Fish or Folk?

July 8, 2001 8:11 AM

Fish or Folk? Farmers along the Klamath took matters into their own hands last week, opening an irrigation floodgate that had been closed to protect local fish. It isn't just about fish, but also fishermen. A complex issue of humans v. the environment, broken promises, and a big ole' sense of entitlement.
posted by frykitty (5 comments total)

The deeply flawed Homestead Act gave every farmer the same amount of land, regardless of whether that land was suitable for agriculture or not. 160 acres would have been more than enough for one family to prosper on in wet, arable land back east, but that same 160 acres would be woefully inadequate in the arid and semiarid regions that make up most of the American West.
To remedy this problem, the Bureau of Reclamation is created. The Bureau builds hundreds of ill-conceived water projects that provide taxpayer subsidized water to arid lands so that farmers there can grow the same crops that farmers back east are being paid by the government not to grow.
You can't blame the farmers. They've become dependent on a government handout that the government simply can't hope to provide.
posted by dal211 at 9:03 AM on July 8, 2001

Tulelake farmers considering this the "largest water theft in history" is the pot calling the kettle black. Tulelake farmers are the ones who are the historic thieves. Tulelake used to be a huge lake until it was drained for farm land (think "huge bird and fish kill.") I'd like to see the farmers learn a new trade and have Tulelake restored. One ecosystem was desimated. Now they don't seem to care about the rivers, either. Oh so selfish.
posted by fleener at 9:26 AM on July 8, 2001

Farmers are needed like blacksmiths are needed: not very bloody often. They're all on welfare now, everywhere. (Compare the before and after photos: the government has been diverting a river just so a few farmers could grow tomatoes in the desert, pobably at artic.) Let them know it won't last forever. The few who are needed and have a viable business will stay in business. The rest will have to find something else.

As for Yorok natives and fish: if they agree to fish with traditional equipment and methods like their distant ancestors fished, to eat and not sell the fish, and to stop fishing if the fish population drops, then let them fish. If they want to catch and sell an endangered species, however, then tell them to fuck right off. The government shouldn't be protecting a fish just so some guy can gut it and sell it for fish fingers.

Both sides should leave the river and its inhabitants alone.
posted by pracowity at 1:13 AM on July 9, 2001

> pobably at artic.)

I have no idea what that was supposed to say. I'm afraid aliens took over my brain for two seconds to broadcast the "start invasion" message. Of course, they chose metafilter as their medium.
posted by pracowity at 4:08 AM on July 9, 2001

We stand ready to serve your bidding, O master.
posted by dhartung at 10:21 AM on July 9, 2001