[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.