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The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and also symbolizes the official beginning of winter.
But for us, this date represents a turning point. From here, the days begin to lengthen, reminding us that light always returns. As we welcome winter, we also welcome the vital snowpack and precipitation that it brings—the lifeblood of your future harvest.
For the agricultural community we serve, winter also signals a shift in rhythm. It is a time for the soil to rest and for farmers to repair, plan, and prepare. While the fields lie dormant, the farmer (not K.I.D. employees nor our ranchers) use these longer nights to recharge, knowing that the work of spring is just around the corner.
As we welcome winter and the much-needed precipitation it brings, we are unfortunately also facing a cold front from the courts...read more in our legal update.
| Click on the links below for updated precipitation and snow pack information. | Net Inflow to Upper Klamath Lake is slighlty below the median / average and below | | Giving Thanks For Our Growers | |
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Roots Deeper Than Drought:
David Archibald and the Fight for the Henley-Ankeny 1884 Legacy & Klamath Irrigation District
| From the rough country of California to the irrigation canals of Klamath, one rancher's journey of rebuilding proves that resilience is the only crop that matters when the water runs low.
David’s story is a testament to the grit required to farm in the modern West. It is a story of going broke, refusing to break, and finding a home in the Klamath Basin—a home he now believes is under siege by well-meaning but destructive Endangered Species Act (ESA) policies. | | | |
Your Water Rights
- The Administrative Law Judge Keeps Us Stuck in 2011
The Bottom Line Up Front On December 17, 2025, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Alison Webster issued a significant ruling in the case involving Claim 622—the water right claim that requires certain Upper Klamath Lake water levels be maintained throughout the year. The Circuit Court had remanded this claim to the ALJ to allow KPWU to “fully litigate” its exceptions to it. This ruling is beyond shocking and frustrating.
For the Klamath Project Water Users (KPWU)—the group representing our district—the ruling is not favorable. The decision effectively lumps us in with the Upper Basin Irrigators (located above Upper Klamath Lake), precluding KPWU from litigating the “healthy and productive habitat” issue at the Claim 622 remand hearing. Consequently, the ALJ will not consider testimony and evidence regarding the relationship between Upper Klamath Lake (ewahs) water levels and certain fish populations, including the shortnose (kaptu) and Lost River (C'waam) suckers...and now all species of Salmon.
The ruling limits KPWU to litigating only the “Moderate Living Standard” derived from the 1864 Treaty.
The Judge confirmed we ONLY have the right to argue that the Tribes do not need the massive amounts of water currently unnaturally stored in Upper Klamath Lake to achieve the moderate living promised to them in the 1864 Treaty. However, she also ruled that we are legally barred from using any evidence, science, or data from after April 2011 to prove our case. We are forced to challenge these claims using only the information that existed 14 years ago, and can only challenge the water quantity by applying the “Moderate Living” standard.
This is not the position KPWU agreed to be in when we stipulated with the Claimants in 2009. Evaluating the science on the requirements of fish habitat is a neutral issue we can argue without directly attacking a people or a history we are far removed from. We sought to debate the science of the river. Unfortunately, the Judge has denied that path and instead set us on a course for adversarial positions between neighbors. By forcing the debate to focus on Tribal living standards rather than biological data, the ALJ is effectively making the future of the Klamath area more volatile and divisive, rather than putting us on a path to a stable, sustainable future.
Here is the breakdown of what this means for us:
1. The Judge Shapes the Fight: Treaty Standards, Not Science
The current phase of this legal battle will focus exclusively on the “Moderate Living Standard.” This is a federal legal principle stating that while Tribes are entitled to water for fishing and hunting, they are only entitled to enough to secure a “moderate living”—not an unlimited share of the river. The Judge confirmed that KPWU has the right to present evidence on this issue, but denied our right to present testimony, evidence, or argument on natural conditions or fish habitat science during the remand proceedings.
2. The 2011 Time Loop
The most difficult part of this ruling is the severe restriction on evidence. KPWU and the Upper Basin Irrigators (UBI) asked to present modern scientific data regarding stream flows, fish health, and current tribal well-being to show that the claimed water levels are excessive.
The Judge said “No.”
She ruled that because the original case was heard in 2011, we are only allowed to use evidence that existed before April 2011.
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No Modern Science: We cannot introduce new fish-to-flow models or data showing that fish can survive in lower flows/lake levels today.
