From the Chair

By Martin Kerns

Have you, as ranchers, growers, farmers and land owners noticed that every year is different; and yet every year is the same? Just look at the difference between last spring and this spring. But here we are, haying, irrigating, and spraying weeds and insects just like we did this time last year. Pastures look great, cattle about all shedded off and putting on a lot of gain. In the scope of things, getting ready for winter. So what is different?

Different is what we, as managers, try to change in the landscape with our farming and ranching activities. And of course a big part of change is our conservation effort. Since 2001, conservation efforts in the whole basin have been unbelievable. Everywhere in the Upper Klamath Basin from the very upper reaches to the very lower reaches, conservation efforts have been the priority. All of you who have participated should be commended. I’ll be the first to say “thank you”.

Different assessments have been made in the basin, each proving that there is much that can be done to increase water supply, to increase irrigation efficiency to lesson water use and to decrease water pollution. But we don’t want to leave out ways to increase wildlife and their habitat and to increase the needs of the fish. Our meeting with the adjacent California Districts (Lava Beds/RC&D) brought forth a long term plan to continue in these efforts. We believe that financial support from the cooperation of state and federal governments can play a big role in continuing our conservation efforts in the Basin. Conservation needs of all the people can’t be completely on the shoulders of land owners. This is the way that long term efforts can be made to benefit the future. Our mission, the District’s, is to make that happen. It is our hope that you as individuals will support us so that our land and areas will be passed on in even better shape than it is today. We appreciate your help!