Don't blame the irrigators

The Oregonian has concluded that "it's clear the government must reduce demand for water in the Klamath Basin" (May 9 editorial). What The Oregonian avoids saying clearly, but clearly means, is that water demand should be reduced by putting farmers and ranchers out of business.

It can be an irresistible siren's song to some urban dwellers who abstractly rationalize the human cost of balancing these accounts on the backs of families who have faithfully provided our food for generations.

Klamath Basin irrigators are not to blame and should not be forced to sacrifice so much. If the current water supplies are not enough to meet the competing demands being forced on this rural community by myriad environmental regulations, then let's look to new supplies. The opportunities to increase water storage in the Basin are real and must be pursued.

Scouring agriculture from the Klamath Basin is not a solution, just another problem.

BRAD HARPER Executive director, Water for Life Salem

 

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