[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 13 (Monday, April 1, 2002)]
[Pages 536-537]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Klamath River Basin Federal Working Group

March 29, 2002

    I am pleased with the progress being made by the Klamath River Basin 
Federal Working Group in addressing the problems facing the people of 
this region. Under the leadership of Secretary Norton, the working group 
is providing water to farmers who depend on it for a living, while 
taking careful steps to protect and enhance the health of fish 
populations in the Klamath River Basin. The working group is undertaking 
new environmental restoration projects in the area and has initiated a 
dialog with native tribes about long-term solutions to the natural 
resource and native rights issues in the basin.
    The times are still difficult for many in the region, and much work 
remains to be done. It is essential that the citizens of Oregon and 
California in the Klamath River Basin--

[[Page 537]]

whether farmer, rancher, tribe member, fisherman or environmental 
activist--embrace compromise and seek understanding. The working group's 
rapid progress, combined with the efforts of Senator Gordon Smith and 
Representative Greg Walden, give me great hope for a lasting solution to 
the challenges of the Klamath River Basin.