We have incredible news – as of yesterday, the Bureau of Reclamation has reinstated the 140,000 acre/feet allocation for the Klamath Project! Yes, it’s only 40% of what we need, but we need as much help as we can get, and that water is greatly appreciated.
How did it happen? As you’re already aware, the Project supply was cut from 350,000 acre/feet to 140,000 in April due to drought and federal constraints. Despite the fact that the ESA BiOp couldn’t reduce the amount, it was dropped to 80,000 acre/feet. Basin Ag was devastated.
Then the May water forecast ended up being better than projected than what was expected when they made the cut in April. With in-flows into Upper Klamath Lake improving, it created the possibility for more water to be released for ag. The Bureau revisited their plan, and yesterday we found out the Klamath Project’s allocation was reinstated!
Granted there were lots of factors at work, from the feedback we’ve received it sounds like the Convoy For Change and the public’s support for Klamath Basin ag helped make difference! With over 29 miles of vehicles, over 2,200 vehicles in it and over 4,000 people showing their support either at the rally or in the convoy, we made a lot of noise. Not only was it people from here in the Basin, we had folks from all over Northern California and Oregon show their support too. We can’t thank everyone enough for their support.
We also found out Rep. Greg Walden spent a little time on Air Force 1 with Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt. They talked about the current situation in the Klamath Basin and Representative Walden shared photos of the Convoy For Change and rally afterwards. Even President Trump saw the photos, which definitely helped us get the Administration’s support.
Having a brief respite from the drought feels like a miracle. We are so thankful for Secretary Bernhardt and the Trump Administration for their support and the Bureau of Reclamation for reinstating the 140,000 acre/feet allocation. And we are incredibly grateful and thankful for the people who joined us the Convoy For Change and the rally. Our voices were heard, and we’re irrigating for a bit longer. Thank you.