Leaseland farming and the Kuchel Act
The Kuchel Act applies to both Tulelake and Lower Klamath Refuges. There are 15,000 acres on Tulelake and 7,000 acres on the Lower Klamath. Farming the Kuchel Act Lands is a "purpose" of the refuges, not a "use" as some entities have suggested.
The majority of row crops such as potatoes are grown on the Tulelake
acreage. That is why we see so many white-fronted geese in these fields
during the spring migration. The geese are gleaning the potatoes to
supply the body fat needed to continue north. Of course, they and other
waterfowl use the grain and alfalfa for forage as well. I have even seen
birds in the onion fields on a number
of occasions when the winter snow is gone.
Since the enactment by congress in
1964, The Kuchel Act Lands have been a wildlife friendly agricultural
program. The walking wetlands are further proof that Klamath Basin farmers
continually develop innovative, on the ground projects that insure
the coexistence of wildlife and agriculture. Our community should be very
proud that we are able to provide food and habitat for wildlife and also
assist in providing a safe domestic food for our nation."
During his presentation at the MPRWC, Curt Mullis, ERO, said that
Spring 2004 experienced the largest return of migrating waterfowl to the
Klamath Basin on record.
by Debra Crisp, Executive Director of Tulelake Growers Association
Klamath Water Users Association |
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