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No Current Economic Data: We cannot show how the current water cuts are hurting our farms today. The Judge ruled that “equitable defenses” (arguments about economic harm to farmers) are not allowed in this specific process.
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No Current Tribal Data: We cannot use 2025 statistics on tribal income or health to show they have achieved a moderate living. We must rely on statistics from 14 years ago.
The Judge’s reasoning is that allowing new data now would be unfair to the other parties and would turn the case into a “moving target” that never ends.
3. The “Healthy Habitat” Number is Locked In
KPWU expected to challenge the specific water levels the federal government claims are necessary for “healthy and productive habitat” for fish during the remand proceedings. The Judge ruled that the levels were decided in the first phase of the adjudication (the ACFFOD) and cannot be re-litigated now. We can only argue about whether the “Moderate Living” standard should lower that number. It appears we cannot use science to argue that the biology behind the number was wrong at this stage of the adjudication.
4. Procedural Losses
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No Site Visit: KPWU asked the Judge to visit Upper Klamath Lake to see the conditions firsthand. She denied this request, stating there is no need to see the lake to decide legal issues based on 2011 records.
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Written vs. Live Testimony: We cannot simply put witnesses on the stand to tell their story. We must submit all testimony in writing first. Live hearings will be held later, but only for cross-examination (questioning) of those witnesses.
What Comes Next?
We will proceed with “discovery” (the exchange of evidence), but it will be a look backward into the archives to an 1864 standard of living rather than a look at current reality. We must now build our case using the best historical data available to prove that, even back in 2011, the elevation claims exceeded what was necessary for a “moderate living.” We are forced to ignore the entire body of modern science showing that the water claimed for habitat is in excess of natural conditions and does not accomplish the stated purpose of the claim: ensuring self-renewing and viable populations of suckers.
We will keep you updated as the schedule for the hearing is finalized, but this is NOT good news for the future of Klamath Basin farmers, ranchers, restaurant owners, hospitals, equipment dealers, mechanics, or any non-government employee trying to make a living here. KPWU is currently exploring all options to have this ruling overturned.
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Salmon, Get Illegally Snagged
(Original story by Joe Albanese - slightly edited by Gene Souza)
| For the first time, salmon are above Keno in the Klamath River Basin. Unfortunately, at least two of them have been snagged below Keno. A Klamath Falls Fish and Wildlife Trooper cited an angler for illegally taking Chinook salmon from below Keno at Spencer Creek, marking the first-ever criminal salmon case in Klamath County. | | | | |
Klamath Irrigation District's Executive Director, Gene Souza, provides a Reevaluation Of Missing Information:
No Documented Criminal Salmon Catches in Klamath County prior to 1911 - The Arrest at Spencer Creek appears to be a first of its kind in the county's history.
Upon reviewing the 1966 report by John D. Fortune, Jr., et al. ("A Study to Determine the Feasibility of Establishing Salmon and Steelhead in the Upper Klamath Basin"), along with additional historical context from web sources and TEK...the report compiles historical evidence on salmon presence and fishing in the Klamath Basin, drawing from archeological data, county histories, newspaper articles (1890–1918), biological studies, and personal interviews. It does not mention any criminal cases, arrests, or prosecutions related to illegal salmon catching in Klamath County (or the upper basin) before 1910—or at any time, for that matter.
Insights from the 1966 Fortune Report
- Historical Fishing Practices: The report details indigenous (Klamath Tribe) and early settler fishing methods, including nets, spears, hooks, and dams/weirs for catching fish. These are described as traditional or common practices, with no indication of illegality or enforcement actions on tribal members pre-1910.
- First Mention of Regulations: The earliest explicit reference to a fishing law in the 1966 report is from a September 24, 1908, newspaper article (page 16): "The law, however, prohibits the catching of salmon above tidewater except with hook and line." This implies regulations existed by 1908 restricting methods (e.g., banning gaffs or nets above tidewater - which the Klamath County Museum Photograph clearly shows gaffs being used), but it reports no actual violations, arrests, or enforcement in Klamath County. The 1966 report notes the potential for easy illegal catching but frames it hypothetically, without citing cases.
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Confusion Over Fish Identity and Seasons: Fishermen reportedly mislabeled rainbow trout (which many suggest today as Redband) as "salmon trout" to evade closed seasons on trout (page 18). This suggests some regulatory evasion, but it's not tied to salmon specifically, and no criminal outcomes are mentioned.
