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The Interior Department announced a historic agreement between Tribes and farmers on the future of the Klamath River in southern Oregon and northern California. The agreement between the Klamath Water Users Association, which represents farmers in the Pacific Northwest, and the Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, and Karuk Tribe will guide future negotiations over the waterway. The document states that all parties will work on both improving the river ecosystem and improving water supply reliability for agricultural users.
For decades, Tribes have fought to maintain enough water in the river basin to sustain fish populations, while farmers demanded more water to grow potatoes, alfalfa, wheat, and onions. While the new agreement does not specify a plan for water allocation, it commits all groups to collaborate to find long-term solutions to the basin's water supply challenges. It comes with $72 million of federal funding for projects in the Klamath River Basin, including a range of ecosystem restoration projects and efforts to modernize the region’s agricultural infrastructure.
“Following months of consultation and discussions, we’re proud to formalize this partnership with Tribes and irrigators and make a shared commitment that will benefit the forests, watersheds, agriculture, and abundant populations of migratory bird and fish species that are unique to this Basin,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
There is also a separate project to remove four dams on the Klamath River which will improve water supply and water quality for struggling salmon. The dam removals are scheduled to be completed this year.
Colorado's Amache National Historic Site is America's newest national park
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland formally established Amache National Historic Site in Colorado as a national park. The establishment of this national park will permanently protect the site for future generations and will help tell the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Amache was one of 10 incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to detain Japanese Americans. More than 10,000 people were incarcerated at Amache from 1942-1945. President Biden signed the Amache National Historic Site Act in March 2022, and yesterday's formal designation followed the Town of Granada’s acquisition and donation of the land needed to establish the site. The announcement comes in time for the Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration During World War II, recognized each year on February 19.
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Amache’s addition to the National Park System is a reminder that a complete account of the nation’s history must include our dark chapters of injustice. To heal and grow as a nation we need to reflect on past mistakes, make amends, and strive to form a more perfect union.”
