Project “should not and cannot be held responsi- ble for mitigating impacts of dam removal.” “We are aware that discussions are un- derway among federal agencies, tribes and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation about the possibility of special releases from Upper Klamath Lake to transport sediment that will be discharged into the mainstem Klamath River,” the association said. “Such flows are not provided for un- der the Bureau of Reclamation’s current interim operations plan or the new pro- posed action.”
EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD, ACHIEVEMENT AWARD & DISCUSSION MEET COMPETITION California Farm Bureau is excited to recognize farmers, ranchers, and agriculturalists between the ages of 18-35 for their impact on the agriculture field! Apply TODAY for a YF&R Award! • The Achievement Award recognizes members for their achievements in production agriculture and leadership. • The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes members who are actively contributing and growing through involvement in Farm Bureau and the agriculture industry. • The Discussion Meet Competition is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant at the table. Visit CFBF.com/YFR to learn more and apply. Deadlines for Applications: Achievement and Excellence in Agriculture Awards are due by August 31. Discussion Meet competition is due by October 31.
ENTER YOUR PHOTO! Open now through September 22
Prizes 1st place $1,000 2nd place $500 3rd place $250 People’s Choice $100 Honorable Mentions $50 (six winners)
Enter up to fi ve high-resolution photos for the general contest and one photo for the People’s Choice category at cfbf.com/photocontest. Submit photos of fresh food, rural scenery, animals, crops, harvests, life, work, family or any inspiring photo captured on the farm or ranch.
Budding Artists (ages 13 & younger) 1st place $250 2nd place $100
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The contest is open to amateur photographers who are Farm Bureau members. Participants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit cfbf.com/join to learn about becoming a member. Go to cfbf.com/photocontest for contest rules.
2023 1st place winner Cayden Pricolo, Merced County
July 17, 2024 Ag Alert 15
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