- No Pre-1910 Enforcement Records: The report's history section (pages 5–26) thoroughly reviews sources but omits any poaching incidents, arrests, or court cases. If such events occurred, they would likely have been noted in newspaper excerpts or interviews, as the authors aimed to document the full history of salmon runs.
The 1966 report's focus is on salmon presence and migration, not regulations or crimes, but its absence of any mention supports a lack of documented criminal activity.
Broader Historical Context
To cross-verify Fortune 1966, I used search engines and AI to look for Oregon fishing regulations and poaching cases pre-1910:
- Early Oregon Fish Laws: Oregon's first game and fish laws date to the 1870s. The 1872 law established closed seasons for game but included fish protections, primarily focused on the Columbia River's commercial salmon industry (e.g., banning certain nets or weirs). By 1887, the Oregon Fish Commission was established, and laws expanded to include bag limits and licenses. In 1901, the first trout bag limit (125 per day) and non-resident license ($10) were introduced. A 1909 compilation of "Laws of Oregon Pertaining to Fish and the Fishing Industry" exists, but it doesn't specify Klamath-specific rules.
- Klamath-Specific Regulations: Pre-1910 laws were more stringent on major rivers like the Columbia, where overfishing led to early enforcement. The Klamath Basin, being remote with lower population and less commercial pressure, had minimal documented regulation or enforcement. The 1908 law mentioned in the Fortune report aligns with broader state efforts to protect anadromous fish, but searches for "salmon poaching arrests Klamath County Oregon before 1910" yield no cases. Historical reviews (e.g., ODFW timelines) note early laws but no Klamath prosecutions.
- Indigenous Fishing Rights: Much pre-1910 salmon harvesting was by tribes (e.g., Klamath, Yurok), protected under treaties (e.g., 1864 Klamath Treaty). Conflicts arose later (post-1910 "Fish Wars"), but no criminal charges against tribal members pre-1910 in Klamath County.
- No Evidence of Cases: Comprehensive histories (e.g., "The Good Old Days" review of Oregon game/fish administration) discuss statewide enforcement starting in the 1890s but cite no salmon-related crimes in Klamath County. Klamath runs were described as "small" by 1901, reducing pressure and likely enforcement needs.
To be fair, my research also has not found any evidence of criminal arrest or prosecution for trout poaching in Klamath County before 1910.
Souza's Conclusion
There is no evidence of criminal salmon catches before 2025 (i.e., documented violations, arrests, or prosecutions) in Klamath County. Regulations existed by at least 1908 (method restrictions above tidewater), and earlier statewide laws (1870s–1900s) could have applied, but the sparse population, tribal rights, and focus on other rivers meant little enforcement in this area. The 1966 Fortune report, as a key historical compilation, reinforces this by omitting any such incidents despite covering fishing practices extensively. If cases existed, they were unrecorded or minor.
| | Your K.I.D. Maintenance Team In Action | | |
Klamath Irrigation District's fall inspection program provides the management team with insight into which maintenance tasks need to be prioritized each fall. Sometimes our maintenance tasks are greater than our annual budget.
| | "A" (Ankeny) Canal Tunnel Exit | | |
During our Fall 2024 system inspection, we discovered that the exit portal of the "A" Canal Tunnel—where water emerges into the old portion of the City of Klamath Falls—required urgent repairs to ensure structural integrity and safe operation.
As a result, this critical work was prioritized and added to our 2025 budget as an emergency maintenance task. The projected cost for the full repair is approximately $450,000, which will be allocated across two fiscal years to manage the financial impact while completing the necessary improvements promptly.
This proactive approach helps protect this key infrastructure component that delivers water through the tunnel beneath Klamath Falls to thousands of acres in the District. No grant funding was available for this repair.
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A Canal Tunnel Repairs: Filling Voids at the Exit Portal
Between 16 and 22 December, more than 18 truckloads of concrete material were delivered to the exit portal of the A Canal Tunnel. This work focused on filling voids and repairing structural issues at the tunnel's outlet.
These repairs are a direct continuation of the emergency void remediation efforts conducted during the 2024 maintenance season inside the A Canal Tunnel. By addressing these critical areas, the District is ensuring the long-term stability and safety of this vital infrastructure, which carries water beneath Klamath Falls to over 122,000 thousand acres downstream.
