Letter from KWUA to Oregon Senator Ron Wyden Re: Farm Bill 2007
April 12, 2007
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Dear Senator Wyden,

As you know, the Klamath Basin has had its share of controversy over the last several years. Cultures and ideologies have clashed and meaningful solutions have been elusive and difficult to say least. Throughout this digcult period you have been steadfast as a voice of moderation and in your leadership on Klamath Issues. Once again we seek your assistance. As an organization, we have turned our focus to the future and are interested in making true progress. The Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) is proud to be working with a diverse group of stakeholders including conservation organizations, Indian tribes, fishermen, other irrigators, federal agencies, and the two states to find a way, together, to maintain the bounty of the Klamath River resources and ensure that they are available for all who enjoy and depend on them. It is essential that the federal government continue to be a partner with these groups to secure a more stable future for all and show that agriculture production can coexist with resource conservation and compliance with the Endangered Species Act.

We are writing to ask for your consideration and assistance in requesting that the Agriculture Committee consider reauthorization of the Klamath portion of the EQIP program for $50 million in the 2007 Farm Bill. Additionally, and equally important is the Administrations proposal for a Regional Water Enhancement Program. Water management is already a critical issue for agriculture in the west and will only increase in importance in the coming years. The use of this funding will be for water quality and conservation improvements which undoubtedly will assist producers. However, we earnestly believe that the true beneficiary of these programs will be the entire watershed and those that depend on its resources and share in its values. This type of approach will ultimately help to keep our rural infrastructure in place and could likely be a key element to a comprehensive solution.

We have attached a list of the particular programmatic needs for agriculture production in the Klamath Basin. We appreciate your consideration of our request and look forward to working with you and your staff. Executive Director Enc (1) Klamath Klamath Water Users Association
2007 Klamath Farm Bill Priorities

1. Water Conservation and Management on a Basin Wide Scale - RWEP Make irrigation districts, drainage districts, improvement districts, and ditch companies eligible to participate in Farm Bill programs. Significant conservation on a larger scale can occur with the involvement of these groups. Funding to develop water distribution/conservation management plans and implementation. Establish managementlconservation advisory groups for large-scale water conservation projects. Examples of component practices of water conservation projects include land treatment, water recirculation projects, easement purchases, groundwater substitution, water gauges at points of diversion, conjunctive uses, water quality enhancement planning and implementation, groundwater enhancement/conservation planning and implementation.

2. On-Farm Water Conservation and Water Quality Management - EQUIP Build on the momentum of 2002 Farm Bill EQUIP Funding. Continue on-farm investment in conservation. Promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals and continue to help local producers meet federal, state and tribal environmental needs and requirements. Examples of component on-farm objectives include further reduction in erosion, sediment and other non-point source pollution and continued improvement in water conservation.

3. Renewable Energy Funding, loan guarantees, credits or other incentives, or authority to issue lowinterest bonds to build renewable energy projects. Authority and funding for on-farm renewable projects that reduces overall commercial load.
 

Klamath Water Users Association
2455 Patterson Street, Suite 3
Klamath Falls, Oregon 97603
Phone (541) 883-6100
FAX   (541) 883-8893  
kwua@cvcwireless.net