Ambo
Our Waters:
The headwaters of the Klamath Basin
We are all connected.
What happens to the water in the Upper Klamath Basin, will determine the future of the rest of the Basin.
What happens to us; will happen to you.
Work to stand in solidarity within the entire basin; it is going to take all of us to work on being in good health once again as a people and for our waters.
What is currently going on with our water?
As tribal peoples, residents, stewards, allies, we should be aware and informed on what is happening with our waters.
Politically, legally, economically, restoration plans, quality, quantity, allocations, diversions, historically, what is threatening it, and what we should be doing as good relatives to protect and sustain our waters.
So, what is currently going on with Klamath Basin waters? If you have resources and information that should be provided on this page, please contact us with additional information!
3 Major
Issues
That Could Be The End of Cwaam, Mares Eggs, Upper Klamath Basin Agriculture & Water In The Klamath Basin
Water Quality, Water Quantity & Water Allocations
Water Quality: Water becomes too toxic to support any form of life during the warmest parts of the year. Mass algae blooms, mass fish kills, low dissolved oxygen levels, and stagnant water.
Water Quantity: Klamath County has been in extreme drought since 2001. We have yet to overcome this extreme drought period. There is no water left to continue diverting.
Water Allocations: Klamath Waters are OVER-Allocated. Klamath Tribes Water Rights are senior water rights, recognized during the adjudication process started in the 1970s. Why are junior water rights being met before a senior water right? Our federal government needs to follow and enforce existing laws and rights.
Excessive water use harms water quality. Fixing our water quality cannot be achieved without curtailing water use. To prevent the extinction of an endemic fish species (cwaam, koptu), and protection of mares eggs, and salmon populations, water allocations must adhere by Endangered Species Act, and the Klamath Tribes Treaty of 1864.
We need water in our rivers, springs, creeks, wetlands, marshes, valleys, and lakes.
We need healthy water- safe for humans, fish, livestock, and all relatives.
We need all people in association with Klamath Waters to be in unity and collective relationships to work on becoming in good health as people, with our lands and waters.
Ambo Issues
To heal one, we must heal all— our water, people, land, and all relatives.
Worthwhile Reads
Klamath Bipartisan Infrastructure Projects
February 2024, an agreement between the US Department of Interior, Klamath Water Users Association, Klamath Tribes, Yurok Tribe, and Karuk Tribe. Parties have agreed to “advance collaborative efforts to restore the Klamath Basin ecosystem and improve water supply reliability for Klamath Project agriculture.”
Klamath Water War Episode
An OPB PBS 27-minute episode on the history of the tensions between Klamath Tribes, Klamath River Tribes, and farmers.
‘There Are No Winners Here’: Drought in the Klamath Basin Inflames a Decades-Old War Over Water & Fish
July 2021, an overview on drought fueling tensions between indigenous peoples, irrigators, and endemic fish species.
Killing the Klamath Episode
An OPB PBS 21-minute episode on history of the Klamath Modoc Yahooskin peoples fight to protect the dying c’waam, koptu, and Upper Klamath Lake.
Water Wars: Completely Dry Klamath Basin Pitting Farmers & Tribes Against Each Other
June 2021, an overview on drought, agricultural exploitation, discretion of Upper Klamath Basin, and Klamath Tribes fighting for existence.
Iron Gates Last Mass Salmon Kill
February 28, 2024: “Large numbers of young Chinook salmon were found dead two days after being released from a state hatchery. But biologists say river conditions were okay and they were shocked by the die-off. The suspected cause is pressure changes in a Klamath dam tunnel.”
Related Reading~ Fall-Run Chinook Salmon Fry Succumb to Gas Bubble Disease in Klamath River Read Article Here by US Fish & Wildlife