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The "D" Canal:
Managing Water at the "Bottom" of
the Klamath Irrigation District
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Most of the "D" Canal is the original Adams Canal, built in 1884, and it sits at the lowest point—or "bottom"—of the Klamath Irrigation District system.
Historical records dating back to 1921 highlight ongoing water management challenges along the 32-mile stretch downstream from the "A" Canal headgates. With only a 34-foot elevation drop to the head of the D Canal (just north of Merrill) (and only 46' of drop over 47 miles to the end of the "D" Canal, precise control upstream is essential. When water is taken without water orders, or turned back due to electricity failures created by PacifiCorps, extreme pressure is placed on the system, resulting in inefficiencies.
Upstream of the City of Malin, the Kirkpatrick structure regulates water levels for parts of the Shasta View Irrigation District. This key point in the system often experiences extreme flow fluctuations, which can create operational difficulties for our producers, cause excess water to spill into the Tulelake Irrigation District, about 10 miles downstream, or contribute to canal failures or overtopping.
The D Canal is a key component of our D System Improvement Plan, which focuses on modernizing infrastructure like canal lining and flow control upgrades to enhance efficiency and reliability. The District has been examining system improvements since 2019, and the plan remains under federal review through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The engineering is being covered by a grant from the NRCS (USDA). The State of Oregon has already allocated nearly $9 Million for construction in matching funds IF we get PL-566 funding soon.
While we continue to wait for the federal processes to work, NEPA, Culural Studies, SHPO, and public comments, the District has invested in a new Langemann Gate for the Kirkpatrick Check. This upgrade will help maintain proper water elevations for pumpers upstream while providing better control of flow rates downstream, leading to more reliable and efficient water delivery for everyone in the system...and prevent unnecessary damage to the canal when the power goes out during the irrigation season.
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Our team is currently installing a new concrete floor at the Kirkpatrick Check structure. The team is also planning to resurface the existing check structure. This essential preparatory work will create a stable foundation, allowing for the smooth installation of the new Langemann Gate later this maintenance season.
These improvements will enhance water level control upstream and flow regulation downstream, reducing fluctuations and supporting more reliable delivery for producers in the area.
| | C Canal Liner Repairs: Addressing Premature Concrete Failure | | |
Modern concrete formulations often do not match the durability of those used in the 1920s or even the 1950s. Unfortunately, this has been evident on the C Canal, where a concrete liner poured less than 25 years ago began failing downstream of the new C Siphon under Highway 39.
Between 2019 and 2021, the District undertook a major project to remove and replace most of the deteriorated liner in this section.
Last year, inspections revealed that the remaining segment—between the new siphon and the previously replaced concrete—was also starting to fail.
We are now completing the repairs by replacing the final 200-foot section, ensuring the canal's integrity for years to come.
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This photo captures our team in action, carefully reshaping the canal's cross-section (known as the "prism") after removing the deteriorated concrete liner upstream from this vantage point. This precise grading work prepares the surface for forming and pouring the new, durable concrete liner.
These steps are critical to restoring the canal's efficiency, minimizing water seepage, and ensuring long-term reliability for water delivery.
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K.I.D. Watershed Plan Update
Programmatic Review - the Plan-EA has moved on to the next step and will be reviewed by NRCS National (30-day review). Once that document comes back we will prepare for the public comment period.
Cultural Resources - NRCS did not receive a response from SHPO on the technical report review. This means that NRCS has completed the Section 106/Cultural Resources permitting.
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Holiday Office Closure & Season's Greetings - Klamath Irrigation District | To Our Valued Patrons and Community: Please be advised that the Klamath Irrigation District Headquarters will be closed to observe the Christmas holiday from Monday, December 22 through Friday, December 26. | | | Klamath Irrigation District Board of Directors Annual Meeting - 8 January at 1pm | The Klamath Irrigation District, described in Article 1, Section 1 of the By-Laws of the Klamath Water Users Association, was officially named in 1905. The District was formally established as a special government district after the popular vote in 1917. | | | KBID Board Meeting 12 January 2026 at 10am - Klamath Irrigation District | Klamath Basin Improvement District Meeting Of the Board of Directors KID Headquarters Office, 6640 KID Ln, Klamath Falls, OR 10:00am on Monday, 12 January 2026 at 10am. | | | |
Next KWUA Board Meeting - 14 January at 2pm | Discover Other Events and Activities Associated with Klamath Agriculture | | |
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Klamath Falls rancher named Oregon Cattlemen's Association president | Capital Press | Diana Wirth, the new president of the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, wants to help the industry thrive so her new grandson can one day take over the family ranch, if he chooses. | | | |
The Science of Suckers: What's driving population declines in the Klamath River basin? | USGS and its partners are working tirelessly to monitor suckers and understand why they are disappearing from lakes and streams in the Klamath River Basin | | | Klamath farmers are looking for 'balance and stability' in law implementation - KWUA | KWUA Executive Director Elizabeth Nielsen's Letter to the Editor is featured in the Los Angeles Times, bringing national attention to a challenge that has | | | |
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UPPER KLAMATH BASIN PRODUCER RESOURCES
Quarterly Newsletter for UKB Producers
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Please share this newsletter with other producers who might be interested, and reach out to us with any questions.
