Regional Interests

Some Klamath Basin farmers threaten extreme action as water crisis worsens

Oregon Public Broadcasting | By Allison Frost

Published June 3, 2021 at 10:38 AM PDT

A warning sign posted on the fence outside the Bureau of Reclamation's "A" Canal in Klamath Falls. Protestors have set up a tent adjacent to the irrigation headgates and are threatening to break in and turn on the water for agricultural users. Photo shared by reporter Erik Neumann, June 2, 2021.

The Klamath Basin is facing the worst drought in the state. As in years past, there’s not enough water to meet the demand for farmers, tribes and endangered fish and other wildlife. A group led by two farmers is threatening to break into the federally owned main irrigation canal. Twenty years ago some farmers facing this same water crisis did just that. We talk with Jefferson Public Radio reporter Erik Neumann about the rising tensions and what we might expect in the coming weeks.

If you’d like to comment on any of the topics in this show, or suggest a topic of your own, please get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter, send an email to thinkoutloud@opb.org, or you can leave a voicemail for us at 503-293-1983. The call-in phone number during the noon hour is 888-665-5865.