The Oregon Water Resources Department has recognized the senior water rights of the Klamath Tribes.

The findings and order of determination ensures that the tribes will be considered first when adjudicating rights in the Klamath River Basin. "Everybody is going to be behind the tribes because their rights are time immemorial," Tom Paul, the department's deputy director, told The Oregonian.

The tribes have been fighting to have their rights recognized for nearly 40 years. “The FOD has been a long time coming and the Klamath Tribes are anxious to learn the results of this lengthy process," council member Jeff Mitchell said in a press release.

The FOD was filed in state court.

Get the Story:
Oregon gives tribes top claims to water in much of Klamath Basin (The Oregonian 3/8)
Water claims settled (The Klamath Falls Herald and News 3/8)
State of Ore. backs Klamath Tribes water rights (AP 3/8)
After 38 Years, Oregon Backs Tribes’ Water Right in the Klamath Basin (Oregon Public Broadcasting 3/7)

Relevant Documents:
Press Release | FAQ | Adjudication Details