Kelley Delpit, Klamath Program Senior Manager
kdelpit@sustainablenorthwest.org | (661) 747-8562
Alex Sharp, Klamath Program Manager
asharp@sustainablenorthwest.org | 541-591-0531
| | | Klamath Water Users Association | Elected leaders from Klamath, Modoc, and Siskiyou Counties met during a public meeting as part of the Tri-Counties collaboration to discuss topics directly related to Klamath Basin water,... | | | Klamath Falls City Council approves plan for booster pump station | |
The Klamath Falls City Council on Monday reviewed infrastructure upgrades, economic development policy and a proposed liquor license during a regular meeting.
The roughly $3.5 million project calls for a new booster pump station on the northern portion of a triangular lot southwest of the Klamath County Fairgrounds, in part of the former Lions Club Park. The 1,000-square-foot concrete masonry building will house three pumps capable of moving 2,000 gallons per minute each, with space for two additional pumps and an emergency backup generator.
The city also will install more than 2,000 feet of new 16-inch ductile iron suction and discharge piping to improve system reliability and meet current and future water demands. The work includes about 475 feet of suction line from Altamont Drive across S. Sixth Street to the new station, and roughly 1,720 feet of discharge line along S. Sixth Street to Crest Street. West said the new lines will primarily serve as transmission piping, with limited connections to the existing distribution system, allowing for future growth.
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Friends of KB Birds - December 2025 | |
• Of Interest...
• New Edition of eBook Available
• Refuge Report
• Species Spotlight - Ring-neck Pheasant
• Event Calendar
• Guest Articles Wanted
| | | | Our Elected Representatives - On Point For Klamath | |
Senate GOP confirms final tranche of Trump nominees before break
Good News from D.C.: A Familiar Face Takes the Helm at NOAA
We are pleased to report that Tim Petty has been confirmed as the new Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
While "Oceans and Atmosphere" might sound distant from our daily operations, this is actually a critical development for the Klamath Project. Here is why this appointment matters to us:
He Oversees the Regulators: In this role, Mr. Petty will lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). As many of you know, NMFS is the federal agency responsible for the Coho salmon regulations that frequently dictate our water allocations.
He Knows Western Water: Unlike appointees who come solely from academic or environmental backgrounds, Mr. Petty has a practical history in our world. He previously served as Assistant Secretary for Water and Science under the Trump Administration and has worked as a senior staff member for the House Water Resources Subcommittee.
He Understands the Balance: Mr. Petty has a track record of trying to balance environmental statutes with the needs of water users. His nomination was strongly endorsed by the Family Farm Alliance and other water user organizations who trust him to bring common sense back to regulatory enforcement.
Having leadership at the top of the Department of Commerce who understands the reality of Western irrigated agriculture is a significant win for the Klamath Basin. We look forward to working with Mr. Petty’s office to bring more scientific transparency and fairness to the biological opinions that govern our river.
Text Link
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Oregon Senators' Update
Based on the news cycle through December 18, 2025, here are the key updates from Senators Wyden & Merkley, with Representatives Bentz & LaMalfa, that K.I.D. patrons should know.
Our Senator's are vocal about the Head Start funding crisis in Klamath Falls, but there is also a significant new conflict regarding a "secret agreement" involving the state and an irrigator group that the Tribes are challenging.
1. Senators Fight to Save Klamath Family Head Start
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The Issue: Senators Wyden and Merkley are publicly pressuring the Trump Administration to release delayed federal grant funds for the Klamath Family Head Start program.
