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Upper Klamath water rights issue settled

Posted by: Maven on May 23, 2009 at 8:38 am

From the Willits News:

One of the most contested issues between irrigators and American Indian tribes in the Upper Klamath Basin has effectively been resolved, potentially simplifying talks on a much larger dam removal and restoration deal.

On Thursday, Klamath water users and the Klamath Tribes announced a settlement of water rights claims that stretch back nearly 30 years. The settlement is contingent on the approval of a broad-scale restoration agreement for the Klamath River and a tentative deal to tear out four hydropower dams owned by Pacificorp.

The water rights claims settlement brought by the Klamath Tribes against the Klamath Water Users Association was filed in the Oregon Office of Administrative Hearings, which is adjudicating water rights in the basin. The settlement covers disputes over water rights for Upper Klamath Lake and the Klamath River to the California border.

The tribes had asserted their rights to water to keep Upper Klamath Lake full enough to support endangered sucker fish, which they have a treaty right to fish. They currently can keep only one fish a year for ceremonial purposes. They also claimed rights to water in the river for salmon — which have not reached Oregon since the dams went up in the mid-1900s.

”After years of bitter disputes and lawsuits, we can turn our attention to providing economic and water stability to both our communities,” said Klamath Tribes Councilman Jeff Mitchell said.

Read more from the Willits News by clicking here.

May 23, 2009 · Filed Under Northern California

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