When we put together the Convoy For Change, we weren’t sure what to expect. Our goals were two fold; first to bring Klamath Basin agriculture together despite the perceived differences we have and to get the attention of the Trump Administration. Looking back at our May 29th tractor rally, we might have just been successful.
Did we bring Basin ag together? Shut Down and Fed Up had folks from not only all over Klamath, Modoc and Siskiyou counties show up in force, we had Timber Unity show up, farmers and ranchers from other places in Oregon make the trip to the Klamath Basin as well as all over Northern California. So on that front, yes, we feel like we were successful. A tractor convoy that stretched nearly 30 miles can’t be wrong.
On our second goal – did we get the attention of the Trump Administration? Last week we were visited by Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt along with Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Berman. So right now, yeah, we’re feeling like we met our second goal.
This visit to the Shut Down & Fed Up field began on Air Force One, with Oregon Representative Greg Walden talking with Secretary Bernhardt about the drought and the dire circumstances in the Klamath Basin. He shared photos of the tractor rally, one of which President Trump autographed for Representative Walden. Yes, the Trump Administration is aware of the crisis in the Klamath Basin.
To get Commissioner Berman and Secretary Bernhardt to come for a visit required some help from Representative Walden and Representative Doug LaMalfa. On the day of our meeting (July 9th), Secretary Berhnardt and Commissioner Burman started by meeting with representatives from the Klamath, Yurok, Hoopa Valley and Karuk Tribes. After that, they met with members of the ag community. Then the caravan of Federal officials made their way to the Field of Crosses, where they spoke with community members as well as other people involved with Klamath Basin agriculture.
At the field Bernhardt and Burman were told of how the drought and the constant concern for water security was affecting their families, farms, businesses and communities. The two officials and their entourage listened carefully, and when pushed for plans, Bernhardt would only reply that he didn’t want to say anything until he knew he had a workable plan. While the crowd really wanted a solution and a timeline, it was understandable why the Secretary wanted to see the situation on the ground for himself and not get our community’s hopes up.
There were quite a few memorable moments, such as when Mr. Scalas, who’s field we were in, told the Secretary and the Commissioner that it’s not right to have to pay the irrigation district for water he wouldn’t receive. Another was when Commissioner Burman requested a photo with all the women in the crowd, from girls on up, since they’re the women of Klamath Basin agriculture.
The Shut Down and Fed Up movement greatly appreciates Secretary Bernhardt and Commissioner Burman taking the time to meet with stakeholders in the Klamath Basin and getting an in-person feel for the situation. We also appreciate the hard work of everyone who made the day happen, including the community members who joined us for the Convoy For Change tractor rally to the ongoing support we’ve received. Thank you to everyone. Now we wait to see what the plan is!