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The Stakes: The program, which serves 180 children in Southern Oregon, is facing imminent foreclosure. The Senators noted that the lender extended the mortgage only through today, December 18, 2025, meaning the program could lose its building immediately without this funding.
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Senator Action: They sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding an explanation for the six-month delay, stating that "Oregon families will pay the price" if the facility is forced to close.
2. Tribes Challenge "Secret Agreement" Between Irrigators and State
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The News: On December 1, 2025, the Klamath Tribes issued a press release challenging state orders that they claim are based on a "Secret Agreement" between an irrigator group and the State of Oregon.
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Relevance to K.I.D.: While the Senators haven't issued a press release on this specific dispute yet, this legal challenge could directly impact water management and K.I.D. operations. It suggests rising tensions between the Tribes and state regulators that K.I.D. patrons should monitor closely.
3. Rural Schools Funding Renewed (County Budget Relief)
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The News: As of December 11, 2025, Congress finally voted to renew the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Community Self-Determination Act.
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Senator Wyden’s Role: Senator Wyden, who co-authored the original law, championed this renewal after funding had lapsed for nearly two years.
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Impact: This restores payments for 2024 and 2025 to rural counties like Klamath, which rely on these funds for schools and roads to replace lost timber revenue.
4. ICE & Tribal ID Controversy
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The News: On December 17, 2025, Senators Wyden and Merkley demanded answers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding reports that ICE agents have been stopping Tribal members and refusing to accept Tribal IDs as valid identification.
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Context: The Senators called this "racial profiling" and "harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens," urging the Department of Homeland Security to retrain agents immediately. This is of concern for our neighbors and local Tribal members.
Notable Mention - Title Transfer
- In 2023, Senator Merkley's office assisted K.I.D. in asking Reclamation officials to provide updates on K.I.D.'s Dingell Act Title Transfer Request. This was very helpful at the time to stop the non-communication from Reclamation officials. We will be asking the Senators for continued support in the future.
| | Natural Resources Committee: SPEED Act | |
YES on Senate Bill 356,
the “Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act"
| | Senator Wyden, who co-authored the original law, championed this renewal after funding had lapsed for nearly two years. | | |
In 1990 the Spotted Owl was listed under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species. Almost immediately timber production from federal forests in the Western United States plummeted by 80%. The economic and societal cost to timber dependent states and their timber reliant counties was appalling. Demand for SNAP and Medicaid shot up, alcoholism and meth addiction became routine. County tax revenues were decimated. A belated but needed response was the Secure Rural Schools Act first passed in 2000, ten years after the listing of the Owl. This law, and the funding it provides, was designed to partially offset the massive decline in federal timber revenue. It provides a modest amount of funding for critical services including infrastructure maintenance (roads), wildfire mitigation, conservation projects, search and rescue operations, fire prevention initiatives, and most importantly, money for children’s education.”
“When society enacts socially attractive laws that seemingly benefit the broader public but end up harming small communities, society must mitigate that harm. This is what the SRS bill does. It mitigates at least a part of the billions in damage done to small communities by the implementation of social goals such as, in this case, the Endangered Species Act. I thank my colleagues and Speaker Johnson for supporting this essential bill and the funding that my counties so desperately need.”
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Natural Resources Committee Markup: Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee - FISH ACT
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On 18 December, Congress passed H.R. 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act which will federally delist the Gray Wolf.
Congressman Bentz has also asked that I share his floor speech, in which he once again lays out the dangers and consequences of the ESA listing of the wolf. Far too many people in Oregon have suffered the impacts of the Gray Wolf, and the science clearly proves that it is time to turn management of wolves back over to states to manage the population more effectively.
Please watch Congressman Bentz’s floor speech below:
| The Capital Press - 19 December 2025 e-Edition | |
Oregon compensation fails to keep pace with wolf depredation.
According to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife data as of Dec. 1, wolves killed 65 calves, and six cows in 2025 in confirmed cases, far exceeding 2024 figures. Ranchers believe delisting wolves, adequate compensation for depredations and better communication and education efforts can help solve conflicts with the apex predator. (Courtesy Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Read more at: https://capitalpress.com/2025/12/18/oregon-wolf-cattle-kills-rise-in-2025-but-state-lacks-funding-for-proper-payments/
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Congressman Bentz Addresses the Nation on the Dangers and Costs of Wolves | Washington, D.C.- Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives addressing the growing gray wolf populations across the Western United States and the serious threats they pose to ranchers, farmers, and outdoorsmen. Here is what he said: | | | |
As wolves continue to pose a threat to Oregon’s rural communities, Congressman Bentz has asked that I share his remarks from his speech today on the House floor regarding the danger of the Gray Wolf.
