==================================================== NEWS FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE TYRANNY RESPONSE TEAM PO Box 3010 Kent, WA 98032 ==================================================== For immediate release: July 20, 2001 ==================================================== For additional information: Jeff Stewart, Co-Founder, WSTRT Phone: (253) 941-9084 Mailto:jstewart@trt-wa.org Web: http://www.trt-wa.org ==================================================== Washington State Tyranny Response Team sponsors aid to Klamath Falls victimsSEATTLE -- The farming community of Klamath Falls, Oregon and the surrounding Klamath Basin is the scene of a disaster rivalling many that our government sends FEMA personnel to inspect and allocate funds for. The irony surrounding the situation in Klamath Falls is this: the disaster was CAUSED by the actions of our government.On April 6, 2001, the Klamath Project "water allocation decision" was announced stating that, based on "biological opinions" and the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, there would be no water available from Upper Klamath Lake to supply the farmers of the Klamath Project. Only a small area (Langell Valley and Bonanza) would receive water from Clear Lake and Gerber Reservoirs. This decision was based on a controversial biological opinion from the wildlife service which called for a minimum elevation in Upper Klamath Lake to be raised to 4,140.0 feet above sea level, with no tolerance for lower elevations in drought years. This opinion was intended to protect the shortnose and Lost River sucker fish, listed as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA.) A new biological opinion based on the Hardy flow study called for increased flows below Iron Gate Dam to protect coho salmon habitat. Analysis of the studies underlying the opinions shows that requirements for the two species appropriate ALL of the water available in a normal precipitation year. In fact, in a study of historic flow data taken from the past 36 years, annual flow targets were met in only 13 of those years and monthly targets were not ever achieved. It is obvious that operations consistent with these biological opinions would rarely provide water for irrigation or Wildlife Refuges. (Perhaps farming could occur three years out of eleven.) Further adding to the irony is the existence of a very important wildlife refuge in the Klamath Basin. This area is home to some 270 species of birds, including the bald eagle, itself listed as an endangered species. The water cutoff has decimated this area, putting the continued existence of these animals in extreme danger. But this all pales in comparison to the hardships thrust upon the families who have farmed the Klamath Basin for generations. The local food bank, which normally is called upon to assist some 1200 persons monthly now finds itself helping over 8500 people per month. At this point the supplies the food bank has will run out in mid-August. In response to this situation, the Washington State Tyranny Response Team has sponsored a fund-raising drive to bring assistance to these families. Funds gathered will be delivered along with any food and supplies donated in a "relief caravan" slated to drive to the embattled community on Friday August 10th. Those wishing to help in this effort are encouraged to give generously. Checks can be made out to "Klamath Basin Crisis Relief Fund" (account number is 471379020798). These can be dropped off at any Key Bank branch, or mailed to:
KeyBank If ever you have found yourself aghast at some injustice perpetrated by our government against innocent citizens, here is an opportunity to make a difference. And if the suffering of these farm families is not enough to move you to action, consider this: should the government prevail in this outrage, what will prevent YOUR community from being targeted next? More information can be had at the TRT website: http://www.trt-wa.org |