The Klamath Tribes of Oregon issued a historic call for their treaty-based water rights.

The Oregon Water Resources Department in March confirmed the tribe's senior rights in the Klamath River Basin. The call is the first since that determination.

“Our water rights are essential to the protection of our treaty resources," Chairman Don Gentry said in a press release. "I think everyone knows the tribes are committed to protecting our treaty fisheries, and this is an important step in that direction. These are not rights granted to the tribes by the state or the federal government; they are rights our ancestors reserved in the treaty of 1864.”

The Bureau of Reclamation is also issuing a call for its water rights, as are other senior holders. The move is expected to affect hundreds of ranchers and farmers, who may lose access to water.

Get the Story:
Klamath Tribes and feds exercise water rights in Oregon, will shut off irrigation for ranches (AP 6/10)
Klamath Tribes Warn Water Demands Rushing Ahead Of Supply (Oregon Public Broadcasting 6/11)
Klamath Tribes and federal government put out historic call for water rights in drought-stricken Klamath Basin (The Oregonian 6/11)
Groups along Klamath River invoke water rights (The Los Angeles Times 6/11)
Shutoffs coming after irrigators, tribes call for their water rights (The Klamath Falls Herald and News 6/11)

Related Stories:
Donald Gentry: Klamath Tribes work to settle water disputes (05/06)
Klamath Tribes score big ruling in long fight over water rights (03/08)