In his speech, Congressman Bentz discusses the danger posed by gray wolves which are not theoretical. As wolves continue to expand across the West, ranchers Oregon’s Second district are facing increasing livestock losses, reduced calving rates, and constant stress on their herds. These predators do not just kill cattle outright; their presence alone disrupts grazing patterns, lowers pregnancy rates, and forces ranchers to shoulder steep added costs for fencing, monitoring, and non-lethal deterrence.
Below is Congressman Bentz’s speech:
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An ESA reset to protect species—and the rural West
Dan Keppen, Executive Adviser, Family Farm Alliance.
December 16, 2025
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The Trump administration’s Interior Department has proposed a significant reset of Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations, seeking to restore practical, legally grounded interpretations for listings, delistings, interagency consultation, and critical habitat designations, similar to that proposed during President Trump’s first term. The proposal would roll back recent expansions of ESA authority and reestablish regulatory guardrails adopted in 2019.
The four proposed rules would reinstate prior regulatory text for species listings and critical habitat, clarify the definitions of “effects of the action” and “environmental baseline,” eliminate automatic “blanket” 4(d) protections in favor of species-specific management, and revive a lawful framework allowing critical habitat exclusions when economic, national security, or other impacts outweigh the conservation benefits. Interior argues these changes will improve transparency, reduce regulatory overreach, and align ESA implementation with governing law, including the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision.
Story Link
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A Call To Action -
Submit your Letter of Support for Title Transfer
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Secretary Burgum's SO 3446
Should Unjam K.I.D.'s Title Transfer Request
But it hasn't - YET!!!!
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Secretarial Order 3446 directs Reclamation to resolve outstanding title-transfer obligations, making the continued delay in the Klamath Project’s transfer particularly concerning.
Under the Biden Administration, Reclamation leadership did not engage in any serious good-faith discussions regarding title transfer with the Klamath Irrigation District or other Project beneficiaries.
The refusal by the previous administration’s leadership to provide basic financial accounting, coupled with the lack of good-faith engagement on title transfer, is inconsistent with congressional intent and the commitments made to our military veterans, homesteaders, and their descendants who trusted our government would honor its promises.
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Provide a Letter of Support for K.I.D. Title Transfer | |
The Deed to the Farm: Promises Made, Promises Broken
Gene Souza, the Executive Director of the Klamath Irrigation District, is requesting that the federal government fulfill its contractual obligations to the farmers and ranchers served by the District. Please send us your letters of support to share with our federal partners.
Image Courtesy of Solid Rock Photography
| | | | Secretary of Interior Order 3446. | |
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Family Farm Alliance
December "Monthly Briefing" Now Available!
| The Department of the Interior has taken a historic step to shift more responsibility and more authority to local irrigation districts and water contractors across the West. Secretarial Order (SO) 3446, issued late last month by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (pictured above), directs the Bureau of Reclamation to streamline its construction and contracting processes and allow qualified local partners to manage significant portions of federally funded water and power projects. | | | | Call to Action -
Add your Voice to Updated Waterfowl Hunting Program | |
Proposed Changes to Hunting and Sanctuary Areas in Our National Wildlife Refuges
Dear Members and Supporters,
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently proposing changes to how hunting and non-hunting (sanctuary) areas are divided in certain national wildlife refuges. These proposals generally involve allocating more contiguous acreage to hunting zones while consolidating sanctuary areas into larger, more effective blocks.
Why is this a positive step?
- Better for wildlife: Consolidated sanctuaries provide larger, undisturbed habitats where animals can rest, feed, and breed without interruption—leading to healthier populations overall.
- Better for hunters: Larger, connected hunting areas improve access, reduce overcrowding, and create more predictable and enjoyable hunting experiences.
- Enhanced safety for everyone: A primary goal of these changes is to improve safety for all refuge visitors, including hunters, birdwatchers, hikers, and photographers. Clearer boundaries and separated uses help minimize risks in shared spaces.
