Understanding the Klamath Water War


RAMSEY RUSSELL GetDucks.com Duck Hunting Podcast
August 13, 2021 | DUCK SEASON SOMEWHERE
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Way up near the Oregon border in northern California’s Klamath Basin are 6 national wildlife refuges. The Lower Klamath NWR was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 as our nation’s first waterfowl refuge–and in the 1950’s, more pintails were counted at nearby Tule Lake Refuge than even exists in the world today! But for the most complex water system in the world, times have changed. “Policy drought” is being exacerbated by unprecedented natural drought conditions and as everyone clamors for their fair share of water, Pacific Flyway waterfowl for which this region is famously essential, are dead last in line. Why is the ecosystem out of balance? What failing “single species management” policy has broken it nearly to the point of collapse? What various interests are competing for scarce water resources and who is doing what about it? Why is this Plan B, and why isn’t the initial plan in play? What’s being done to mitigate avian botulism? Why will rescuing this vital ecosystem require win-win-win collaboration? Third-generation farmer, Scott Seus, and Director of Operations for DU’s 9-state Western Region, Jeff McCreary, explain this complex topic excellently, spelling out how its affecting ducks, hunters, local communities and all of America.

Related Link (Video): Klamath Water War–American Grown: My Job Depends on Ag

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