Submitted by Mark
Taft,
Klamath Basin
National Wildlife Refuge Complex
4009 Hill Road
Tulelake, CA 96134
Phil Norton, Refuge
Manager
We read with great
interest, your April 18,2001 article in the Herald & News, and your
request for comment. Basin commercial agriculture has a long history of
inter-dependency with our wildlife refuges, and considers them a common
and valued resource. Consequently, I feel compelled to submit the
following comments and questions.
Your article references an
environmental “assessment”.
Prior to the lawful and
prudent extraction of any basin source ground water, the following issues
require address:
The submittal, public
review, and approval of a comprehensive environmental impact study. This
study should include:
A definitive,
scientifically sound hydrological study of the inter-basin ground water
system, the resultant impact’s, (both quantitatively and qualitatively)
of the proposed water extraction, and subsequent use of this
geographically inter-linked aquifer. In
light of the current irrigation restrictions, this study shall accommodate
commercial agriculture’s present
and future execution of their deeded water rights.
A definitive,
scientifically sound plan for the segregation of Siskiyou County resources
from extra-county transport, and subsequent utilization.
Quantitative, qualitative,
and scientifically sound impact study on the comprehensive basin
Eco-system. It should be noted, that the human element and the execution
of their livelihood is an intrinsic component of the subject Eco-system.
Quantitative, qualitative,
and scientifically sound impact study on the comprehensive western
waterfowl flyway system. Of particular concern, is the food supply, and
the absence or reduction of commercial agriculture’s contribution.
Sincerely,