Our executive director has firsthand experience with safety concerns on refuges—issues that many of us share and worry about each time we visit. Tragically, hunting-related incidents do occur (including reported shootings in recent years), underscoring why stronger separation and better zoning are needed now. Although our Executive Director believes the answer is better basic firearms education and training provided by our public school system, he says, "it's a people problem! Today, few people have respect for others; regulations are not going to fix that problem."
We believe these proposed changes strike a smart balance: supporting responsible hunting while prioritizing wildlife conservation and public safety.
Your voice matters! The public comment period is open, and we strongly encourage you to submit supportive comments in favor of these improvements.
Comments are most effective when they explain why you support the changes (e.g., for safety, wildlife benefits, or hunting opportunities). Let's show strong support to help make our refuges safer and better for all!
Thank you for standing with wildlife and responsible public access.
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Klamath National Wildlife Refuges Waterfowl Hunting | |
Expanding and Updating the Hunt Program at Lower Klamath, Tule Lake, and Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuges.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to update and expand the hunting programs at Lower Klamath, Tule Lake and Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuges (Covered Refuges). The changes outlined here will be evaluated in a National Environmental Policy Act document and, if approved, would not become effective until the 2026 waterfowl hunting season.
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Call to Action -
Add your Voice to the ESA Public Comments
by 22 December
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Proposed Revisions to Endangered Species Act (ESA) Interagency Cooperation Regulations
Dear Members and Supporters,
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are proposing revisions to the regulations governing interagency cooperation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These changes aim to reinstate key provisions from 2019 (with targeted modifications) to ensure decisions are based on the best available science, reduce regulatory burdens, and promote a fair balance between species conservation and community needs.
Why is this a positive step?
- Unbiased science and accurate baselines: The proposals clarify definitions like "environmental baseline" and "effects of the action," ensuring federal actions are evaluated against true causes of species decline—preventing over-attribution to unrelated factors like irrigation projects.
- Better for wildlife recovery: By focusing on rigorous, species-specific data and reinstating tools like the Secretary's discretion for critical habitat exclusions, these rules support genuine ecosystem health without unnecessary restrictions.
- Fairer for communities: They account for economic impacts, ecological benefits from existing infrastructure (like the Klamath Reclamation Project), and local data, recognizing that agriculture plays a vital role in national food security and regional stability.
- Enhanced regulatory clarity: Reforms address court challenges and executive orders, removing burdensome offset requirements and tailoring protections to actual biological needs, which helps avoid conflicts in areas like the Klamath Basin.
Our executive director, Gene Souza, has extensive firsthand experience with ESA implementation challenges in the Klamath Basin—issues that have affected many of us through flawed modeling and unfair baselines. These proposed changes align closely with the independent assessments we've submitted, offering a path to resolve long-standing disputes while protecting species like the SONCC Coho salmon.
The Klamath Irrigation District (K.I.D.) has already submitted strong supportive comments (attached for your reference), emphasizing how these revisions will foster unbiased science and equitable outcomes.
Your voice matters! The public comment period is open until December 22, 2025, and we strongly encourage you to submit supportive comments in favor of these improvements.
Here is the official link to review the proposed changes and submit your comment:
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0044
Comments are most effective when they explain why you support the changes (e.g., for scientific integrity, community benefits, or wildlife conservation). Let's show strong support to help create a more balanced ESA framework!
Thank you for standing with our agricultural communities and for responsible environmental stewardship.
Klamath Irrigation District
Gene Souza, Executive Director
| Klamath Irrigation District's Public Comments on Proposed Rules Regarding Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants | |
In reference to the proposed federal rules submitted at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-11-21/pdf/2025-20551.pdf
Klamath Irrigation District provided the following Public Comment
3 December 2025
To the Secretary of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
On behalf of the Klamath Irrigation District farmers and the agricultural communities of the Klamath Basin, we submit this letter to vigorously support the proposed revisions to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations cited above.
Our support is grounded not only in the economic reality of our community but in a demand for unbiased science and a fair regulatory environment. For too long, the implementation of the ESA in the Klamath Basin has relied on flawed environmental baselines and outcome-oriented modeling that ignores the distinct biological needs of species like the SONCC Coho salmon.
We endorse the Department’s direction toward a more rigorous application of the “best scientific and commercial data available.” We believe these proposed rules, particularly regarding the definition of the Environmental Baseline and the Critical Habitat exclusion analysis, are essential to restoring ecosystem health and ensuring that federal actions are evaluated against the true “but for” causes of species decline.
...click the link to read the entirety of K.I.D.'s Comments.
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