Three and one-half years after Klamath Irrigation Project (Project) water deliveries were terminated by the federal government, local water users are proactively addressing water supply challenges while at the same time trying to stave off a furious round of attacks launched by environmental activists. Project irrigators – who farm on lands straddling the California-Oregon state line - remain apprehensive about the future certainty of water supplies. However, the strong traits shown by the original Klamath Project settlers – self- independence, creativity, a sense of community – are still apparent, one hundred years later. Without these characteristics, the tragic events of 2001 might have become nothing more than passing headlines in local newspapers. Instead, a galvanized community grabbed national media and political attention by forcing the rest of the country to see that things had gone too far.

Now, Klamath Project irrigators are preparing for the next 100 years. In order to deal with the uncertain water situation, and potentially facing higher power costs in 2006, the 21^st century Klamath Project irrigator is adapting, by developing new market niches for his products, creating innovative approaches to energy use, conserving and marketing water, developing habitat for fish and wildlife, and improving the symbiotic relationship he has with neighboring national wildlife refuges. The same abilities shown by veteran homesteaders over fifty years ago to carve out new communities from the wilderness will now be employed to conserve resources and preserve their remarkable and uniquely American heritage.