Klamath Tribes Approve the First Amendment to the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

CHILOQUIN, OREGON – On December 17 the Klamath Tribes, by referendum vote of 508 in favor and 77 opposed, reaffirmed their commitment to the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement by directing the Klamath Tribal Chairman to sign the First Amendment to the Agreement.

The amendments extend the time for passage of federal legislation.

The amendments extend the time for passage of federal legislation, resolve tribal funding matters and clarify the federal partnership between the Tribes and United States envisioned under the Agreement. In addition the amendments clarify various provisions and update schedules for a number of actions in the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement.

“I am very pleased that our membership voted in support of the amendments. Though we still have much to do to pass legislation in Congress, the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement and its sister agreement the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement provide the greatest opportunity to restore our tribal fisheries and achieve the goals of the Klamath Tribes,”

said Vice-chairman Don Gentry.

“The Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement amendment process itself is a reminder that the Agreement is an effective, flexible, adaptive and efficient tool to address Klamath Basin water matters and an example of how things are working under the Agreement,”

said Councilman and lead negotiator, Jeff Mitchell.

“We look forward to working with our partners and members of Congress in forging a path forward to resolve the Klamath Basin water issues and implement the Agreement and Settlement.”

The amendments will become effective when they are approved by all the parties that signed the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement.

posted December 20, 2012 7:57 am est