Walden Responds to Klamath Basin Residents’ Inquiries
Concerning Rep. Blumenauer’s Wildlife Refuges Amendment Blumenauer amendment would eliminate row crop and alfalfa farming in Klamath Wildlife Refuges, damage local economy and harm wildlife WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to numerous inquiries from Klamath Basin residents, U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) today recommended that those wishing to express their opinion on attempts to limit agriculture in the Klamath Wildlife Refuges should contact Portland-area Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). Blumenauer will introduce an amendment to the annual Interior Appropriations bill on Thursday, July 17, that would prohibit the Bureau of Reclamation from issuing leases to farmers planting alfalfa or row crops in the wildlife refuges. Blumenauer offered a similar amendment during last year’s debate on the Interior bill. Walden led the opposition to the measure, which was defeated by a bipartisan vote of 223 to 201. "It is absolutely galling that a lawmaker representing the Portland metro area would inject himself into the Klamath Basin and seek to dictate to the beleaguered farmers what they can and cannot plant in the refuges," said Walden. "Farmers in the Basin are among the most responsible, conscientious producers anywhere in the world, and the contributions they make to the local wildlife population is simply invaluable. It is nothing short of insulting for Congressman Blumenauer to suggest that their activities are harmful to wildlife in the refuges. His amendment will not only harm the agriculture economy of the Basin, but also the very species he claims to be trying to protect. The Blumenauer amendment is a direct assault on the very people who have suffered so greatly during the water crisis. Citizens of the Klamath Basin who wish to express their opinion on Congressman Blumenauer’s amendment should take the opportunity to contact him before Thursday’s vote and let him know how they feel." Blumenauer’s amendment is backed by a number of environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and the World Wildlife Fund, that have taken part in the effort to restrict agriculture across the Klamath Basin. His amendment is opposed by a number of agriculture advocacy organizations, including the Oregon Farm Bureau, the California Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau, the Oregon Wheat Growers League, the Oregon Potato Commission, the Oregon Cattleman Association, Oregonians for Food and Shelter, and the Klamath Water Users Association. Supporters of the Blumenauer amendment contend that removing row crops and alfalfa production from the refuges would conserve water that would then be directed to the refuges for wildlife habitat. However, opponents have pointed out that the lease lands consume no more than 2 percent of the water generated in the entire Basin. Moreover, because endangered species, Tribal trust assets and agricultural contracts take precedence over refuge wetlands in the water priority allocation, it is doubtful that the amendment would produce additional water for the refuges. The California Waterfowl Association noted in a 2001 article, "For nearly 100 years, farmers and ranchers of the Klamath Basin have coexisted with immense populations of wildlife. Many wildlife species, especially waterfowl, are familiar visitors to their highly productive farms and ranches….Klamath Basin farmlands provide a veritable nursery for wildlife." Congressman Blumenauer can be reached by calling (202) 225-4811 or by faxing a letter to (202) 225-8941. Blumenauer can also be contacted by visiting the following web site and filling out the "Contact Earl" form: http://www.house.gov/blumenauer/contact.html. Congressman Walden represents the Second Congressional District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in southern, central and eastern Oregon. He is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as the Committee on Resources. ###
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