Water Shutoff Looms
K-Falls Herald and News
August 20, 2001

But protest is expected to be peaceful

Klamath County authorities are hoping Tuesday's protests in support of farmers will remain peaceful, even as the federal government makes plans to shut off water later this week.

"We're just planning for crowds and traffic control," Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger said this morning.

He said his office is aware of rumors that violent protests could occur, but he has been told by local protest organizers that the convoys headed to Klamath Falls will not cause trouble.

"We've heard quite a bit about (the militia), but they've assured us they're on a relief effort only and that this won't be a physical fight. They're just wanting to show their support," Evinger said.

Evinger said there are no firm estimates of how many people might attend Tuesday's events, which include a parade on Main Street at 10 a.m. and events throughout the day at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.

"It's been likened to the bucket brigade, which had about 12,000 people," Evinger said. "We are being told that the town is booked for hotels, and that there will be a lot of campers. But it's anybody's guess on the actual numbers."

Not everyone will welcome the convoys in support of farmers. Allen Foreman, chairman of the Klamath Tribes, last week issued a statement saying the protest would be counterproductive.

"We respectfully ask the convoys to turn around and go home," Foreman said. "Their message will actually hurt farmers and ranchers in the Basin, by raising false hopes and discouraging people from coming together to focus on the search for workable answers."

About 75,000 acre-feet of water released for irrigation in late July is expected to run out on Thursday, said Jim Bryant, chief of land and water operations for the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Project.

Reclamation officials are still considering how to shut down the headgates at the A Canal. Protesters opened gates four times before Interior Secretary Gale Norton authorized the release of water to farmers. Bryant joined with Merrill farmer Steve Kandra to open the headgates on July 26.

Normally, the gates are opened or closed by remote control.

Basin Transit Service reported its bus schedule will be altered Tuesday morning while the convoy progresses through town. Regular bus schedules should resume at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

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