DOI report backs Klamath for fish

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2002

The Department of Interior is holding back a scientific report that supports fish over farms in the Klamath River Basin, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The Journal reviewed the U.S. Geological Survey report. It concludes there would be greater economic benefit if water were restored to fish and recreational purposes instead of being used by farmers, the paper said.

The report, however, has not been released due to the sensitivity over the tensions between tribes, environmentalists, fishermen non-Indian farmers and the Bush administration. The paper said the recent kill of 30,000 fish contributed to the delay.

Tribes and their supporters want more water for fish. But Secretary Gale Norton cut back after non-Indian farmers complained they were being denied.

Get the Story:
Data Backs River Recreation Instead of Farm Irrigation (The Wall Street Journal 11/1)
Reclamation officials: Decision not to attend salmon kill hearing was internal (AP 11/1)

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