K.I.D: We’re Still Standing at the Gallows – Reclamation’s 2025 Operations Plan

We’re Still Standing at the Gallows: The Sentence Was Delayed, Not Lifted

KLAMATH FALLS, OR – The Klamath Irrigation District (K.I.D.) acknowledges the release of the Bureau of Reclamation’s 2025 Annual Operations Plan for the Klamath Project, available HERE. While Mother Nature has granted a one-year rain delay to the Biden Administration’s detrimental policies, K.I.D. remains steadfast: you cannot fix bad policy with good weather.

The Biden-era 2024-2029 Action Plan, still in effect, jeopardizes the Klamath Basin’s agricultural community by ignoring Reclamation’s legal and contractual duties and the environmental consequences of its decisions. This flawed approach threatens the livelihoods of our farmers, our local ecosystem, and the stability of America’s food supply. Despite a short-term reprieve from favorable weather, the plan fails to address systemic issues that put our region at risk.

“We’re extremely thankful to God for the moisture, but it’s only a brief pause in a federal death sentence for our farms,” said Gene Souza, K.I.D. Executive Director. “Biden’s policies are a persistent danger to our farmers, our food chain, and our nation’s security. We need real, lasting solutions.”

“President Trump, Secretary Burgum, and Secretary Rollins understand that agriculture is the backbone of America,” said Mr. Souza; “Their leadership gives us hope for 2025, but we cannot ignore the dark cloud of the Biden-era plan that could destroy our farms and families in the years ahead. We need bold reforms now to secure our future.”

K.I.D. applauds the Trump administration’s focus on cutting bureaucratic red tape, protecting water rights, and empowering farmers to thrive. We are confident that Secretary Burgum’s practical, results-driven approach to land and water management, paired with Secretary Rollins’ dedication to strengthening rural America, will pave the way for meaningful change. Yet, the clock is ticking.

K.I.D. continues to urge the Trump administration to swiftly dismantle the Biden-era plan and implement a new strategy that honors contractual obligations, supports sustainable farming, acknowledges irrigation system operation replication of ecosystem function, and ensures the Klamath Reclamation Project’s long-term success.  We stand ready to work with federal, state, and local partners to deliver solutions that protect #foodsecurity and honor the hardworking families of the Klamath Basin.  #foodsecurity is #nationalsecurity

The mission of Klamath Irrigation District is to acquire, maintain, assure, and deliver an adequate water supply for beneficial use on qualified land with the Klamath Project. We represent our patrons before government agencies, the legislature, and Congress, and in such
forms as are appropriate for the perfection and protection of their water rights. We defend the District from actions which would diminish our effectiveness and function. We further promote the conservation of water, soil, and other natural resources.