    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 9 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
    [Page 327]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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.