Water users meet with new Reclamation leadership to explain challenges, offer solutions, and showcase the interdependent success of farms and wildlife.
KWUA was privileged to host two days of meetings and a tour last week with senior leadership of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation from Washington D.C. and Sacramento.
Focused on near- and long-term water needs for irrigation and wildlife, the discussions were sometimes raw, but necessary to communicate the severity of the conditions our communities are experiencing
“We believe we were heard, and we will continue to engage with these leaders and others,” said Paul Simmons. “There were some encouraging messages, and we owe these individuals, all of whom are new to their current positions, the opportunity to follow through and deliver.”
Talk is necessary, but talk is cheap,” added Simmons. “We need action and results.”
In addition to the meetings held at KWUA, Reclamation leadership visited key locations of Klamath Project infrastructure, including the C-G Canal siphon, Lost River Diversion Channel, Anderson Rose Dam, a garlic harvest, and the Tule Lake NWR.
The journey through the Project demonstrated the extraordinary management by districts and producers, and how adequate water can help protect migratory waterfowl from disease and bring crops to market. Officials also viewed fallow lands withheld of essential irrigation, removing them from the basin’s overall economy and critical wildlife habitat.
Cover photo: During a KWUA tour with Reclamation senior officials, Tulelake Irrigation District Manager Brad Kirby points to gates on the Anderson Rose Dam, showing how TID carefully manages water for irrigation and wildlife benefits, including Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges. Pictured left to right: Adam Nickels, Principal Deputy Regional Director California Great Basin Region; Lanie Paquin, Deputy Regional Director for Technical Services California-Great Basin; Brad Kirby, TID; Paul Simmons, KWUA; John Watts, Senior Counselor to the Commissioner of Reclamation; Moss Driscoll, KWUA. (Image: KWUA)
