Agreements best way to deal with future crises
DAni Watson Klamath Falls Herald and News, Letter to the editor, February 9, 2010
As someone who was born and raised here, I care deeply for the needs of this community.
Ever since I was young, I wanted to work with farmers and ranchers. I went to school with this in mind, earning a bachelor’s in environmental science and a master’s in rangeland resources.
I served as the Klamath Watershed Council Coordinator though Oregon State University’s Extension Service from 2004 – 2007, which helped me to understand the balance of competing interests for scarce resources in the Klamath Basin.
I believe that the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement is our community’s best hope for lasting stability in the region.
I also feel that our Klamath County Commissioners have the responsibility to do what is in the best interests of the people that they represent. I sincerely hope that our commissioners vote to support the KBRA so they can have a seat at the table and represent the county in future forums regarding the settlement agreements.
There has been a lot of competing information out there regarding the settlement agreements and what their ramifications will be to different stakeholder groups.
I would encourage those who are undecided to spend some time learning about the KBRA and arrive at an informed opinion. I think that those who do take the time to read and understand the agreement will come to the same conclusion that I have — that the KBRA is our best tool to deal with future crises in the Basin.
Dani Watson
Ranch and Range Consulting, LLC
Sprague River Valley