KWU: Federal Plan Leaves Southern Oregon Growers With Few Options

The federal government's 2022 Klamath Project Operations Plan includes redirecting irrigation water to artificially augment flows 40 miles downstream in the Klamath River. Paul Simmons with the Klamath Water Users Association said a large number of farmers and ranchers on at least 50,000 acres in southern Oregon will not have a single drop of water this season. And he noted that will cause a severe reduction in potential food production.

"There is enough water physically in the system to irrigate all of our land, but we're not allowed to take the water based on the Endangered Species Act.”

The initial estimate for irrigation water available from Upper Klamath Lake is 50,000-acre feet of water. Simmons said farmers and ranchers will be left with few options.

"Growers will be able to make use of some groundwater from wells. There is not nearly enough to make up the difference, that increases your cost because you have to pump the ground water.”

Simmons added a program will be offered at a later date for people who agree not to irrigate during the entire season.

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