For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 29, 2002
President's Statement on Klamath River Basin
Statement by the President
I am pleased with the progress being made by the Klamath River Basin
Federal Working Group in addressing the problems facing the people of
this region.
Under the leadership of Secretary Norton, the working
group is providing water to farmers who depend on it for a living,
while taking careful steps to protect and enhance the health of fish
populations in the Klamath River Basin. The working group is
undertaking new environmental restoration projects in the area, and has
initiated a dialogue with native tribes about long-term solutions to
the natural resource and native rights issues in the basin.
The times are still difficult for many in the region and much work
remains to be done. It is essential that the citizens of Oregon and
California in the Klamath River Basin - whether farmer, rancher, tribe
member, fisherman or environmental activist - embrace compromise and
seek understanding.
The working group's rapid progress, combined with
the efforts of Senator Gordon Smith and Representative Greg Walden,
give me great hope for a lasting solution to the challenges of the
Klamath River Basin.
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