    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [March 1, 2002]
    [Page 325]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Establishing the Klamath River Basin Federal Working Group
    March 1, 2002

        A prolonged drought and complex Federal and State legal issues have
    made for difficult times in the Klamath River Basin. Today I am
    establishing the Klamath River Basin Federal Working Group to address
    concerns raised by farmers, ranchers, fishermen, tribes, and others
    affected by these difficult conditions. I have directed Secretary
    Norton, Secretary Veneman, Secretary Evans, and CEQ
    Chairman Connaughton to advise me of the
    immediate and long-term actions necessary to enhance water quality and
    quantity and to address the other complex economic and natural resource
    issues in the Klamath River Basin. I have directed the Working Group to
    begin their efforts immediately. I want to thank Senator Gordon
    Smith and Congressman Greg Walden for their commitment to working together to find a
    lasting solution that meets the needs of the Klamath River Basin.